November 13

"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." (Revelation 3:8 NIV)

The message to the church in Philadelphia is the only one of the seven messages to the churches that contains only encouragement. The only demand issued to the church is to hold fast to that which you have.

What was the secret to the church in Philadelphia having received such a positive letter when all the other congregations were given both encouragement and admonition? The answer is in today's scripture. The little word because explains the secret. The ‘open door’ of the church was there for three reasons: 1) little power 2) they were true to the Word of God and 3) they did not deny the Lord's name. It is interesting to note that it was not despite the fact that they had little power, but because they realized in themselves that they were powerless, and therefore God could use them.

That which could serve as a common denominator for the Philadelphia Church was their dependence on the Lord and His Word, and a willingness to testify about Him to others. Whoever wins the victory, is the person holding firm to this, and the promise to them is that they will become pillars in God's temple and that God's name, the name of the city of God and Jesus' new name will be written on them. If the name is an expression of identity it means that whoever wins the victory is allowed to identify with God Himself, with God's true church and the holy in the Promised Land.

Prayer

Lord, help me to remain dependent on You and help me to boldly testify about You to others. Thank You for allowing me to belong to You - now and forever.