“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia . . .” (3:7). What a positive word to the church! Weak, with little power, but they have remained faithful: “You have kept my word and have not denied my name” (3:8). The enemies of the truth have opposed the church but they will fall down before the Philadelphians and will learn of God’s love for his people. The church has endured. It has conquered. The Lord will make this church a pillar in the temple of the New Jerusalem, and the name of God will be written on these. Wow, what a commendation. Reminds of another text, doesn’t it? “'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23).
Keen was the trial once,
Bitter the cup of woe,
When martyred saints, baptized in blood,
Christ’s sufferings shared below.
Bright is their glory now,
Boundless their joy above,
Where on the bosom of their God,
They rest in perfect love.
Lord, may that grace be ours,
Like them in faith to bear
All that of sorrow, grief or pain,
May be our portion here. --H. W. Baker (1852)
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