Revelation 3:7b:-8 …”These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.. I know you works. See , I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it, for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My Name.”
Read all the way through verse 22 to read what God said about the Philadelphian church as well as the Laodicean church.
How do you define comfort? Is it the clothes you wear, the kind of home you live in, the job you have and the income you make? Or does your comfort rest in the unwavering love of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word? One comfort is fleeting; the other is eternal.
Will we be like the church of Philadelphia that received the Lord’s commendation for its steadfast faith amid discouragement and persecution? This church understood that it was only through the power of Jesus; they were able to stand for biblical truth and endure in a culture that ran counter to His truth.
The church of Laodicea earned the Lord’s rebuke due to it’s love for the things of the world. Philadelphia resembled the Lord; while Laodicea blended in, indistinguishable from the world and its pursuit and priorities of comfort and pleasure. Which describes you? You are the church. Your testimony speaks loudly to your family, co-workers, neighbors and friends; as well as those you sit beside on the Sabbath day.
Jesus calls HIs people to stand for biblical truth rather than pursue comfortable, lukewarm lives. He knows what it’s like to live with every pressure and temptation we face. He shows us how to live an authentic life as God’s child in full fellowship with Him. It pleases God for us to walk in humble faith; depending upon HIs Spirit and actively obeying His Word.
We must be passionately devoted to the Lord Jesus before we face real persecution that’s coming to America. Jesus holds the keys representing absolute authority; delegated by God over His kingdom and people. He opens free access to God, for even the weakest believer to trust in Him.
Oh friend, how I pray we will be like the church of Philadelphia; that after having done all, we will stand. I pray we will not deny Christ’s Name, even if we face death. Don’t give in to the cultural pressure and beliefs that are opposed to God and the content of His Word.
Prayer in Motion:
Jesus, I want to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. God, I know You are for me and not against me. Help me to be strong and courageous in the strength of Your might. You are my shield and my strength. Make me bold in my witness and the word of my testimony. I trust You Lord to build me up in my most Holy faith. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen
