7 “And to the [a]angel of the church in Philadelphia write,
‘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”: 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, [b]and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept [c]My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 [d]Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. 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 out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.
13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’
Devotional – Revelation 3:7-13
The faithful church. The church at Philadelphia has kept His word and never denied Him. They have remained true and faithful to God and persevered through all trials. Those who worship at the synagogue of Satan will see this faithful church, and come to worship the living God there.
This makes me think of those Christians I know who whether in calm or storm will glorify Him, they remain salt and light despite the tribulation they face, and those who do not believe see it and are drawn to Jesus because of it. Recently I had a coworker tell me they do not cuss when I’m around.
They don’t believe (yet) but they recognize the effect that Christ has had on me, and how I carry myself at work because of Him. The faith of this body at Philadelphia draws those who seek God through their open door which will never close. They will be protected from the tribulation to come and become pillars in the temple of God.
These believers will bear His name and the name of the New Jerusalem which comes down from heaven, from God. They will be given a new name by Jesus. This church is a shining example of what will come to those who run this race, enduring in faith until the day Christ returns.
