Jesus knows. He knows the beginning from the end. He knows the heart. He knows what no one else could possibly know. He sees what we cannot see. He is the pure definition of all-knowing. So when Jesus told the church of Philadelphia— “I know thy works” in Revelation 3.1, He meant it. Because He knows our works He also knows those who aren’t working, or in some cases, working against. In verse 9 Jesus told John to write— “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan…” He knew their works also.
If you recall in verse 8 He tells them another reason why the door is open for them: they had not “denied my (His) name”. It’s the opposite of to ‘confess’. It’s to repudiate or disown a thing (in the moment). It’s to not ‘identify with’. As I stated last post— His name, is blasphemed all day, every day. We must ‘confess’ Him in it. We have to identify with Him, even if it costs us. Answering one of the questions of last post— Churches do have a problem with running down what others in the church are doing for Jesus. It’s called envy. It was a problem 2000 years ago and it is today. So it is a matter of taking a stand inside and out. I would never deny my wife’s honor, or not defend it. It is a solemn responsibility of mine as a husband. After all, I do love her. If then, in a much more intimate way, I love Jesus, then I would never deny His name, nor not defend His honor. As David did, so must I defend the honor of the God of Israel. Why not, out of passionate love for Jesus, stand and proclaim— “…is there not a cause?” (1 Samuel 17.29). Why not ask the neutral so-called followers the same? David took it personal. He said— “…who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17.26).
The story continues with David being summoned to King Saul’s tent, which is at the back of the encampment. Where is this ‘tall Saul’? Why isn’t he out there challenging Goliath? Isn’t he the Lord’s anointed? I guess it isn’t for me to judge that, but I do see it as curious. His brothers? Why weren’t David’s older, soldier brothers out there crossing the brook and heading up to face the one defying God’s people? I also wonder why it isn’t more disgusting for us even now to hear of a traitorous act of a fellow disciple talking down on other disciples with the world? Aren’t they just running down the cause of Christ? Why were the brothers discouraging David? Why were they running him down? When the fate of the nation of Israel and their potential slavery hang in the balance, why would they be chastising and making fun of their own brother David for having zeal for God? Easy, they are: posers. A poser is one who poses themselves to be something, but in all reality they are not. A longer form can in some cases be: an imposter. The meaning is lost in that though. The word poser fits perfectly. A person who is set in place such as a model in a studied position. They are simply there to warm a spot. Mostly it is one who ‘affects an attitude or character usually to deceive or impress’.
Are there posers today you think? Those who affect an attitude or character usually to deceive or impress? Yes, many. Unfortunately, as it was then, it is now. They are set to distract from what is going on spiritually. They are posing. Jesus marked them out in Philadelphia as a problem. He is telling this church of “little strength” that He indeed is on the case and He knows. He knows what they knew and infinitely more. “Workers of Satan”. That is very heavy. They are not working for Jesus, no matter what they say. Putting this with the contextual understanding of the verse above, they are helping believers deny Christ, and by stamping them out, by death in some cases. They are rats, siding with the society around, against the followers within. This is no different than pagan worship. By the way— all worship to anyone but Jesus is pagan worship. Jew by birth, but not spiritual jews at all. When Jesus said— “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan…” He was saying a lot. Posing to be spiritual, He defines them of a different kind of assembly all together. Posers. He explains— “…which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie…” Jews in a national blessing sense. Chosen people destined for the true kingdom. The scripture says that once I received Christ’s free offer of salvation, I was engrafted into this line as well (Romans 11.11-24). From this passage a true Jew is not one who is ‘born that way’ necessarily, it is one who is of Abraham’s covenant, answered in Jesus Christ. These that were causing problems that most posers do, are exposed by Jesus for who they really are. They are liars (do lie). They aren’t what they really are saying they are. They are disingenuous at the least. Here is what Jesus says He plans to do with them— “behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” In the millennial reign they will bow to (serve) you for those earthly reigning years as joint heirs with Christ.
And then Jesus gives the ones who are authentic, genuine to the faith a word of blessing. He says in verse 10— “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience”. Patience is steadfastness or patient endurance. It says this was done with the word. The revelation of Christ or the Word of God. To “keep” is to guard to ensure it will be obeyed. One who has obeyed and obeyed until the very end. No slack or backing off. When you guard it, you ensure your obedience of it. This is rewarded. A poser won’t die for this. Jesus continues with— “I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” He will guard us “…from the hour of temptation”. This is in reference to the tribulation. His saints saved before will not face this. Hallelujah! 1 and 2 Thessalonians speaks of this prolifically, and so we will not take the time here. He clarifies: “…which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” This is the end. It is coming and the Lord tells this church to keep going patiently until then.
Jesus has been focused here on those who are working to tear it all down. Those who would ‘shut the door’ if given the chance. Some may be unsaved, posing to that degree. Some may simply be believers, but disingenuous about their fellowship with God. They aren’t growing, bitter possibly, or just disillusioned with it all. Jesus made it clear that we need to— “…sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” (Luke 14). This is discipleship. This is surrender. This is being a servant-member. This is taking it serious that we will give an account to God shortly. How shortly? Well, in verse 11 of Revelation 3 Jesus said— “Behold, I come quickly…” That is instantaneously when it happens. When exactly? Soon. How soon? No idea, but I hope it is right after I post this. Just as the church of Philadelphia was steadfast and “kept (keep) the word with patience”, so should every true disciple in every church that is Jesus’. As He said— “hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” (11)