Title: The Lord's Beloved Church
Revelation (21) The Lord's Beloved Church
(Revelation 3:7-13)
1. A church that does its best under the given circumstances
The text contains the Lord's words to the Philadelphia church, the sixth of the seven churches. Of the seven churches in the book of Revelation, only the second Smyrna church and the sixth Philadelphia church are praised by the Lord without rebuking them, but they praise the Philadelphia church in a more vivid tone than the Smyrna church. The Philadelphia church was the most loved church among the seven churches of Revelation. The Philadelphia church was not a church with many members or a well-built church, but it was because they tried to live according to the Lord's word with the best of their ability (verse 8).
Do not lament that you do not have the material, the ability, and the opportunity. If you have a passion for saving many souls and a vision for your character, that is your greatest asset. What the Lord sees is “What is the current situation?” Instead of asking, “Are you doing your best under the current circumstances?” is to do If you look at the history of the Church, those who devoted themselves to the Lord were usually weak and weak. Likewise, God always chooses the weak to shame the strong. The value or meaning of a person is not in ‘becoming the best’, but in ‘doing your best’.
David had no weapons, only a slingshot, but he defeated Goliath with the slingshot. Even if you only have a water mill, you can use it actively and do your best. The Lord's love and praise will be given to you when you do your best by not only looking at your own circumstances and abilities, but by looking at yourself in the Lord and thinking about the Lord's expectations for you.
2. A sincere church that tries to hold onto the truth
Even hypocrites and liars came to the Philadelphia church, saw the hearts and lives of the Philadelphia church members, and fell on their knees before him, admiring, “This is the church the Lord really loves!” (verse 9). To that extent, the Philadelphia church was a true church. A true life always triumphs. There is no need to be too stingy or swayed by public opinion in life. The important thing is to be honest with God.
Some people get hurt and put to the test just by hearing even a small word. But more important than someone's words are your own beliefs and truth. Hymn 349 has these words: “Whatever others do, I will be the Lord’s warrior.” No matter what others say, if you always live modestly and truthfully, you will surely taste the history of victory.
3. The church that kept the word of the Lord's patience
If we patiently keep the word of God, God will protect us in the time of decisive testing that will come (verse 10). The greatest of all abilities is the ability to be patient and wait patiently. Calvin said. “God always keeps his promises. But one must persevere until then.” If you believe in the word of God's promise and have patience, God will surely fulfill the promise. The Bible is the story of people who received promises, lived according to their promises, and eventually obtained the promised blessings. Even if you have a promise, if you do not persevere, the promise will be of no use.
There is no seed in this world that magically grows and bears fruit in a matter of days. Not to mention spiritual seeds. So God says. “Do good, but do not grow weary. If you do not give up, you will reap (Galatians 6:9).” If you do good and don't see results right away, the temptation of discouragement comes. Then don't be discouraged. The seed you sow may not appear as a fruit at the time you want, but it is bound to bear fruit when God's time comes.
Using that time gap as a loophole, Satan penetrates into his heart and whispers. “What do you get when you go to church so hard? There is nothing wrong with praying, is there?” Don't fall for that temptation. Even if the fruit is invisible, dedicate yourself to a more holy vision, believing that the seeds of devotion sown for God will one day be reaped. Then, the crown will not be taken away (verse 11) and become like a pillar of the church, and your name will be glorified (verse 12), fulfilling your vision on earth and meeting the Lord with greater joy than anyone else in heaven.