A Revelation Invitation

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: …
“‘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.’” (Revelation 3:1a,1c-2 ESV)

We had been good friends all through grade school. Having stepped off the bus, we walked toward the playground. It was another typical morning, nothing remarkable about our conversation—the usual stuff boys talk about. Then out of the blue my friend with mild irritation said to me, “You’re always bragging about yourself.” Wow, that was unexpected. Although the conversation ended, I began processing, “How should I take that? With anger? Embarrassment? Resentment? Defensiveness? Or with some soul-searching?” Even though good friends should be free to speak frankly to each other, I was still surprised to hear him voice this criticism. I had no idea he saw me this way. Was this also the way others viewed me? It was a wake-up call. From that moment, taking my friend’s judgment to heart, I began reevaluating how I spoke and related to others. This assessment which pained me sharply turned out to be a gift that would keep on giving for a lifetime. From that day forward our relationship became more meaningful and all my relationships deepened because I had heeded my friend’s wake up call.

When the church in Sardis heard these words from Jesus, “Wake up,” they too were likely pained as well as alarmed. Or at the least they should have been because they were in danger. He told them they were dead. And what little there was that wasn’t dead was about to die like a branch of a tree that no longer bears fruit. For the health of the tree, the gardener cuts off that branch. Magnifying the danger was their utter lack of awareness. They didn’t see it! That is the reason for such a sharp rebuke. “Wake up!” They were floating through life unaware of their condition which Jesus saw clearly. His brusque, stinging warning was a gift, an act of love.

So what exactly was the problem that they were blind to? Sardis was a city with a glorious past having been the capital of the Lydian Empire centuries earlier. The city played a prominent role in Greek and Roman times as well. But it no longer held any significant prominence in the region’s affairs. Its historical reputation exaggerated the city’s true importance. So too the church had at one time been a great one. But resting on their reputation, they had become complacent. In the eyes of others, they may have been doing well. After all, they had been disciples of Jesus for many years. But God is not impressed with the longevity of past service but rather with devotion in the present. In essence, Jesus was saying, “You may impress everyone else, but you don’t impress me.” The church may have bristled at the exhortation to wake up because they seemed to think pretty highly of themselves. Nevertheless, their years of service did not negate the need to repent. Was Jesus still the love of their lives as he had been when they first confessed him as Lord? Did they think it was enough simply to show up on Sundays? Without renewed devotion, Jesus’ swift (like a thief) judgment awaited them.

Exhortations to wake up or to be on your guard should be sobering if not frightening. Directives like these are aimed at people who are unaware. When we hear such words, we should humbly take stock of our lives to see how we might be falling short, or in danger. A good reputation is comforting and encouraging if it is earned. But a good reputation can also lead to complacency, to letting our guard down. We must be vigilant lest the evil one gains a foothold in our churches and in our hearts. When these pointed commands are directed at us, we need to trust the speaker. He is not the enemy. His words may hurt, but they are the words of one who loves us, one who does not want to lose us.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for being forthright with me. Give me insight into my shortcomings that I may change and grow. I see that a reputation can deceive—both myself and others. I want to see myself as you see me. The comfort of your grace and mercy assures me that you want me in your fellowship. Wake me up from my complacency. Strengthen in me what may be about to die. Hold me in your right hand. Amen.