The Letter to the Church in Sardis

 

[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).

 

When I was in high school, one of the rainy-day games we played in lieu of outdoor football practice was called “last man standing.” The coach would put four wall mats together on the floor of the gym as everyone on the team gathered on hands and knees on them. The object of the “game” was to be the last person left on the mats. There were no rules, which led to a pretty rowdy exercise. Usually the winner consisted of one of the bigger guys, typically a guard or tackle. As the number dwindled left on the mat it became more strategic as teams formed to corner one person and force them off the mat. Of course, the “last man standing” needed be especially wary at the end avoiding a sneak attack from others.

 

The city of Sardis had a citadel on top of a mountain. The residents considered themselves safe from all enemies. But they became complacent and lazy about defense, and the city was captured. The church at Sardis had apparently followed a similar path. Prone to laziness in their spiritual life, the church was headed for destruction. Jesus knew their deeds and was not impressed. Though they had a reputation of being alive and healthy, the Lord of the church saw the truth and said, “You are dead.” Even so, Jesus graciously urged them to remember what they had received and heard. Calling them to repent, he gave them hope.

 

Sometimes in our walk to the chapel we can become complacent, especially when it seems as if everything is going well. We must take care to remember what we have received and heard. We must be intentional and alert to dangers both within and outside our immediate circumstance.  Our enemy never rests in his plotting against us!