JANUARY 21, 2024 – THE KEY

READ: Rev. 3:7-9: And to … Philadelphia … ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David,… I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. … indeed I will make them come and worship …  

Christ presents Himself to Philadelphia as the Holy One, the True One, and the Keybearer. Christ’s holiness and truthfulness signify His divinity. He tolerates no sin, falsehood, or deceit. He desires a holy people and gave Himself for this purpose. Christ is entirely reliable: faithful to His Word.

Bearing the key of David signifies His power, lineage, and authority. He is the true Messiah from the lineage of David with unlimited power in His kingdom. As the crowned Mediator, He holds the key that grants access to the kingdom of heaven and controls all its treasures.

He unlocks and dispenses them to whom He wills. No one can prevent Him. He shuts and withholds salvation from others. No one can change that. He decides about eternal life or eternal death, true happiness, or true unhappiness.

This is how He presents Himself to this church, which has little power itself. He has control over its eternal salvation. Christ measures the works of Philadelphia against His holiness and truthfulness. This time, there is no negative follow-up. He expresses His approval: “I have set before you an open door. I will ensure that the small congregation may expand. Jews will come and convert, joining the church of Jesus Christ.

They will even come from the synagogue hostile to the church, controlled by Satan. That is the extent of Christ’s power as the Head of the Church. He rescues people from the power of Satan to welcome them into His household.

Philadelphia can see this as a gracious reward for keeping Christ’s word as a small church and not denying His name. What a magnificent message! Let us also invoke, honor, sanctify, and confess His name!

What is the secret of this faithful congregation? 

Singing: Ps. 31:14,15