Reversal

“Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie — I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you” (Revelation 3:9).

Times were tough for the church in Philadelphia in the first century.  Like the other six churches addressed by the Risen Lord in the book of Revelation, these brothers and sisters were feeling the heat of persecution.  But in spite of the fact that they didn’t have much influence in the culture around them (“a little power,” 3.8), these Christians were continuing to obey the words of Jesus and steadfastly refusing to deny Him.  The main source of their struggle was the militant Jews of the time.  These false claimants of the name “Jew,” who professed to be worshipping God but, in reality, were serving Satan, were making life miserable for the believers in Philadelphia.  The spiritual progeny of those who hounded Christ and His apostles were still abusing His followers.

But a reversal was coming.  Because of the faithfulness of the Philadelphian disciples in the face of trials, the Lord promises to deal with their persecutors.  What a message of comfort to a hurting church!  The day was coming when the persecutor would bow before the persecuted.  The hater would be humbled in the presence of Christ’s love for His spiritual family.  The reversal of circumstances is a time-honored message of hope for those who are faithful to God (cf. Isaiah 49:23; 60:14; Philippians 2:5-11).  By the time one reaches the final chapters of Revelation, we see the reversal pictured prominently in the new heaven and earth (cf. Revelation 21:1-8, 22-27; 22:14-15).

We thank you Lord that suffering for our faith IS NOT the final word.  Please help us, Father, to maintain our faith until Your time of reversal, when all wrongs will be righted by Your power and for Your glory.

God loves you!

Mike