Friday, October 20, 2006
Revelation 3:7 "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open."
GOD'S RICHES AT CHRIST'S EXPENSE
When king David ruled, his keys were held by a steward. This steward then had the power to open the treasury doors and dispense the riches of the king. In Isaiah 22:15-23 the Lord pronounces judgment on one such unfaithful steward named Shebna. This steward would be replaced by Eliakim who would receive the key to the treasury.
In Revelation Jesus is described as holding the "key of David". But the key that Jesus holds isn't the key to an earthly treasure room; Jesus holds the key to the treasury of Heaven. When Jesus tells the Philadelphians that He has set an open door before them that no one can shut, it's not just a door of opportunity, it's the door of heaven's treasury!
Jesus wanted the Philadelphian Christians to know that NOBODY could shut this door and cut them off from God's grace and blessing. Forgiveness, life, and salvation were theirs through Jesus, and so were countless other blessings from the treasure room of heaven. When a person is given the gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ, it's not a little gift. Being part of the King's family means continual blessings. Ancient Christians used the river as a symbol of God the Father, because his blessings flow down from heaven unceasingly, like a river wide and broad.
Christians are surrounded by these blessings: Forgiveness. Eternal life. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Goodness. Gentleness. Self-control. All are part of the package -- God's riches, which are ours because what Christ our Savior endured for us.
G od's
R iches
A t
C hrist's
E xpense
