Authentic Christianity is an endurance race that requires perseverance and patience. No one understood this better than members of the first-century church at Philadelphia, one of seven churches in Asia Minor profiled in the book of Revelation. Messiah Yeshua, speaking through the apostle Yochanan (John), commends it for three expressions of faithfulness:
1) You have a little strength
2) You have kept My word
3) You have not denied My name
The Greek word for "little" implies less or least, yet that condition does not alarm Adonai. In 2 Cor. 12:9 God says His strength is made perfect in weakness. His grace is sufficient. Our source of strength does not come from within, but above. Empowered by God's Spirit, the righteous in Philadelphia were able to persevere in a pagan society. They kept His Word, meaning they held fast to the commandments. They guarded them in their heart. And lastly, the believers did not disown or reject Yeshua's name.
Today we live in perilous times. Apostasy permeates Christianity. Pastors, blinded by ambition, pride and greed, build their own kingdoms while neglecting God's. But Adonai has kept for Himself a remnant, a body of believers who, like those in Philadelphia, would not quit or compromise. Even if you have only a little strength, don't relent. Stay the course. Keep the faith. As we near the finish line, hear the urgency of Messiah's voice in Rev. 3:11, "Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown."
Posted by Jeff King at December 18, 2006 10:22 AM