Revelation 3:1-6
Please read your Bible text: Rev 3:1-6
Unlike all the other churches, notice there is no commendation for the church of Sardis.
Emptied of spiritual power – vv.1-3
The Lord came to Sardis as the One who holds the 7 Spirits and 7 stars – typifying the fullness and completion of His life and power (7 is the God’s perfect number of fullness and completion). But compared to the church here in Sardis – she is at best incomplete and at worst emptied of spiritual life and power. Simply put, the Sardis Church is a dead church!
We may hang on to a set of doctrines and have all the liturgies of church life yet devoid of the Spirit’s presence and power. Jesus put it succinctly – having the reputation of being alive but dead! Often, we are good starters but poor finishers. This is a sign of death creeping in to rob us of life and power. Thus, our deeds are not found to be complete in God’s sight (v.2).
Strengthen what remains – vv.2-3
The Lord’s counsel is – “Wake up and strengthen what remains and about to die”. What remains may well be a smoldering wick, but so long there is still the breath of fire – we must act fast before it is too late! Jesus may return suddenly so we ought to be ready. The time to wake up from our slumber is now. What is it about you that is going to die? Is it your hope and dream? Is it your passion? Is it your marriage? The Lord who said, “Strengthen what that remains” will also by His grace, enables you.
Reassuring our place in His salvation – vv.4-6
The overcomer shall be dressed in white typifying Jesus’ garment of righteousness. This also symbolizes the security or the reassurance of our place in His salvation. But best of all – the Lord will acknowledge me before the Father and His angelic host. Can you imagine – what grand introduction is going to be for us in Heaven one day!
Think: What is remaining in your life?
Prayer: Lord, we pray that you will enable us by your grace to strengthen what is remaining… the little joy, the little love, the little faith, and passion. So that we may stick it out over the long haul…Give us strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy…Strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that the Father has for us…
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