A Revelation Invitation

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: …
“‘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 3:7a,12 ESV)

In AD 17 the city of Philadelphia was devastated by an earthquake. Imagine the catastrophic destruction that leveled the majestic and ornate marble and granite structures, not least of which were the temples to the gods. The idols within those temples toppled as the walls, pillars and roofs collapsed in on them. The devastation was so extensive that the Roman emperor Tiberius temporarily relieved the city of its tax obligations (and even made a donation himself) so that they could rebuild. In the aftermath of the earthquake came a message for those who had a mind to hear it: Those gods you worship are weak and powerless. If they cannot even protect themselves, they are impotent. Petitioning them is futile. In contrast God’s temple cannot be shaken because his temple is heaven itself. And Jesus assures the one who conquers that he will make him a column in that temple—unshakable and immovable—in the worship of the God of all creation. No worldly tribulation will topple or crush you. As a column in God’s temple, you have been given a permanent, honored place.

As a gesture of appreciation of Rome’s tax relief and Tiberius’ generosity, the city gave itself a new name: Neocaesaria, New City of Caesar. (The name appears on coins of that era.) In return Tiberias honored the citizens of his new city with a new name: Neocorate, Temple Warden (in their service to the temple of emperor worship). When the church in Philadelphia learned that Jesus was going to give them the name New Jerusalem, it would have prompted images of a formerly great city (like their own Philadelphia and also like David’s Jerusalem) that God had rebuilt in a manner of speaking into something more glorious than it had been previously. And by giving the one who conquers “my own new name” Jesus honored him for his devotion and service (as Caesar honored those he named his temple wardens).

People today are searching for a meaningful identity. Some find it as members of a family, some as members of a race or ethnic group. Others view themselves through their vocation or their social standing. Many look to their sexual orientation or political party for identity. In the letter to the church in Philadelphia, Jesus gives each one who conquers an identity far superior to any the world offers by making him a pillar in God’s temple. Jesus writes on him the name of his God, that is, he is set apart as belonging to the God of heaven. Jesus writes on him the name of the city of his God, that is, he is a citizen of New Jerusalem. Jesus writes on him his own new name reflecting our new identity enjoyed only by those in Christ. This is how Jesus sees us. So, how do we view ourselves? We have an identity that goes beyond ownership as if we are his property. The one who conquers enjoys a special place and status in God’s new city, in God’s new temple, in God’s new family.

On the day of judgment when everyone’s work will be tested by fire, the one who conquers will be standing firm as a pillar in God’s temple, a pillar in a temple that cannot be shaken. Those who have held fast will endure no more tribulations, no more persecutions or sufferings or fears. Then the city of God, the new Jerusalem, will come down from heaven where we will take our place as pillars in God’s temple.

God of heaven, I am honored that you have erected me as a column in your temple. I know that regardless of what happens to me in this world, my place in your temple is never in jeopardy. I am grateful that you have made me a citizen of your city and are transforming me into the likeness of your son. I look forward to the day that you bring heaven and earth together honoring me with your presence. Amen.