Jesus the Doorman

Doorman ( noun): a person (especially a man) whose job is to stand next to the main door of a building (such as a hotel or apartment building) and help people by opening the door, calling taxis, etc.

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Revelation 3:7-13

Visiting big cities reminds me of movies and days of the past. They would have doorman standing at buildings to open the doors and likely to also serve as bouncers. There is a welcoming presence as well as a sense of safety when you see these guys dressed in their official uniforms.

The letter to the church in Philadelphia features Jesus as the doorman. It turns out that these people were oppressed in some sense. “Little power” v8. They seem to be oppressed by a group of leaders that Jesus calls “liars” and gives them the name “Synagogue of Satan.” From the letter you get the sense that they are a group that does not accept followers of Jesus. They bar them at the door, so to speak. But Jesus comes along and with the cheerful and repetitious, “behold” (not seen in all translations). It is a command to be amazed, to look and see what wondrous thing He is doing. 

He commends them for keeping His word and for not denying His name. For living out a patient endurance. He promises to them that He will open the door and no one can shut it. He will welcome them in, making them a pillar in the temple. He will protect them from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world. He will give them a new name, three times over. Just imagine after not being accepted for years and years. And then finally being accepted in such a high and exalted way. Plus all the haters around you are forced to grovel at your feet and see the truth that you are one of the beloved of God.

Jesus promises to be our rescuer. When the people around you, don’t accept you. When they spread nothing but hate. When you feel like the bottom of the barrel. Jesus loves you. He tells you are on the inside, not the outside. You are celebrated, safe, and loved.

Do you know someone that needs to hear this good news? Go and tell them!