Be still: Jesus Messiah, give me ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches today. Amen.
Read: Revelation 3:1-13
I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. (vv1-3)
Encounter: This is a tough passage. For anyone who is a member of a church, it throws up some vital questions about what the role of a church is, and how to achieve this. It may also particularly be uncomfortable for those churches which do indeed have ‘a reputation for being alive’. What does this imply, and what should it mean?
When thinking about the Christian life, I often think of discipleship as a tree. There is low-hanging fruit at the bottom – outward signs of faith which are not very costly. As you spend your life leaning into knowledge and love of the character of Jesus, you start to reach for the higher fruits. It’s not for me to suggest what these might be for you, but this passage is a reminder to us all to make sure that we are not pursuing a shallow faith, but a life of deep, challenging and ultimately sacrificial discipleship. As we are reminded in Hebrews, coming into relationship with Jesus is only the starting gun of the race, not the finish line: ‘And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith’ (Hebrews 12: 1b-2a).
When we as individuals pursue a life discerning and conforming to God’s will, then our churches will reflect his heart and passion. Our communities will not just draw people through our lively reputations, but will invite and guide them into a lifetime of sanctification by Jesus, and we will be truly alive.
Apply: What do you think a church which is truly alive looks like? How might this differ from a church with only a ‘reputation’ for being alive?
How can you as a disciple of Jesus make sure that you are living a life which bears real fruit? How can you challenge and support your church to do the same?
Devote: Lord Jesus, help me to pursue a whole life of sanctification. Give me wisdom and compassion to work in my church to grow disciples rather than reputation.