Doors that are open

John Povey September 05, 2023 1 1

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Revelation 3: 7-13 (NRSVA)

7 ‘And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:

These are 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:

8 ‘I know your works. Look, 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. 9 I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but are lying—I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word of patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. 11 I am coming soon; hold fast to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 If you conquer, I will make you a pillar in the temple of my God; you will never go out of it. I will write on you the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem that comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

In each of the letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation, there is a pattern. First there is a judgement, then a warning, and finally a word of encouragement.

The judgement on Philadelphia did not condemn but commended. The Church there may have been small and with little strength, but it was full of faith and patient endurance.  And in the eyes of God, who chooses the weak to shame the strong, their steadfastness was what counted in their favour.

The warning to the Church in Philadelphia was to continue to hold fast, to stand firm, for there were difficulties still to come.

The word of encouragement was of an open door that the Lord had set before them, a door which no-one could shut.

Like Moses many years before, responding to the Lord’s call, the Christians of Philadelphia kept faith with God. The Lord opened the door of opportunity for them, and they were true to His Word.

Such words of encouragement would have been a blessing to the faithful Philadelphians.  These same words continue to offer hope and peace to the Church today.

Charles Spurgeon was once asked by a young Christian what he could do to spread the Gospel. Spurgeon asked, “What do you do for a living?”

The man said, “I am an engine-driver.”

“Then,” Spurgeon asked, “is your fireman a Christian? Go, and find out, and start with him.”

There will always be an open door. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13).

PRAYER:

Lord, sometimes our Christian witness seems small and insignificant in today’s world. Help us to remain faithful to the Gospel, especially in the face of opposition. May our congregations have a quiet but strong influence in our communities, that the love of Jesus may come alive in the hearts of all who are touched by your Spirit. May we proclaim Your Word, full of grace and truth, to all who will listen. Amen.