Don’t fear, be faithful (Esther 7-10; Revelation 3)

Why do Christians around the world face such awful persecution? Why is the gospel so offensive? In some cultures it is the uniqueness of Christ, in others it is the truth that we can’t save ourselves, yet others protest about the moral teaching. In Philadelphia (Revelation 3), the believers were being persecuted because they refused to join in emperor worship. For a time they found room to shelter in the Jewish synagogue as this was a permitted religion. Then the Jews threw the Christians out of the synagogue and there was nowhere for them to shelter. If they would just keep quiet about Jesus, they could have a quiet life, but these Christians refused to deny their saviour.

What does Jesus have to say to such people? He tells them that even though they have been thrown out of the synagogue and the door has been shut to them, he has set an open door before them which no one can shut (3:8). The most important door is open to them. The door into God’s presence and eternal life. They will never be shut out from the loving kindness of God. How encouraging that Jesus sees exactly what His people are facing. He knows just what they need to hear. He shows them he understands the persecution they are facing, and he knows how hard it has been for them, and He is delighted in them that they have not denied Him.

He knows the trouble they have faced, and He assures them that those who have treated them so badly will one day realise that these Christians are loved by Jesus (3:9). This is all that matters, to know you are loved by Jesus. And if you are loved by Jesus then he will keep you. Jesus tells them that He will write God’s name on them (3:12). It’s a bit like when someone breaks an arm, and all their friends sign the plaster cast. The friends are saying, “you might have broken your arm, but we’re still your friends.” Jesus is saying, you might have been thrown out of the synagogue, been badly treated, missed business opportunities, but I am not ashamed of you, you belong to me. So don’t fear, be faithful to Jesus and know you are loved by Him.