Today’s Reading:
Revelation 3:1-6
“And to the angel of the church in 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. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore, if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (v. 1—6 NKJV)
Sardis was built in two locations firstly kingdom of Lydia was located on a hill and secondly for expansion was located in the valley. It was the center of many major Roman roads. Its citizens zealously promoted emperor worship and were famous for their luxurious, indulgent lifestyles. Being built on a steep hill, Sardis was considered impregnable to attack. But twice enemy troops captured the city because of failure to keep watch.
Of all the reputation of the Sardis for being active, the deeds of the people were evil, and their clothes were soiled. Therefore, the church is infested with sin and the majority of the people in the church are spiritually dead (v. 4) whereas, others may be faithful to God. And to get back to the basics of the Christian faith, they should obey the truth they had heard when they first believed. We must grow in our knowledge of the Lord, to deepen our understanding through careful study. But then, no matter the depth of our learning, we must never abandon the basic truth about Jesus Christ. He is the only Son of God the Father, and His sacrifice for sin permanently stands out. We should know that there will never be a new truth from God that will contradict this biblical truth.
To be clothed in white is to be made pure and set apart for God (v. 5). Christ promised future honour and eternal life to everyone who stands firm in their faith to the end. The Book of Life contains the list of names of all who believed indicating God’s knowledge of all who belonged to him. Such names are introduced to the host of heaven and are displayed in the Book of Life as those who will stay with Christ in eternity (Luke 12:8-9; Rom. 8:36-39).
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: Father, thank you for Jesus Christ. Forgive my sins, take control of my heart, and lead me in your righteous path by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord. If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.
Prayer:
Father forgive our sins as individuals, family, society, and nation, as the body of Christ, forgive the sins of our fathers, in Jesus' name.
Let the blood of Jesus cleanse my foundation from the evil deposit, cleanse me from all filth, dirt, and contamination, in Jesus' name.
O Lord, stir up Your strength and come and save us, in Jesus' name.
Restore us, O God, cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved, in Jesus' name.
Holy Spirit fill me afresh with your power, fire, anointing, and enablement; sanctify me holy for Your use, in Jesus' name.
O Lord create in me a pure heart; renew a right, teachable, and humble spirit within me in Jesus' name.
Our Father, visit Christian homes with Your love and mercy, unite the husband, the wife, and the children to build a god-fearing family to the glory of Your name, in Jesus' name.
Unit the body of Christ with your love to harmoniously proclaim the Gospel of truth, in Jesus' name.
We commit the leaders of the church to Your care, Lord, grant them the fear of You in all their decisions, in Jesus' name.
… O Shepherd of Israel, You who leads Joseph like a flock, You who dwells amid cherubims, shine forth. Stir up Your strength and come and save the nations of the world, especially our nation Nigeria. Turn us again, and cause your face to shine, and we shall be saved, in Jesus' name. (Ps. 80:1).
Comentários