Philadelphia (Modern day Alashehir) was a city of commercial importance conveniently located as the gateway to the provinces of Mysia, Lydia and Phrygia. Its gateway position was by design as it was built to broadcast Greek Culture to these provinces and by 19AD many in these regions had completely adopted Greek Culture. The city was plagued by persistent and frightening aftershocks of a great earthquake that took place in 17AD.
Jesus commends this congregation: Like the city, they have an open door of ministry in front of them and although they have little strength, they have kept and shared the faith in spite of strong opposition.
What does Jesus have to say to this enduring congregation?
- He is coming soon: the people in Philadelphia had learned to live in readiness for the persistent aftershocks. Jesus' coming will be as unexpected as the aftershocks and we should be ready.
- Hold on to what you have: So often we concentrate on what we don't have. Jesus isn't concerned about what we DON'T have. He would like us to use what we DO have. I hear many people say "I can't preach like so-and-so" or "I can't lead like such-and-such." But God asks us to use what we have. His gifts to us are our crowns if we use them to His glory!
- Overcomers are pillars: In Philadelphia, the frequent aftershocks meant that pillars were needed to strengthen the buildings. When your buildings were dodgy and the aftershock came, you would have to run out onto the street for safety. But overcomers are pillars and if your building has pillars you don't have to flee ("leave") to the open when the shaking comes!
Overcomers are those who recognise that Jesus is coming and use what they have to serve Him and He makes them pillars to His glory.
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
