Week 3: Monday December 12
Revelations 3:7-13
Unexpected Joy
Vs 9:b-11
[T]hey will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word of patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. 11 I am coming soon; hold fast to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
Philadelphia in Hebrew means “brotherly love.” This small city was named by one brother, Eumenes II, because of the love he had for his little brother, Attalus II. Philadelphia was a small, humble, faithful community. And the members of this community were no strangers to destruction and persecution: in A.D. 17, the small community was ravaged by a great earthquake, and the Philadelphian Christians patiently endured persecution by the Jews because they had kept the testimony of Jesus.
In this passage, I hear Jesus speaking of the good works of the members of this community. I hear him acknowledging their endurance. I hear him celebrating their faithfulness. He has a first-row seat to the struggles this community has endured in His name. Jesus is saying to them, don’t lose heart; don’t give up. I see you!
God wants this community to know the heart he has for them because of the persecution they’ve endured but more so because of their faithfulness. God is telling the Philadelphians, “they will learn that I have loved you.” (vs 9b). The promise set before them is real.
In our lives as Christians, we learn of two covenants or promises that God made with his people. The first promise was based on faithfulness to God in following the Law. The second promise is based on faithfulness to God through believing in His Son Jesus Christ.
I trust this message delivered to the Philadelphians by THEIR ANGEL brought them hope and joy. As this season of Advent is meant to bring us. Through this small, humble, faithful community, we have the message of hope and joy amidst the struggles, challenges, and injustice of the 21st century. We are not to lose heart! The message of hope was first brought to us through a babe born in a stable. Now, our hope comes in worshipping a God who sees us and loves us. This season is about waiting eagerly, expectantly, but patiently for the fulfillment of the promise of everlasting life. The crown is ours! Amen.