October 17, 2021 – Revelation 3:7-13

The church in Philadelphia. The Lord says to these: “I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (3:8). Small in number? Insignificant political or social influence? Lacking in the world’s goods and any influence or power that might grow from wealth? No connections with the powerful? At the end of the day, our God cares little for these matters; rather, he prizes obedience and faithfulness and loyalty. Weak but held in high regard by the Lord! That’s a good thing.

It might be good, here, to remember Paul’s words: “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” (1 Corinthians 1:25-29).

For the souls that overcome

waits the beauteous heavenly home,

where the blessed evermore

tread on high the starry floor.

Alleluia. --John Haldenby Clark (1868)