the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 5 of 5
Revelation 3:1-13
Centuries have passed. From the midst of Thyatira God raised up the Reformation, a powerful movement led by His Spirit. Then there is another decline. Spiritual death invades the Church in Sardis. The Church is ordered to remember and repent (v. 3; cf. Revelation 2:5; Revelation 2:16; Revelation 3:19). Who is the overcomer here? It is the one who has not defiled his garments. Have we experienced that kind of victory in remaining pure? The overcomer at Sardis will be clothed in white raiment. In contrast with the false pretension of the Church to have "a name that thou livest", his name will never be blotted out of the book of life.
Philadelphia (which means love of the brethren) is the daughter of the "revival" of the last century. The main characteristics are:1. a little strength! Yet the Lord keeps the door of the Gospel open for it.2. keeping His Word! He will keep His promise: "I come quickly."3. affection for His name! His new name will be their portion.His response to the scorn of the world for His people is to express His public approval of them: They "will know that I have loved thee."
We have a responsibility as heirs of the testimony of Philadelphia. May the Lord help us to show the characteristics of that church and not to lose our crowns! The Lord will experience more joy in giving the reward than will the overcomer in receiving it.
