READ: James 2:14-26
And to … Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. – Rev. 3:1
The Lord Jesus Christ, the king of the church, walks among His churches and assesses their faith life: He knows their works and points them out. To the leader of Sardis, He says succinctly: you are dead. Their works are incomplete, devoid of substance (vs. 3). Could it be worse? When Christ addresses them, He also intends to help them. He wants to revive their living faith by renewing their hearts. But for this, they must focus on Him. Therefore, He reveals Himself to them as the Son of God who possesses the Spirit of God.
He also has control over seven stars. He holds the angels, the messengers, the leaders of the seven churches securely (Rev. 1:20). They belong to Him: they must reflect His light, nourishing the church with the Gospel so they bear the fruits of the Spirit.
Christ’s judgment will be a complete surprise to the church. They believe themselves to be a living congregation. Don’t they have a good “reputation,” a good appearance? Who doesn’t mention it: the other churches or the world? Externally, things seem fine. But how different is the Lord’s judgment!
Christ sees beyond their appearance and offers the right diagnosis: they are the opposite of what they think, not alive but dead. They serve God dutifully, formally, without a heart that yearns for Him. Everything is done out of habit and routine, lacking loving zeal. Their church attendance, their Bible reading, their prayer life, and their interactions lack a compassionate heart full of wonder and gratitude. They live in a haze.
The Lord has no positive words for the church as a whole. A total transformation is necessary. That can only come through His Word and Spirit. That’s precisely why He addresses them so seriously.
How do we stand regarding our faith life?
Singing: Ps. 139:13