Revelation 3 reminds me of our seasons of relative wealth. As children, we live in our parent’s home in the environment they created. We know no other way until we visit friends. We quickly see that some kids have more stuff. Today’s lesson is about careful investing. John continues writing the words of Jesus to the remining churches. “To the Church in Sardis… you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up!” Sardis was a well-fortified city, yet it was overtaken twice. This church is like the spoiled rich kid that never had to struggle. John writes: “I have found your deeds unfinished.” John urges them to: “Remember… what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent.” Lots of young folks raised in the church have fallen asleep spiritually. They have been sheltered from much. In the absence of adversity, life lessons are often ignored. They are reminded that Messiah will return: “if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief… you will not know at what time I will come to you.” Some will be found unprepared, but others will not have “soiled their clothes.” Of that group, He writes: “I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life.” Friend, your privilege came through the sacrifice of one who loved you without limit. Is it time to accept responsibility and continue building on the legacy you have been given?
“To the Church in Philadelphia” John writes: “I know your deeds… I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.” This city was built on a busy trade route. It was littered with Greek temples and a large synagogue. This church was like one raised in poverty with little opportunity. Perhaps they saw how faith prevailed when everything else failed. Jesus says: “you have kept My command to endure patiently, I will… keep you from the hour of trial.” The world teaches that violence is both the result and the answer to poverty. Many have overcome emptiness by finding an example of one who overcame. Hopelessness needs to know “Him who is holy and true, who holds the key… What He opens no one can shut.” Jesus offers hope. “I am coming soon… Hold on… so that no one will take your crown.” He gives a promise to those that endure: “I will make [them] a pillar in the temple of My God.” They are the firm foundation: “Never again will they leave it.” Maybe you can be an example to the spiritually destitute?
Finally, he writes to: “the church in Laodicea.” This city was the center of commerce. They had the best of everything. They are like the self-made billionaire, driven to succeed. They say: “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” Extreme wealth can produce an attitude of infallibility. No one dares correct the powerful. But Jesus says: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.” This church was outwardly religious without submitting to the authority of Christ. It has been said that Jesus is either Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all. They are rejected: “because you are lukewarm… I am about to spit you out of My mouth.” He rightly judges their spiritual condition: “you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” In truth, nearly all of us overestimate our own goodness. God’s standard is perfection, and all of us fall short. Jesus continues: “Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline.” That means it is not too late to change. He concludes: “So be earnest and repent.” Is it time to admit you do not have all the answers? Jesus says: “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person.” No season is permanent. No matter where you started, today you can receive salvation by faith in the blood of Christ. “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Friend, is it time to change your investment strategy?