The church in Sardis - Pt. 2

 

[Jesus said] “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3:1-6 ESV).

 

As he continues in his letter to the church in Sardis, Jesus speaks with love and care for the few faithful believers who remain. Sardis has a “reputation of being alive,” but for some reason only a few members are faithful. They had form without fact. Many of the people in this church looked like believers, though their behavior was anything but Christ-like. This, like the other letters, is a very contemporary message to our culture.

 

I have witnessed these churches first-hand. They were once big and bustling with many ministries, but now they are no more than a remnant of what once was. The main body of believers drifted away or lost their drive. There are many reasons for declining numbers and changes in membership. In fact, there are shelves full of books written to explain this decline. However, there are few with a better explanation of what needs to be done than the words of Jesus in our reading today. He simply says, “Wake up.”

 

Many churches in our global community are made up of “a few people.” If you are part of a declining church or are just small in number, be encouraged by Jesus’ words. Ask him for guidance and to help you remain faithful. Jesus praises the few who remain faithful despite apathy in the community around them, or trends that may draw some members away. Though “the few” might not be seen as a “success” in terms of numbers, Jesus will acknowledge them. He knows who his people are.

 

This is a powerful encouragement to followers of Christ who may feel small and insignificant. Be faithful and know that the Lord stands with you.