But, in looking at the churches, let's just take another look at one of the things that Jesus said to the church in Philadelphia. See Rev 3:7-13 for the entire message to this church.
First of all, the Lord identifies Himself ( among other things ) as "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens"
So, the Lord has what is called the Key of David. This phrase if found in Isaiah 22:22.
In this portion of Isaiah, the Lord through the prophet was speaking to Judah, and was denouncing those nations that had at some time or another persecuted Judah, and also teaches that God is universally sovereign.
The particular section in Isa 22, is speaking of the death of a man named Shebna, and his replacement by God of a man named Eliakim, who would be given a position of responsibility over the house of Judah.
The key of David, is speaking of being in that position, and having the power to make decisions. Isaiah went on to speak of Eliakim, saying, " I will fasten him as a peg in a secure place, and he will become a glorious throne to his father's house.
So, Jesus in Rev 3, uses a portion of Isa 22, to speak of Himself as being in the position of power and responsibility and sovereignty.
Jesus is encouraging the church of Philadelphia to know that He is in the position to lead, to guide, and that no one can counter what He may want to do. For example, if He wants to open a door, there is no one who can counter that open door by shutting it. And, on the other hand, if He wants to close a door, there is no one who can counter it by opening it.
Jesus went on to say that He had set before this church "an open door"
Paul used similar language in his speaking to the Corinthian church . See 1 Cor 16:9 "For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries."
Paul was using this language to speak about the possibility of expanding ministry, and of moving ministry into a new area. And, Paul recognized that this door that had opened, had been opened by someone other then himself. He implies that. He also mentions that on the other side, or around that door are many adversaries Doors and adversaries went together in this instance, as it seems they generally do in our service to Christ.
But, the thought here for our own consideration, is from my own mind, the thought of what doors are open to any of us in our service to Christ? What might the Lord be opening up for you at this time in your life and ministry? Where is the Lord leading you, and how would you describe the opportunities for ministry that are in front of you?
And, a companion thought would be, what doors are closing?
It's encouraging to me to recognize that the door is not just there by itself, but the Lord is in charge of doors. He holds the key. Doors need keys, and He is the holder of the key.
He opens and no one can close.
Try to imagine for a moment, someone, or a group of people who may be doing all they can to close a door that Jesus has opened. They might all push together, but to no avail. Because if the Lord has opened that door, they, those people do not have a greater power then Jesus does. They cannot close what He has opened.
I find great comfort in Christ's Leadership and power. I trust you do as well.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
