The Power of Jesus Christ

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: "The words of the Holy One, the True One, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

'I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept My Word and have not denied My Name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept My Word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down from My God out of heaven, and My own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'"

Revelation 3:7-13

“I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept My Word and have not denied My Name.” (Rev. 3:8) In Jesus’ darkest hour, when He could have summoned 72,000 angels to overpower His enemies and establish His kingdom on earth through force, (Matt. 26:53) instead He hung on a cross to fulfill the Scriptures by dying for the sins of the world. (1 Cor. 15:3) As He died, He did not deny His Name: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Mark 14:61) His last words were Scripture! (Luke 23:46) Therefore, because He did not abandon God’s Word or deny His own Name, God raised Him from the dead and brought Him into His presence where there is life, fullness of joy, and pleasures forevermore. (Ps. 16:11)

Do you feel that you have little power? Is there a trial you are enduring, a person you are begging God to save, or a brother or sister you are calling to repentance seemingly in vain? Do you feel your powerlessness to endure, save, and help? You are not alone. The persecuted church in Philadelphia had little power too. But they had two things: Jesus’ Word and Jesus’ Name. As Jesus comforted them through John - that was enough.

Hold fast to what you have: Jesus’ Word and His Name. They’re the only things that will make you endure. They’re the only things that will save the lost. They’re the only things that will sanctify His children. They’re the only things God uses to display His glory and to humble His enemies at your feet after a time of testing. And they’re the only things that will bring you into His presence at the end, where you will finally have your faith turned to sight and know beyond all shadows of doubt, that He loves you.

Grace and peace to you in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.