Philadelphia 20
Today we are going to continue with Jesus’ letter to Philadelphia 😀
Now, what is this great reward that awaits the Philadelphian saints (including you and me) that have overcome their enemy? It is mind blowing!
For the one who is victorious, I will make you to be a pillar in the sanctuary of my God, permanently secure. I will write on you the name of my God and the name of the city of my God – the New Jerusalem, descending from my God out of heaven. And I will write my own name on you.
So the one whose heart is open let him listen carefully to what the Spirit is now saying to the churches. (Rev 3:12-13)
Please read the above Scriptures over and over until they register deep within your mind and emotions. Also take note that these are eternal rewards which means they carry tremendous value in heaven for ever and ever. How great a reward for remaining faithful to our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord all through our lives!
Now, being a “pillar in the sanctuary of my God” is a metaphor and not a physical pillar. Neither is the New Jerusalem a physical city with a physical sanctuary. Yes, I know. We have been taught that the New Jerusalem is this magical city that is going to come out of the sky and descend to the earth. The pillar, the sanctuary, and the city are all metaphors. Jesus is using word pictures to teach us heavenly and eternal realities, just like He did on earth. He used parables, word pictures, to teach spiritual truths and He is doing the same here. He does this all through the Book of Revelation. (He is not a Lamb with seven horns – He is a man, etc.)
So, what does it mean to be a pillar in the sanctuary of my God? A pillar refers to something that is strong and dependable to uphold and support a structure. Someone who is given the position of being a “pillar in the sanctuary” is a saint that has overcome the world and is now considered by Jesus as one who is strong and dependable, with whom He can share the eternal governmental weight of His kingdom. It is a position of high honour and glory because this saint’s position is close to the Father.
The sanctuary, or the temple of the Lord, is His eternal church. You are His temple, His sanctuary, and together we make up the great and marvellous dwelling place of God. He is in you. You are in Him. And somehow, we are all together in Him and in each other.
No mere man has ever seen, heard, or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love Him. (1 Cor 2:9)
The eternal reign of Christ is forever and ever. The earth in its current situation with sin and death will no longer exist. She too, together with all of God’s creation will come out of the snare of sin and death never to be subject to those horrors again. God’s original plan for His sons and daughters to be one with Him, to rule and reign with Him, and to fill His creation with all His wonder and glory will come to pass and never end.
What will all this look like. I do not know. All I know is that there is nothing like entering a place of quiet contemplation with Him and imagining what kind of things He might have in store for you. He has brought into existence a new creation – you and me. You are beyond human, beyond description, beyond understanding, and beyond the imagination of this world. All of creation is waiting for you. Think about that. Creation is not waiting for God; it is waiting for you and me!
Maybe there is a galaxy out there which is part of God’s eternal plan for you. Maybe there is a nation there that knows about you and is eagerly awaiting your arrival. Possible? Yes, all things are possible to him that believes, and all these heavenly wonders were created for a purpose. That purpose will one day be revealed to the glorious sons and daughters of the Most High God.
And that, my friend, is you!
Happy imagining!
Yvonne
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