August 4 Open Door

Revelation 3:9-11 “I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars – I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
 
Jesus, the Door, protects the Philadelphia church. He locks out false teachers (synagogue of Satan). And he opens the door for the church to do his work in the world. What work might he have planned for this church?
    Although a small city, Philadelphia was a center for Rome’s postal route. Travelers and traders moved through here from Europe to Asia. Faithful disciples would use the mail and trade routes as a means to communicate the gospel. God had opened doors of commerce to open people’s hearts to him.
    What is the door God has opened for your church? What ways is he pointing you as a church and as an individual to open gospel doors? Regardless of your church’s size, it has a kingdom purpose. Seek God’s wisdom. Understand his gifts. Awaken to the circumstances around you. Jesus’ words to Philadelphia and to each church is the same as he spoke to his disciples: Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore (under Jesus’ authority)  go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
We call this the Great Commission. Perhaps another way to view this is the Great Purpose.
    A faithful church believes in God’s power. The people of God recognize the Holy Spirit enlightens their minds and empowers their hearts. Faithful churches believe Jesus’ promises that he will open the doors for their work.
    Jesus, then, urges the church to continue its stand against unbelief. His promise, “I will also keep you from the hour of trial.” is the same language as the Lord’s prayer: “Deliver us from evil (or Evil One).” “I am coming soon” likely means he would come soon in the Holy Spirit’s power to care for, protect and strengthen his church against a trial soon to come. This is also a reference to the Lord’s return at the end of the Age.
    Jesus is the Door. He will not let unbelievers steal away his church’s faith. He protects his people as they minister the good news. The Lord and Savior will turn hearts to bow down in worship of the one true Father. 
 
Prayer: Open my eyes, Lord, to see the doors you have opened for me to evangelize your gospel. Amen.