I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. – Revelation 3:11
Archaeologically, little remains of the ancient city of Philadelphia in western Turkey. The new city, Ataşehir, is modern, with only small ruins found in the center of town. However, in the first century, following Christ’s time on Earth, Philadelphia was significant enough for Jesus to have the apostle John include it among the Seven Churches of Asia in the book of Revelation. Among the other cities, Philadelphia was one that was called faithful in adhering to the Word and persevering for the faith. Then they were given the promise, “I am coming soon!”
From the time of Christ’s ascension to heaven until today, believers have watched and longed for His promised return. “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son but the Father only,” Jesus said (Matthew 24:36). He provided the signs of the times that would precede His return—wars and rumors of wars, diseases, famines, apostasy, earthquakes, and cold-hearted Christians (Matthew 24). Other signs have been included elsewhere: greed, family disunity, arrogance, treachery (2 Timothy 3:1-5), the increase of knowledge (Daniel 12:4), terrors and signs in the heavens (Luke 21:11), and ridicule (2 Peter 3:3-4). There are many who proclaim all the signs have been fulfilled, and the time of Christ’s return is imminent. Again, Jesus said, “Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13).
If a letter were to come to your church today, such as the ones written to the first-century churches, would your congregation be identified as faithful and persevering? Oh, that you would be found wide awake, preaching the Gospel, adhering to the Word of God, and people of prayer. Pray for pastors and teachers in America and around the world to know and love the Lord, and to be true “shepherds of their flocks,” according to all that God has ordained.
Today’s Verse: Revelation 3:11
I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Revelation 3:7-13
7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.
8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
