Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13
Journal: How are you like the church at Philadelphia? How does the message to that church speak to
you? How does it encourage you? How does it challenge you? Is there an open door before you these
days? Where is it and what would it look
like to walk through it?
Reflection: Nothing is more inviting than an open door;
especially a door that has been opened by God.
And that is the image we have before us today. God has set an open door before us, which no
one is able to shut. No one! What does that mean? What is this mysterious door? And what is the invitation that this open
door beckons us to?
The church at Philadelphia was a delight
to God. It was small in number (and
apparently in power), but large in stature. In fact it is the only church mentioned in these
seven letters that God had absolutely no criticism of. In fact, even in the midst of significant
trial and opposition God commended them for keeping his word and not denying
his name.
My guess is that this is where the open
door comes in. It is the open door
of ministry opportunity. The same door
that Paul writes about, and requests prayer for, in Colossians and 1 and 2
Corinthians. Somehow their faithfulness
to Christ, even in the midst of strong opposition, had proven them worthy of
such a door of opportunity being held constantly open for them. As in, “The man who is faithful in the little
things will also be faithful in the big things.” (Luke 16:10, JBP)
We throw open our doors to God and discover at the
same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves
standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of
God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. ~Romans 5:2 (The
Message)
Prayers
Closing Prayer: Come, Lord, and speak to my heart. Communicate to it your holy will, and
mercifully work within it both to will and to do according to your good
pleasure. Amen. ~Thomas A Kempis
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