August 10, 2023

Revelation 3:1-13 (HCSB)
The Letter to Sardis
3 “Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: “The One who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead. 2 Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. But if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you. 4 But you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes, and they will walk with Me in white, because they are worthy. 5 In the same way, the victor will be dressed in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
The Letter to Philadelphia
7 “Write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: “The Holy One, the True One, the One who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, and closes and no one opens says: 8 I know your works. Because you have limited strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name, look, I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close. 9 Take note! I will make those from the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews and are not, but are lying—note this—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 11 I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown. 12 The victor: I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God, and he will never go out again. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God—the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God—and My new name. 13 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.

Adrian Bullard
How long do we live astray or at a distance from God? When addressing the church of Sardis it is evident that they have fallen short, as we all do at times. Jesus warns them to become aware of where their relationship stands with Him because they do not know when He will come back. It is important we be aware of stagnation in our relationship with God and do not become comfortable with how we are living. Our relationship with God is a growing one. Jesus next brings comfort to the depth of His relationship with us by describing the position He is holding for His people in Heaven; “I have placed you in front of an open door no one can close..I will keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole world..I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of my God.” It is a relief to know God is holding our position, yearning for us to take our place.