JUN 29

Revelation 3:7-13
Memorise Revelation 3:8
“Behold I have set before thee an open door”

WILL YOU HOLD FAST?

After Smyrna, Philadelphia was the second church to have a clean record, with no rebukes but only commendations. This is not to say that they were a completely perfect church, but that there was no glaring error in them that the Lord had to point out. Whilst Smyrna was commended for the way in which they remained strong under the severe trials and afflictions that they were facing, Philadelphia was praised for their faithfulness and service.

As a city, Philadelphia was strategically situated along a major trade route, and was initially established as a dissemination point for the Greek language and culture to penetrate into the eastern provinces of Asia. Like the city, that was the reputation that the church in Philadelphia went on to have, for it was a church that the Lord had set an open door. What is an open door? Often times we use this phrase to describe an opening that we think God has given to us, be it in terms of schools or courses to study, job openings etc. However, throughout the Bible, it is always used to describe opportunities for gospel ministries (ref. Acts 14:27, 1 Corinthians 16:9, 2 Corinthians 2:12). It was a great privilege given to a church, to say that the Lord has opened a door of missionary endeavor to them, that they would have the wonderful opportunity to go and be witnesses for the Lord. This privilege was extended to them, because of their faithfulness to the Word of God, and they had not denied the name of Christ. Because of their zeal for the Lord, they were rewarded with opportunities for greater service!

With this open door before them, the Lord promises that as He is the one who sets it before them, no man will be able to shut it unless the He does so. The church may have a little strength, in that they do put in the effort on their part to hold fast to Him, but ultimately the Lord is the one who enables, strengthens and gives us the ability to do His will. Thus the Lord’s assurance to them is that even those of the Synagogue of Satan would come to believe, and that they will be kept from the hour of temptation. All they had to do was to keep holding firm to the Lord, and never let go. They were to continue to be faithful, continue to be fervent in service, and persevere in their allegiance to God and His word. Can we do this too?

Thought: If God sets before us an open door to serve Him, will we not seize every opportunity to do so?
Prayer: Lord, may you help me to always hold fast to Thee and Thy word.