Open Doors
Revelation 3:7-13
Embracing God's Opportunities in Our Weakness
In the bustling city of Philadelphia, nestled on the edge of a volcanic zone, stood a small church. This church, though lacking in worldly strength, possessed something far more valuable - an unwavering faith in God and a commitment to His word. Their story, immortalized in the book of Revelation, offers us profound insights into how God works through our weaknesses and opens doors of opportunity we never thought possible.
The imagery of open doors permeates this narrative, reminding us of Jesus' words: "What he opens, no one can shut, and what he shuts, no one can open." This powerful metaphor speaks to both the gospel's invitation and the evangelistic opportunities God places before us. The open door represents salvation - a way that only Christ can provide, offering purpose, belonging, and love that the world cannot match.
But these open doors also symbolize the chances we have to share our faith and participate in God's work. As the apostle Paul wrote in various letters, God often opens "great doors for effective work" in our lives. The question is: are we attentive enough to notice these openings, and courageous enough to step through them?
Consider the ripple effect of one person's obedience. A young man, praying for opportunities to share his faith at work, invites a colleague to church. That colleague, in turn, brings another. Before long, a small group forms, all because someone was willing to walk through the door God opened.
This story challenges us to examine our own lives. What are your open doors? They might be in your home, at family gatherings, in classrooms, or even during a casual lunch with a pregnant waitress. God is constantly creating moments for us to share His love and truth. Our task is to develop the eyes to see these opportunities and the boldness to seize them.
However, we must remember that walking through these doors isn't always easy. Opposition is to be expected. As we step into the light, we're invading a kingdom of darkness that won't relinquish its hold without a fight. Yet, we're called to press on, walking in grace and truth, trusting that the Holy Spirit will do His work through our faithful obedience.
Interestingly, God often chooses to work through those the world deems weak or insignificant. The church in Philadelphia had "little strength," yet God opened a door of great opportunity before them. This echoes throughout Scripture - from the faith of a mustard seed to the widow's mite. It's not about our size, strength, or impressiveness. It's about our willingness to be used by God.
In our cultural moment, where the pressure to "fit in" and "look the part" is overwhelming, this message is particularly poignant. We're not called to attract the world through worldly strategies. Instead, our spiritual posture should be one of meekness and lowliness, trusting that the Holy Spirit will draw people to Himself through our authentic witness.
Robert Bela, a sociologist, once noted that a small group of people with a vision for a just and gentle world can have an impact far beyond their numbers. This was true of the early Christians, and it remains true today. When we embrace our weakness and allow God's strength to shine through, remarkable things can happen.
The world often fails to deliver on its promises, leaving people disillusioned and searching for something more. This is where the gospel shines brightest. As Romans 6 reminds us, in Christ we become "slaves to righteousness," finding true freedom and purpose. Our task is to speak of Jesus, even when it creates tension, without compromising our purity or the truth we proclaim.
We face two temptations in this mission: trying to fight worldly battles with worldly strategies, or insulating ourselves in an echo chamber of like-minded individuals. Neither approach aligns with Jesus' example. He engaged the world without compromising His message. We're called to do the same - to be missionaries disguised as teachers, plumbers, lawyers, coaches, and nurses, running into the world with the transformative message of Christ.
In our weakness, God's power is made perfect. The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes this paradox. From Gideon to David, God has used the weak to accomplish mighty deeds. When we boast in our weaknesses, as Paul did, we allow God's strength to shine through, giving Him all the glory.
This upside-down kingdom perspective means that even when everything seems to be falling apart, it might be an opportunity for God to do something incredible. In those moments when the enemy appears to be winning, we can trust in God's promise to vindicate His church and reveal the truth of our faith.
The story concludes with a beautiful promise - those who remain faithful will become pillars in God's temple, bearing His name and finding a permanent home in the New Jerusalem. This eternal perspective gives us the strength to persevere through present trials, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
As we reflect on these truths, let's ask ourselves: What open doors has God placed in our lives? Are we willing to step through them, even in our weakness? May we have the eyes to see the opportunities before us and the courage to embrace them, trusting that God's power is made perfect in our weakness.
In a world desperately seeking meaning and authenticity, our willingness to be used by God - imperfections and all - might just be the open door someone needs to encounter the transformative love of Christ. Let's step out in faith, for what God opens, no one can shut.