Today, Wednesday March 02
Faithful Stewards Revelation 3:10-11 “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.”
We come now to the letter to the sixth church, the church in Philadelphia that could be called, “The Faithful Church”. It was a church that “kept My Word and did not deny My name…”. It was a church that “kept His command to persevere…” (Revelation 3:10). They were told to “hold fast what you have…”. A church is faithful because it has faithful members who understand their responsibility to be faithful stewards of the blessings that the Lord has given to them.
One of the greatest blessings and sources of encouragement to me as a pastor over the many years were the members of the church that simply were faithful! They persevered through the bad times and didn’t get distracted even in the good times! You could count on them to be there, in their place, serving others week after week, month after month and year after year!
Jesus often taught His disciples on the subject of faithfulness! In the Gospels He told the story of the master who gave his servants talents they were to invest and use according to their individual abilities. The servants who were diligent to use the talents and make more, were commended with these words, “Well done, you good and faithful servant, because you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:14-30)
When the Apostle Paul was talking about the ministry and responsibility of the believers at Corinth he wrote: “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) For sure, if there is one thing that God wants and rewards, it is faithfulness! Over and over again in Scripture we are told that God is faithful! He always keeps His promises and fulfills His Word! You can always trust and depend upon Him! He will never let you down!
So where does faithfulness come from? As we read this passage about the church in Philadelphia did you notice the Lord pointed out that “they had a little strength”. I believe the journey to a faithful life begins with acknowledging that you are not strong enough to make it on your own! You know that must depend on your faithful God to give you the courage and strength to persevere. Remember Paul said, “When I realize how weak I am, that’s when I am strong, because then it is the grace and power of God that works in me!” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
When we continually acknowledge our weaknesses we will desperately seek the Lord in His Word and prayer! This will produce faith! There can be no faithfulness without faith. It is our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that produces our faithfulness! “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Read the previous chapter, Hebrews 11, about the heroes of faith! Also remember, “That faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
Then when we are living by faith and not by sight, an amazing thing happens!!!! The Lord sets before us “open doors” of opportunity to experience “divine appointments” all the time!
Today, by the grace of God, recognize your weakness without Him, get in the Word and communion with the Lord, and be ready to step through the open doors that He will set before you!
God bless!