Day 11
Scripture focus: And
to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: “The words of the holy one,
the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who
shuts and no one opens. I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an
open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power,
and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make
those of the synagogue of Stan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie
– behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will
learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word about patient
endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole
world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what
you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will
make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I
will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the
new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelation 3:7-13
Application: What Jesus says and does is
final. There isn’t a power on earth or in heaven that can undo what He does.
This is how the letter to Philadelphia begins, with Jesus reminding the readers
of His holiness, truth, and power. This is the second letter with no condemnation
in it, but only encouragement. Like the letter to the church in Smyrna, Jesus’
followers are facing trials. Yet Jesus knows. And in comparison to the little
power the church has on its own, the Lord declares His undefeatable power.
Another theme
we see popping up again in this letter is the emphasis on patient endurance.
Something many of us would rather not discuss. Much less consider praying for.
Instead, many joke about not praying for patience because God will bring
circumstances that provide the opportunity to learn it. None of us want to wait
and develop patience. We live in an instant gratification culture. We aren’t
used to waiting for much of anything. In the world of drive-thru food, instant
microwave cooking, and free two day shipping, we don’t have too many occasions
to cultivate an attitude of patient endurance. Yet, when we examine scripture,
we find that patience is a fruit of the Spirit, a characteristic of love, and a
sign of spiritual maturity.
Patient
endurance is not only a virtue, it’s a sign of trusting God. Trusting that He
is still in control. Trusting that He is good. Trusting that He is love.
Trusting that He has a perfect will in each of our lives. Trusting His Word.
Trusting His ultimate power. We may face challenges and difficulties,
experience disappointments and hurts, but God will keep us under the shadow of
His wing. He has opened the door to salvation and eternal life through His own
blood, and no one can keep us out.
It is so hard
to imagine what heaven will be like. There are many descriptions of heaven, but
I don’t think there’s anything that comes close to actually describing what it
will be like. However, the glimpses we’re given through scripture are enough to
keep us focused on eternal things. We will be honored and repaid for hardships
due to following Jesus. We will receive a crown. We will be a pillar in God’s
new temple. We will have God’s name written on our being. We will be in the
glorious presence of the one and only true and holy Lord forever.
So no matter
what you’re facing today – whether financial hardships, difficulties on the
job, family stress, illness, hard relationships, failures, lostness of loved
ones, chronic pain, death, or other major losses, let Jesus’ words be a
reminder that He’s always with us, He knows, and He still has the power to
bring about our good and His glory. We are but a mist and our troubles, not
matter how painful at the time, are light and momentary compared to the glories
of heaven. Let us rejoice in who He is and what is to come!
Prayer: Almighty God, You alone are
worthy of praise. You alone sit on the throne of creation and no one can defeat
You. You alone hold the key to heaven and You alone open and shut doors in my
life. Thank You for Your great love. For Your great promises and salvation. I
hide under the shadow of Your wing in the midst of troubles of this life. Help
me to keep my focus on You. To be compassionate and sincere, but not faltering
in my faith. While it feels like I have so little power on this earth, I know
that Your power is within me to endure as I follow You and proclaim Your name
in all the earth. Show me how You desire me to bring glory to you today, where
I am, as I am.
Reflection questions/prayer prompts:
Lord, turn my eyes to gaze upon Your holiness
and truth.
In what ways have I not kept God’s Word or
denied His name?
Jesus, Reveal to me those around me who don’t
know You and prompt me to pray for their salvation.
How can I cultivate patient endurance?
How can I not only hold fast to what I have in
my relationship with Jesus, but grow in it?
What area of sin, complacency, or comfort do I
need to conquer by the power of Jesus’ blood?
Holy Father, thank you for loving me as I am and
too much to leave me where I am.
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