SCRIPTURE: The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. Revelation 5:12 ESV
THOUGHT: The final promise to the church at Philadelphia really deserves some pondering. What does it mean to be a pillar in the temple of God? What does it mean to never go out of that sacred place again, and to have the name of God, the name of his city, and the new name of Jesus written on you?
Here’s what it means to me: worship of God is the primary focus of the temple and the people who dwell there are worshipers and servants of the Most High. The presence of God dwelt there from ancient times in the Holy of Holies and that presence was so thick only the high priest could enter once a year, and that on behalf of others. It’s where, instead of the traditional alter where sacrifices were made, blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat representing God’s throne. It’s where the veil between God and man was torn at Jesus’ death, as his own blood was sacrificed, once for all. To dwell there is to dwell in the holiest place of all.
To be a pillar in the temple of God is a gift to those who conquer – a gift of strength and perpetual endurance for those who fought the good fight. To never leave it is to have found a home, a place of safety and significance that cannot be taken away. You may have lost homes and security and “place” in this life, but you won’t in the next. To have these three names written on you by the finger of Jesus Christ is like having his words engraved on your heart. It’s like him saying, “you belong here, beloved.”
It’s like taking his last name as your own and marrying into the family and the family home and the family city – and belonging. Sounds like heaven.
SONG: Ever Be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIkQ9I_xjdw
PRAYER: Oh God, I probably don’t really understand a fraction of what you promised the church in Philadelphia. It’s hard with human understanding to fathom what you mean by pillar, and temple as home, and sacred names written on me – but I know this: I want to be among the conquerors in the temple of my God.
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Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
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