Sardis, the ancient capital of Lydia, had a reputation for being financially affluent, often times carrying a reputation of false security. God, through the Bible, continually shows humans how our thoughts are simply different than God’s thoughts. To this church Jesus addresses their reputation of "good works" or even giving life to the community, but reveals that what may look like good fruits in our eyes isn’t always necessarily how God sees kingdom fruit.
“I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” Rev 3:1
Dead deeds are things that mainly benefit the giver rather than the recipient. Being the restorative God that he is, he goes on to tell this body of believers how to find themselves on the right path again, beginning with true repentance. Although their efforts may be fleeting or surface level commitment, Jesus reminds them that there at one point was some life within their community.
Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Rev 3:2-3
He brings them back to the original message they had heard, to repent, to turn, to flee from all their culture is offering them, however if they choose not to, they will be handed over to their hearts desire. This statement echoes another sobering statement found in Hebrews 10:26 “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,”
Although Jesus is blatantly honest about their lack of true commitment, there are still some who “have not soiled their clothes”. Vs4a
Pure or unblemished robes eludes to a pure heart (Psalm 51:7) one who’s heart is completely faithful to Jesus and his decrees. The one’s who Jesus calls “worthy”, are the ones who have remained steadfast and faithful to the ways of Jesus.
They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. Vs4b
Jesus reminds this church and even us today that our faith and belief in Jesus will be seen in our commitment to his decrees and living a life that he has set forth both in word and deed.
The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. vs 5-6
Those of us who have a willingness to be corrected, to be humble, who remain steadfast to the ways of Jesus until the end are those whose name is acknowledged to the Father and written in the book of life. This is a far cry from many of our modern day messages that focus on salvific decisions, but rather point us back to a way of life that God's people were designed to live.
*The cover image is what remains today of the city of Sardis, a sobering reminder of the fleeting security of money and riches.
