The Lord tells the church at Sardis that even though people say that they are alive, he knows that they are dead. The church was doing lots of great things. It’s as if the Lord is telling them, “Yes, I see that your church is full on Sundays, that you pray and read your Bible, that you sing Psalms, that you dress nicely for church, that you go to lots of meetings… but your heart isn’t really in your worship.”

The same can happen to us. We can do all the right things, but we can be doing them for ourselves and not because we really love the Lord. And so the Lord reminds us in this letter to love him from the heart. Then the Lord tells us how to do this, how to serve him from the heart.

First, the Lord tells us to be watchful, or to wake up. Take a look at your life and see how you are serving the Lord. Are you thinking about yourself or the Lord when you do things?

The Lord also tells us to remember what he has done for us in the past. See the blessings of the Lord in your life. Remember what you read in the Bible about the Lord’s grace and love and forgiveness. See how greatly the Lord has blessed you in the past.

And then repent. If there are things in your life that need changing, then change them. Do you need to read your Bible more? Then do so. Do you need to be kinder to others? Then do so. Do you need to trust the Lord more? Then do so.

The Lord also gives great promises in this letter. If you keep repenting and keep serving the Lord and keep asking for forgiveness, then you will remain God’s special child. Your name will stay in the Book of Life. When judgment day comes, you will not need to worry, as Christ says that you are his because he gave his life for you. Isn’t this such a wonderful blessing?

Reflection with your child:

What are the great promises that God gives in this letter?

Source: Sermon by Rev. J. Visscher