Verse of the Day 8/11

 

Revelation 3:1b -2'I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. ² 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.  English Standard Version (ESV)

 

These words were spoken by Jesus through John to the church at Sardis.  They could be said of many churches and individuals today.

 

What is the difference between "reputation" and "character"?  Reputation has to do with what others think of you based on what you've done, how you've lived your life in the past up to this point.  Character has to do with the real you, who you really are.  Some may be able to go on for quite a while based on reputation, but depending on reputation to see you through will not last forever.  You won't be able to depend on your past deeds forever.  The verse indicates that if we as Christians depend our our past works that we are really dead.

 

What is the answer for the church in Sardis, for churches today, for some of us as individuals?  Wake up, strengthen what remains, those "remnants" of your faith, and get back in the game.  Remember what He has done for you in the past, look for His promises for the future.

 

The passage ends with verse 6 where Jesus says, "he who has an ear, let Him hear what the Spirit says" to the churches, to us.  We all have ears but are we listening to what the Spirit is calling us to do?  May we finish the work that He started.  May we prove that there's "life in you yet" (v.2 The Message).

 

Philippians 1:6And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.  English Standard Version (ESV)

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Revelation 3:1-3The Message (MSG)

To Sardis

3 Write this to Sardis, to the Angel of the church. The One holding the Seven Spirits of God in one hand, a firm grip on the Seven Stars with the other, speaks:

"I see right through your work. You have a reputation for vigor and zest, but you're dead, stone-dead.

^2-3 "Up on your feet! Take a deep breath! Maybe there's life in you yet. But I wouldn't know it by looking at your busywork; nothing of God's work has been completed. Your condition is desperate. Think of the gift you once had in your hands, the Message you heard with your ears—grasp it again and turn back to God.

"If you pull the covers back over your head and sleep on, oblivious to God, I'll return when you least expect it, break into your life like a thief in the night.