Welcome to Hank’s Place
We are looking at the church of Philadelphia, found in Rev 3:3-13.
We are up to the passage of Jesus making them a pillar in the temple of His God? In Christ Jesus we are all pillars – monuments to the grace of God. And the temple of God? Us – 1 Cor 3:17.
And to go out no more? Philadelphia was famous for its frequent earthquakes and aftershocks. Every time the buildings begin to shake the people would run out into the open air. And it happened often. Very Stressful. So when Jesus says you will not go out anymore He is saying, “I’m bringing an end to your anxiety.” That’s comforting.
What is the significance of the three names? Numbers 6:24–27 (Famous blessing) refers to Israel being blessed by the priests placing God’s name on them. So Jesus is marking us for a blessing here. What about the city of my God? Well, Jerusalem above is our mother. Gal 4:26. So it’s a sense of family.
And Jesus’ new name? To be marked with the name of Jesus means you belong to the Lord. What is the new name of Jesus? That name is LORD. Supreme – above all. He walked the earth as the Son of Man. But Philippians 2:9-11 declares that He has been given a name above all other names: Lord. Peter urged his listeners to call on the name of the Lord and be saved. Acts 2:21.
Jesus is saying he who overcomes, that is, believes in Him, will be saved. Nothing and no one will ever separate them from His love. Jesus is saying that He will give Himself to us, His life, His identity, His all. Isn’t that wonderful?
In the old covenant people made promises to God, which they broke. In the new covenant, God has made unbreakable promises to us. The new covenant endures forever because God is eternally faithful.
Here in the letter to the church of Philadelphia Jesus says “I will” eight times. Promises from a good God who longs to bless us and who always keeps His word. So why didn’t the other churches ever get promises like these? They were not ready. They had issues needing to be addressed first. Yet this day, at this time, these words are for you my friend – read them – believe them – and COME ALIVE!
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