Most commonly, they’re known as the church of “brotherly love.” This morning, I’m chewing on the fact that they were also the church of but little power.

The church in Philadelphia, the sixth church of seven to receive a letter from Jesus. This time, He self-identifies as “the Holy One, the true One, the One who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, and who closes and no one opens” (Rev. 3:7). Jesus says He’s the door opener. Good thing, ’cause the saints in Philadelphia, it seems, living in the shadow of the “synagogue of Satan” (Rev. 3:9) weren’t in much of a position to open doors for themselves.

“I know your works. Look, I have placed before you an open door that no one can close because you have but little power; yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.”

(Revelation 3:8 CSB)

For the church of brotherly love, there were no “buts” of rebuke from the Great Shepherd who walks among the churches — only commendation. No correction, just “keep ons”. They had kept His word. They had kept true to His name. They had kept His command to endure (v. 10). And so, says the risen, reigning Lord, keep holding on (v.11).

Endure. Hold on. That was to be the mission and vision statement of this church of but little power.

Big crowds and tons of programs? Not here. But an open door? You bet! Because the One who’s business it is to open doors that on one can shut had placed an open door before this church of but little power.

So, “Keep on,” says the King.

“Your power is found in the promise of My presence and power,” declares the One who has the keys to every and all doors.

There’s respite and rest in a fresh realization that no matter how much power we think we have, we really have but little power. That no matter how much we think we can be the shakers and movers, we are but vessels in the Masters hand. That whatever doors we think we may have kicked down; it is actually Jesus who has opened them up.

Keep My word. Proclaim My name. Endure.

Be faithful. Keep on keepin’ on.

And know My might in your midst, though you have but little power.

By God’s grace. For God’s glory.