To Do? Or Not to Do?

Jesus, in the book of Revelation, asked John to write letters to seven churches of the day. In the letter to Sardis (Rev 3:1-6), Jesus notes that their deeds aren’t done. In fact, He not only notes that their deeds aren’t done, He adds this warning: v3 “If you don’t wake up, I will come to you like a thief in the night…” 

What do you think Jesus is getting at in this message to the Church of Sardis? At the least, I believe Jesus is aware of two things. The first thing He is aware of His plan for you; the second thing is that He knows who you are and what your struggles are.

And He still wants you to do the things He has created in advance for you to do.     

We’ve seen that He prophesied we would do the works He did and even greater works. Paul confirmed this prophecy when he told us that we are created in Christ for good works which have been prepared in advance for us to do. James reinforced Jesus and Paul when he exhorted us that faith without works is dead. And here we are. As you’ll see, Jesus’ message to the church in Sardis is a bit harsh. Jesus is saying to Sardis, “You know what you’re supposed to do and you’re not doing it!” You are not the church in Sardis. You’re a child of God on a journey of discovery. Jesus isn’t casting shame and guilt on you for not doing the work He assigned to you. He is letting you know that you will get those assignments, and when you get them, He will want you to do them. And you’ll do them because of a relationship born in love, not a relationship born in fear.  

 We have works to do and we’re going to need faith to do them!