Key Verse: “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown.” (Revelation 3:11 CSB)
In His letter to the church in Philadelphia, Jesus provides only encouragement and praise to the believers there. They were a small church that were being faithful to the Lord and enduring through many difficulties.
The challenge facing this church was what Jesus strongly referred to as, “those from the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews, but are not” (v.9). Whoever this group was exactly, they were making life extremely difficult for those who were truly following Jesus. The Christians were being persecuted for their faith. They had little to no influence in the city, and likely had been excommunicated from the synagogue by those falsely claiming to be Jews.
Despite this hardship, however, the church in Philadelphia was standing firm. Jesus said to them, “I know your works…you have kept my word, and not denied my name” (v.8). They had not turned their backs on Christ. They were continuing to love God and love one another, and being bold and unashamed even when it brought adversity. They were remaining faithful to Him.
As they endured the persecution and hardship at the hands of their oppressors, one of the words of encouragement that Jesus gave to the believers in Philadelphia was a simple but important promise. “I am coming soon,” Jesus said to them.
Stop and meditate for a moment on those words. Jesus is coming soon. There is a day in the not too distant future when Jesus Christ will return!
Why is this promise so significant, not only to the believers in Philadelphia, but also to all those who follow Jesus? First, this reality is a reason to endure. Jesus said to the church, “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown” (v.11). Hold fast to your faith in Jesus. Don’t let go of Him. Continue to persevere in trusting Him and following Him, knowing that, “our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). The pain and hardship we may face is real, but it is only temporary. When Jesus returns, all will be well. So hang in there!
Jesus’ promise that He will soon return is also a motivation for us to pursue holiness and obedience to Him. Later in Revelation, Jesus said, “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book” (22:7). Then, just a few verses later, He said, “Look, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to repay each person according to his works” (v.12). According to Jesus, there is a clear connection between His coming and how we should live.
The Apostle Paul affirmed this by saying that this reality ought to teach us “to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13). The reality of the imminent return of Jesus should motivate us toward a life of holiness, obedience and faith, so that He will find us ready.
Prayerfully reflect today on the awesome truth that Jesus is coming soon. How is the promise of Jesus’ return an encouragement to you right now? How will this certain hope change what you will do today?
Prayer: Jesus, I thank you that you are coming soon. As I wait for that day, give me the strength to persevere through hardship. Grant me a fresh desire to keep your word and not deny your name, no matter what I face. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
