In Revelation chapters 2-3, Jesus writes to seven churches. Several of these churches receive sharp rebukes and a command to repent or suffer serious consequences if they do not. The church at Philadelphia (3:7-13) is one of only two churches that Jesus doesn’t rebuke and call to repent.
In verse 8, Jesus tells these people, I know that you have but little power. This is not a rebuke. Jesus is simply acknowledging their condition. And even though they have little power he goes on to say, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Jesus commends this church. Not for powerful, dramatic accomplishments, but for their personal commitment to him. They didn’t deny his name; they were faithful to Jesus. They kept his word; they were obedient to Jesus.
There’s no hope of keeping Jesus’ word unless you actually know what he taught, and you cannot know what he taught unless you’re well grounded in the Bible. Many professing believers have little understanding of what Jesus expects from his followers because they don’t have a personal knowledge of the Bible, and they sit under preaching that’s heavy on how much Jesus loves us and light on what he expects from us.
The level of obedience and faithfulness that the Philadelphia church was commended for is grounded in a deep, personal love for the Lord, along with a clear understanding of what he expects.
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In verse 8, Jesus commended them for keeping his word. In verse 10, he is more specific, stating, you have kept my word about patient endurance. The Bible has a lot to say about waiting on the Lord, patience, and endurance. These things are important to the Lord and a major part of walking in his ways. But today’s Christian culture seems more inclined to bustling activity than to waiting patiently on the Lord.
Waiting on the Lord is not a passive attitude, but rather an expectant attitude that is grounded in Biblical hope based on Biblical promises. Waiting on the Lord is an attitude of the heart that longs to see God’s purposes fulfilled, yet willingly submits to the sovereignty of God. It recognizes that even within God’s will and God’s plans, He still has timing and seasons that are subject to Him 1. Waiting on the Lord also demonstrates a humble dependence on God to work His plans, in His ways. This is in sharp contrast to relying on human wisdom and creativity, and operating with a sense of self-sufficiency 2.
Jesus told the church at Philadelphia, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. Although the specifics are not revealed, in scripture an open door is an opportunity for effective ministry 3. Jesus provided these people, who were not powerful, but were deeply devoted to him, an open door for effective ministry, and he makes it clear that no one can shut that door. I believe the church would encounter far more opportunities for effective spiritual ministry, if it would refrain from its preoccupation with activities, and learn to focus first on a deep, personal relationship with the Lord, and within that relationship, to call on him and patiently trust in his ability and timing to open doors that no one can shut.
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Footnotes:
- Habakkuk 2:3 ESV For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. – The promises of God can still have an appointed time. To us, the fulfillment can seem slow, but we are encouraged to wait for it, for when the appointed time arrives, the fulfillment will not delay.
- Philippians 3:3 ESV For we are the circumcision, who worship [serve] by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—
- 1 Corinthians 16:9 ESV for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
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