Page 48 - Living Light 91

Monday January 19 - Faithful in weakness
“I know your works. Behold, 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.” Revelation 3:8
Jesus commends the church in Philadelphia for its works, surprisingly, there is no corresponding rebuke, as there is for most of the other churches he writes to. “I know your works,” says the ‘Holy One’. We take note that Jesus knows everything about us, a great comfort in times of affliction, but also a challenge with respect to our behaviour. Our works matter! We are not saved BY them (but by faith alone, in Christ alone), but we are saved FOR them. How a Christian behaves (i.e. lives life) reflects the reality of salvation and the beauty of the Saviour. The earlier words from verse 7 are now applied: Jesus has opened a door for them that no-one can shut. It may be that the open door refers to an opportunity for mission and evangelism, since elsewhere the New Testament speaks of an open door with this meaning (Acts 14:27). It could also be a reference to the believers’ ultimate security, and entry into God’s presence upon death, since the context of their daily living is endurance under persecution. How good to know that they, and we, have the open door to God’s presence and access to his heavenly city. Although the church at Philadelphia had “little power” they faithfully kept Jesus’ word and did not deny his name. May our smallness and lack of influence not deter our witness!
Father, may the good works you produce in and through me result in great glory for you. Amen.
Tues Jan 20 - Encouraged, strengthened & vindicated “Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are
Jews and are not, but lie... they will learn that I have loved you.” Rev 3:9
Revelation is written to encourage and fortify Christians who suffer for their faith. It promises blessing to those who read and heed its message. The true revelation is of the magnificence and sufficiency of Jesus Christ, our King, to uphold his blood-bought people and see them safely home to share eternity with him. One source, perhaps the primary source, of opposition to the Philadelphian church is identified as a “synagogue of Satan.” The Jews in Philadelphia had probably taken advantage of their privileged civic status and told the Roman authorities that Christians were not truly Jews, thereby exposing them to persecution from the state – presumably because of their refusal to participate in the imperial cult of emperor worship. Jews were recognised as having a legitimate religion, but the same privilege was not extended to Christians. Unbelieving Jews claimed to be the true people of God, but they rejected the one who had “the key of David” – the Messiah – and discriminated against Christians. This kind of opposition plays out every day in our own culture, where professing Christians can be denied certain rights, and forbidden from making public expressions of faith; their matters of conscience are ignored, and ridicule is all too common. But Jesus says a reversal of fortunes is coming. The Philadelphian believers are thus encouraged and strengthened to persevere; they are the true, beloved people of God and will be vindicated on the last day.
Father God, please help me to rest in your perfect justice. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
46
PRAYER FOR TODAY