(The Rightful King)

“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:

These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.” vs7

Men think that they have the keys to the kingdom, but they do not. They think that they can stop a man by slander and envy, but they cannot. They can throw Joseph in the pit, but they can’t keep God from exalting him.

God does not look for man’s permission to magnify someone that’s trusting Christ. He looks into the heart and calls out David. Twenty years may pass before he reaches the throne, but he’s GOD’S ANNOINTED the whole time.

It is best for us to get with the program - to recognize those God exalts by good works and giftedness, rather than to oppose Him for selfish reasons. Bunyan will do more damage in prison, than if they let him preach. Whitefield will reach more people, because they forbade him the churches. Wycliffe’s blood will be shed, but it will spark a greater Reformation.

The Lord God sits on the throne. We only have to honor Him, sincerely, and He will see us. Never cower or waver before men. Never let them bind your conscience. Obey Christ, and honor men as they’re due. Even as Paul publicly rebuked Peter.

If we think men hold the keys, they'll enslave us, as little lords. No, there is one King and one way to Him, which is by faith in His written word.

Secondly, they will know in due time that He has loved you [vs8-9].

“I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. For you have only a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name. Look at those who belong to the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews but are liars instead. I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I love you.”

He may let them prevail now, even as they murdered Christ, but there will be a resurrection. James may fall to the sword, but the worms soon eat Herod [Acts 12:20-24]. He’ll awake to see James in white garments, while he himself is cast out.

God is a REWARDER OF THE RIGHTEOUS. It doesn’t always appear that way, but He keeps books [Rev 20:12-13].

I was thinking about the impact of slander, how it can dog a man his whole life. It cannot, however, change God’s verdict! He sees man clearly. He is not persuaded by false reports. He knows the motives of the accused and the accuser!

Bless God. We have One who sees all. We can fall before the Judge and say, “You know that I love you.” Like David, we can say,

“So the LORD has repaid me according to my righteousness,

according to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.” --Ps 18:24

David knew the accusations were false. He loved Saul and mourned his death. Yet, Saul hunted him like a bird, full of envy and jealousy. Eventually, Saul must die by his own sword, and David reigns instead. Now, David is in Paradise, while Saul awaits the Judgment! All Saul had to do was bow, like Jonathan, recognizing the Lord’s anointed [1 Sam 18:3-4]. He would have been exalted! Oh, how different the story would have been if he only humbled himself, and said, “The Lord has chosen you, and I will honor you: the rightful king.” He would have ended in praise.

Brothers, don’t get into slander, jealousy, and envy. Recognize grace in your brothers and love them. There’s enough in Christ and enough ministry for all of us!

Finally, hear, if you can [vs13]. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Don’t be carried away by disappointment. Overcome this too. Pick sweet flowers in the valley, and help people up the mountain. Understand that grace has made you to differ, and walk with fear and trembling. Paul told Titus,

“In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed to have nothing bad to say about us.”-- Titus 2:7-8