April 29: MANY ADVERSARIES INDEED
“Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.” Revelation 3:9
In the likeness of Jesus, the little Philadelphian church was characterized by self-expenditure. The appropriateness of the name under which they operated—Philadelphia—was made manifest by the brotherly love they exhibited as they lived and preached the Gospel. The open door (v.8) was a peculiarly significant mark of God’s approval. Such a mark consistently invites vigorous opposition from the enemy. Paul noted, “For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” (1 Corinthians 16:9)
The only two churches who received letters from Jesus containing no rebuke but only praise (Smyrna and Philadelphia) were also the most severely criticized by the supposed people of God. In both letters, Jesus referred to them as a synagogue of Satan and not real Jews at all (2:9, 3:9) Paul, in ministering encouragement to believing Gentiles, said, “but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.” (Romans 2:29) Oswald Chambers wrote: “The only thing that truly matters is whether a person will accept the God who will make him holy.”
A day is coming when, before a watching universe, everyone who has ever lived upon the earth will be present for the fulfillment of this prophecy: “I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath.” (Isaiah 45:23) The saved and the lost alike will be in full agreement that God is just and fair. On this day shall also be fulfilled the words in this promise to the Philadelphian church: “indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.” This is not to say that the His followers are the ones to receive worship, but that their faithfulness is cleared of the maligning accusations made by those who should have recognized their genuineness in Christ. Instead, the most faithful ones had consistently been singled out as troublemakers. This will continue to be true until Jesus comes.
In the historical eschatology, the Sardis church had a reputation for being alive but [it was] dead. In contrast, the brothers and sisters of the living Philadelphian church were heavily attacked. They were cast out from other churches, being ridiculed and mocked by many who professed to be true Christians. From various churches, these who had come together for Bible study were tremendously blessed as they sought prayerfully to understand what had previously been sealed until the time of the end.
“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Daniel 12:4
“I saw…another mighty angel…he had a little book open in his hand…the voice from heaven…said, “Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel…take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.” Revelation 10:1,2,8,9