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Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive— but you are dead. – Revelation 3:1

 

The church in Sardis suffered from spiritual slumber. It’s easy for us to walk around and look spiritually correct when, in fact, our vital relationship with God is dead. The Lord said to the Sardis church, “Now wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is at the point of death. Your deeds are far from right in the sight of God” (Revelation 3:2).

If we are not careful, sleep can sneak up on us, even at the wheel of a car. The psalmist said, “I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn” (Psalm 130:6). The watchman’s entire occupation is based upon staying awake, intently gazing at the darkness for any sign of the enemy. If he falls asleep, disastrous consequences can result for the entire city.

Instead of sleeping, the watchman eagerly looks to the eastern sky for signs of the morning sun. In the same way, our souls should have an eager expectation for God, a quickened excitement every time we spend time alone with Him.

Amos said, “How terrible it will be for you who lounge in luxury and think you are secure. . . .” (Amos 6:1). Stir yourself up, for the Lord “will come upon you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief” (Revelation 3:3).

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Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me with the sound of a mighty trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things.” – Revelation 4:1

The fourth chapter of Revelation portrays an awesome scene. In this passage we get our first glimpse of heaven’s glorious landscape and beauty. Even though we know in our hearts that heaven is real, to have it described is breathtaking: “I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it! The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones— jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow” (vv. 2-3).

Rainbow colors of precious jewels were all around the throne of God. Before the throne were the twenty-four elders, the seven lamps of the Spirit of God, and the sea of glass. Four awesome creatures surrounded the throne, and day and night, they cry, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come” (v. 8).

The earthly ark of the covenant was just a little gold-plated box that symbolized this awesome throne. David’s heart’s desire was to build a place for that ark in Zion, for God had said, “This is my home where I will live forever. . . . I will live here, for this is the place I desired” (Psalm 132:14).

Make spending time in God’s presence the greatest desire of your life. One day your eyes will see Him face-to-face upon the throne of His glory.

2020-12-13T00:00:00-07:00
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