A Wake Up Call

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things says he that has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know your works, that you have a name that you live, and 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.  (Revelation 3:1-2. KJ2000)


Perhaps you know a church like this.  I do.  It was many years ago, but the memory cannot be erased. 

I was a young man in a new city.  New to the church, I was awed by the brilliance of the preacher—his sermons were magnificent.  How stunning to overhear an elderly parishioner say, "Isn't it a shame he's lost his touch?"  Evidently he was a magnificent preacher.  Evidently they were sermon samplers—not sermon followers.

For the church was practically dead.  The preaching was eloquent, but not to the point.  Consider the symptoms:

The preaching was great—but never on a subject which might possibly offend the hearers.
There were lots of social activities—but very few spiritual activities.

Another telltale sign:  there was money associated with everything, for giving was very poor.

But it is my pleasure to tell you that the church in question followed the advice of our Lord.  As time went by, more and more Christians became dissatisfied.

First there came the "wake up call."  It was in the form of a congregational meeting.  One of the members was a lawyer, and I have never heard so masterly an indictment.  From this sprang repentance.

Next, they moved to strengthen what was still alive.  A new minister was called;  old forms were overthrown and discarded.  But those things which God had continued to bless—such as their charity towards some of the poorer churches—were strengthened and blossomed for Christ.

They began to complete the work God had given them.  It is not enough to begin;  all through this book we see the thought that we must carry on our tasks to completion for the Lord.

It happens that I do not know the end of the story.  Changes in my life took me away from that congregation.  So I cannot tell you if their awakening bore fruit for the Lord or not.  But one thing I can tell you:  our Lord said he would come like a thief in the night.  He comes without warning, and for that reason alone we are to be ready.  So he says to the nearly dead what he says to the vibrant living:  watch!