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.
Revelation 3:3
Jesus addresses the fifth church which was located in Sardis. He urged them to wake up from their spiritual slumber. Today, this message resonates with believers all over the world, as we are often plagued with complacency.
Jesus begins by urging the church to remember their moment of salvation. Do you remember the overwhelming love and grace that engulfed you when you first encountered Jesus? Never let that memory fade into the background of your spiritual journey.
Jesus called the church at Sardis to hold fast to their faith and to repent. It means to cling to the truth of God’s Word and refuse to ever compromise because of worldly pressures. It means to remain faithful in our commitment to following Christ, even when the path seems difficult. Repentance involves turning away from anything that hinders our relationship with God. It is an act of humility, surrender, and willingness to change.
Jesus also issued a stern warning to the church. He reminds us that He is coming back, and His return will be unexpected. Everyone must be watchful and alert, living with a sense of urgency. We cannot be caught off guard being entangled in the distractions and cares of this world. Instead, we must prioritize our relationship with Christ, knowing that His return is imminent.
We are called to be the light of the world. We are not meant to blend in but to stand out. Let us heed the words of Jesus and awaken from our spiritual slumber.
Be watchful and diligent to seek the Lord. Shine bright in the midst of darkness. Let your faith and hope be placed in the promise that Jesus is coming soon.
Pray
Lord, awaken my heart from any spiritual slumber I may have fallen into. Help me to remember the power of my salvation and the work You have done in my life. Fill me with a sense of watchfulness and readiness for Your return. In Jesus’ name, amen.
