DEVOTIONAL: Wake Up, Strengthen What Remains

Revelation 3:1-6 (NIV). 

Reads:
"To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 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. Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 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."

Imagine a grand, historic clock tower in the center of a bustling town. The clock, a symbol of the town’s prosperity and pride, stands tall but its hands are frozen, and its chimes are silent. The townspeople, engrossed in their daily routines, pass by without noticing the lifeless state of their iconic clock. It has the appearance of grandeur but is functionally dead. This is the state of the church in Sardis: a reputation for vibrancy but in reality, spiritually dormant.

The church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive, yet Jesus saw through the façade and declared it dead (Revelation 3:1). The Greek word for "alive": (ζῶν) denotes true spiritual vitality, which Sardis lacked. Jesus' call to "wake up" (from the Greek: γρηγορέω) and "strengthen" (στηρίζω) what remained, implies an urgent need for revival. Their deeds were incomplete before God, indicating a superficial faith devoid of true spiritual substance.

Jesus advises them to "remember" from the Greek word  (μνημονεύω)) the teachings they once received and "repent" (In Greek: μετανοέω) from their spiritual lethargy. Repentance involves a profound transformation and renewal of commitment to Christ. The warning of Christ coming "like a thief" (In Greek: κλέπτης) underscores the sudden and unexpected nature of His judgment for those who remain spiritually complacent.

Despite the overall spiritual decline, there were a few in Sardis who remained faithful, "not soiled their clothes" (Revelation 3:4). These individuals are promised to walk with Christ in white garments, symbolizing purity and victory (in Greek: λευκός). The assurance that their names will not be blotted out from the book of life (in Greek: βιβλίον τῆς ζωῆς) offers hope for eternal life to those who overcome.

Applications for this devotional:
1. **Spiritual Vigilance**: Regularly assess your spiritual health and ensure your faith is not merely outwardly vibrant but inwardly alive. 
2. **Repentance and Renewal**: Embrace repentance and continually seek spiritual renewal to avoid complacency. 
3. **Faithfulness**: Strive to be among the faithful remnant who remain pure and devoted to Christ. 
4. **Eternal Perspective**: Focus on the promise of eternal life and the assurance that faithful living leads to eternal reward.

Conclusion
The message to the church in Sardis is a sobering reminder of the dangers of spiritual complacency. Jesus' call to "wake up" and "strengthen what remains" is as relevant today as it was then. By remaining vigilant, repentant, and faithful, we can ensure our lives reflect true spiritual vitality.

Todays Challenge is:
This week, take time to reflect on your spiritual condition. Identify areas where you may have become complacent and seek ways to strengthen your faith. Commit to regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers to foster spiritual growth.

Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You, recognizing our need for spiritual awakening. Forgive us for any areas of complacency in our lives. Help us to remember and hold fast to Your teachings, to repent and seek renewal. May we be found among those who walk faithfully with You, dressed in white. Strengthen what remains in us and help us live lives that reflect true spiritual vitality. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.