Yesterday, we left off reading a passage from the book of Revelation, where Jesus is speaking to His church in Philadelphia, an ancient Asian city. Though this book might not be one of the most popular in churches nowadays, let’s peek at chapters 2 and 3, where Jesus is speaking to seven Asian churches, in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. Though each of these churches have different contents in their letters, the structure remains the same: Jesus starts by introducing Himself, then He encourages, rebukes, corrects and counsels the church, and He ends by promising a reward to the faithful ones, the ones who conquer by living and persevering in faith.  

The rewards Jesus promises us are: the permission to eat of the tree of life (Revelation 2:7), to not be harmed by the second death (Rev 2:11), to eat hidden manna and receive a white stone with a new secret name on it (Rev 2:17), to have authority and dominion over the nations, to have the morning star (Rev 2:26-28), to be clothe with white garments and have our names forever written in the book of life, to be confessed by Jesus before the Father and His angels (Rev 3:5), to be a pillar in the temple of God, on whom the name of God is written and who dwells forever in God’s temple (Rev 3:12), and to sit on the throne of Jesus (Rev 3:21). Hallelujah! What a generous and loving God we serve! As if salvation and eternal life in His presence were not enough, He finds pleasure in giving us rewards, in sharing His heavenly glory with us, in giving us His authority and inviting us to sit on His throne!  

As if all these heavenly rewards were not enough, He finds pleasure in giving us even more rewards here on earth; though our lives here are short and like vapor, He wants us to live them to the fullest, and experience joy and peace continually. He makes all things work together for our good, He heals us, provides for us, protects us, sets us apart for His glory and service… He is always with us! 

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28 

We will say it again: Hallelujah! What a generous and loving God we serve! Consider this verse: “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32 

Do you realize that God gave up what was the most precious to Him, His son, for you? Then there is no other good thing that He will withhold from you. we pray that you understand how loved by God and precious you are in His sight. Do not believe the lies of the enemy, as he tries to convince you that God is the author of your pain and suffering. He took all this at the cross to give you freedom, and life in abundance. He did not save you to abandon you halfway; what He starts He always perfects and finishes! What is our response then, as faith-filled believers who stand in awe before such a gracious God and His amazing rewards? Praise, of course! And something else… Let’s meet tomorrow to discuss that. 

Prayer: 

Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray and ask that You, the author and finisher of my faith, will give me a steadfast and enduring faith, that will not be shaken by the storms of life. I ask for a conqueror’s faith that will hold on and hope in Your name and promises till You return. I hold on to the knowledge that You will soon return to take me home with You, and I thank you for Your comforting presence with me here on earth, all the days of my life. My most precious reward is Your presence in me, through Your Holy Spirit. Amen.