Hi and welcome to Van Life Devotions. Today we are in Sardis. At its height, ancient Sardis, the capital of Lydia, was a most important city. It was also a military centre, for it was located on an almost inaccessible plateau. The acropolis of Sardis was about 450 metres above the main roads, and it formed an unconquerable fortress. And it had the largest synagogue yet found in the ancient world, suggesting a Jewish community numbering in the thousands.
The church that met at Sardis was started by Clement. It appears that the church didn’t suffer from persecution in contrast to some of the other churches. Even though Sardis had a large Jewish population, as far as we know, the problem of the church was not with the Jews, nor with the Roman Empire, nor with false teaching, but with itself. Its outward appearance of being alive may have covered their compromise with the truth and the pagan society around it. Jesus knew this church and said about them in Revelation 3 verse 1, “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1 NIV).
About 700 years earlier the king of Sardis was Croesus. During his reign there was a saying, “To be as rich as Croesus” because he was known for his gold and wealth. It was an alive city known for its trade and stronghold. Croesus wanted to go to war with Cyrus King of Persia, but before he launched his massive attack against Cyrus he first went to the Delphic oracle. Croesus asked the cultish oracle if he would be successful. The enigmatic oracle replied, 'If Croesus crosses the River Halys, a great empire will be destroyed’. He did and it was. He destroyed a great empire – his own! Defeated, Croesus fled back up here to Sardis into his unconquerable fortress. He felt safe and secure on this great mountain top, believing that the Persians went back to their city. However, the Persians didn’t and finding a way up, entered through the walls and found no guards on duty! Sardis was asleep, safe in its own security. Cyrus and his soldiers let in other members of his army and the city was captured while it was asleep.
The church at Sardis knew this history well and so Jesus’ words to them should’ve hit a raw nerve. He said in verse 2, “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you” (Revelation 3:2-3 NIV). Twice Jesus tells them to wake up. They looked good and were respected in the city but were failing in witnessing and proclaiming that Jesus is Lord, God’s Son. They needed to get back to living out their faith in Christ.
There were some though in this church that were living out their faith. Verse 4 says, “Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy”(Revelation 3:4 NIV). This promise “dressed in white” would have been especially meaningful to people who lived in a city where woollen garments were manufactured. To those who woke up and overcame, their names remain in the Book of Life.
I believe that the western church was shaken during and after the COVID pandemic. Our churches and our faith looked alive, but we weren’t. Some are trying not to return to the old ways by rediscovering Christ’s call to reach the lost and love the vulnerable. I know that I got into a rut and God shock me from it. Maybe you need to wake up too?
Let’s Pray:
Gracious Father. Forgive us when our faith in you is napping. Wake us up ready to be Your light. O God, preserve us who travel; surround us with your loving care; protect us from every danger; and bring us in safety to our journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
David Moyes
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