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I’m finding a ton of practical spiritual food in the beginning chapters of Revelation, so much that I’m not even sure how I should write about it... This letter, or book as we would call it, came from Jesus through John to seven churches in the early days of major persecution. Emperor Trajan had declared it illegal to be a Christian. Any Christian who was found would be given a choice: deny Jesus and worship Roman gods, or face being imprisoned, flogged, or even killed. Jesus’ message to each of the churches was to prepare them for this growing persecution.   

Last week I wrote about the word zealous. The word for this week is endurance. Those of the churches who would hear and follow Jesus’ instructions were people of endurance. Jesus commends the church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3:10…  

Because you have kept my word about patient endurance… Revelation 3:10 ESV  

The word endurance comes from a Greek word, hypomone. Mone means “to stay”. So hypo-mone means “hyper-stay”. The literal meaning is endurance, steadfastness, constancy.  

This word is also used in Hebrews 12:2, which says that Jesus endured the cross. He endured being viciously mocked, He endured every one of the 39 lashes of a Roman whip. He endured the excruciating pain of nails being driven through His hands and feet... He endured.   

Let’s look at ourselves… How are we doing? What about our troubles, worries, pains, and disappointments? Are we people of endurance? Are we being steadfast, constant, and enduring? Are we being strong, durable, steady?  

There’s more to the passage in Hebrews that makes all the difference. It says, “...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder, and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross…”  When we realize and fully grasp the measureless joy that life in Jesus brings us, we can endure too.   

Jesus is our reason. He’s the One. He’s our source of joy. He will help us endure in our battle against sin, pain, hardship, disappointment, and all the other negative stuff we face each day.  

 I want to be a person of endurance. Do you?   

This Sunday, we are in part four of our series, Love the City. I hope you will plan to join us at 9:00 or 10:40 am.   

Grace & Peace!

Pastor Tom