April 16 | Revelation 3:1-6
- Judy Webb
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
The Church that fell asleep
By Judy Webb
If it is said that Sardis fell asleep, that must mean at one time it was very much awake. It once was a place where the people went to learn about and to walk with Jesus. So, what changed? How does a vital thriving church die?
Reading the history of Sardis, one can get a clue. This ancient city was once a powerful and wealthy place to live. It is known as the birthplace of coinage, the capital of Lydia. It is thought that many attempted to overtake Sardis and because of their complacency and perhaps overconfidence Sardis eventually fell to the Persians.
Jesus instructed John to write to the seven churches: Sardis being one of them. “I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead.” (Revelation 3:1) Their reputation did not match the reality in the eyes of the Lord. Though one of the most powerful and richest cities in the region, it was weakened by moral decay.
But the good news is there were some in this church who did walk with the Lord. They are the remnant and God can do great things for this worthy remnant. “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.” (v.5)
The Church in Sardis, compromised by its pagan surroundings, was told to repent. When reading Revelation, do you get the feeling we are experiencing history repeating itself? Could the church of Sardis cited in our reading be mistaken for a church we know? Let us pray for all churches to be strong and continue following Jesus and Truth.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, teach us to listen to your Word, to heed your warnings and to repent, never to repeat our foolish ways again. We must not become complacent, but actively seek you and your perfect way. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JUDY WEBB
I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.
Judy, thank you. Good things to remember. By the way did anyone know that there is a small town in Ohio called Sardis? Visited there and probably had family there years ago. Will look into why is was called Sardis. Probably had to do with the Swiss people who where first settlers.