Walk through the book of Revelation with me (post 185). Revelation 3:1 “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” The congregation at Sardis enjoyed a reputation of being a church that was alive, but in reality they were dead. God does not judge the vital signs of HIS church the same way man may judge. Obviously, Sardis was producing good works which man praised, but, which Christ would say was less then perfect (v2). A church, even an individual disciple, may appear like an Eliab to people with natural site, but God says, “I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the natural appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Sam 16:7). Even, so, Sardis. The image the world saw did not reach the eyes of the Almighty; the praises the world heard did not reach the ears of the Eternal. Where the world saw life - He saw only death. Spiritual life is gained by one’s fellowship with God. In eating of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil our first parents broke fellowship with their Creator; to Yahweh they died – that day. The Hebrew reads “Dying, thou shalt die” (Gen 2:17). It may be that Mathew presents a portrait of many in Sardis when he writes of those who had prophesied in the Lord’s name, had cast out devils, and had done “many” other “wonderful works” only to hear the Lord say to them, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Mt 7:21-23). It is possible, dear reader, to become so involved in the work of the Lord, that one forgets to maintain a relationship with the Lord of the work. Had Sardis crossed this threshold? Most likely! There is no particular sin for which they are rebuked. The Lord’s only charge is deadness. To be continued. Peace to your house; ☩ Jerry Hayes
Posted on: Wed, 05 Feb 2014 17:48:39 +0000
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