Grace Notes // Letters to the Churches
To the Church of Philadelphia, “I Hold the Keys”
Written by Keli Miller
This past Sunday we were joined by Olu Akinwande, a Resident with Grace Midtown and Maryland native. As we continued through the Letters to The Seven Churches, he dove into the Church of Philadelphia and reminded us on what true Kingdom strength looked like.
The Church of Philadelphia has little strength. Situated within a city designed to evangelize the Greek language and culture they are social outcasts, rejected by the world around them. In a city of unique position and opportunity, they faced only closed doors - some metaphorical others literal. God’s message to them is this, “I hold the keys,” and “I am coming.”
Though the Church of Philadelphia has little strength, they have true strength. It’s their dependence on God that is the greatest kind of strength. As Olu pointed out on Sunday, it is often our weakness that can put us in a position of access. It is often through weakness that we have access to deeper understandings of our dependence on God and His goodness. It’s in this critical letter that God is reminding them that he holds the keys to every closed door that they face.
In seasons of waiting where I have encountered many closed doors, it’s easy to take on the role of locksmith, doing whatever I can to try and unlock the door that's in front of me. I buy into the lie that if I just talk to the right person, say the right prayer, or work a little harder that I’ll be able to unlock it, but we can not earn what has been freely given.
“Legalism has the capacity to sow seeds of suspicion to effortless grace”
- Olu Akinwande
We feel as if we have to work for open doors, but in this letter of encouragement to Philadelphia God is reminding the church to cease all striving, because he who is Faithful and True holds the keys. Sometimes there are doors that stay locked, doors that we never get to walk through. Sometimes, because of these locked doors, God instead unlocks something deeper within us. There is a blessing in need.
The blessing of need is dependence on God. It is dependence on God that leads to provision from God which ultimately leads to a deep gratitude to God. From then the overflow of gratitude in our hearts, the spirit of generosity flows which is then used to further the Kingdom of God. Our little strength is the truest of strengths.
I am touched by God’s gentleness in this letter. There is no rebuke for the Church of Philadelphia, only encouragement. It is a reminder that God sees us, knowing our circumstances intimately, and also sees beyond what we can see for ourselves. In our need, we are met with love. In your need, God has not forgotten you.
PROCESSING
What is a need that you are currently experiencing? What does reliance on God look like? Can you posture yourself in worship even in your weakness?
When are you most tempted to try and earn breakthrough or gifts from God?
IN THE WORD
Revelation 3:7-14
2 Corinthians 12:9-11