The Incomplete Works Of The Dead

The letters we are studying are written to the seven churches of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. They are messages for all churches of all places and times as well. As before, John emphasizes that these are the words of the risen LORD Jesus Christ. He "has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars" (Rev. 3:1). These messengers are His. They speak His words. They are His servants and speak with His authority. In the same manner the seven churches are His. He has created them, called them to faith in Him, given them His mercy and forgiveness and with that eternal life.

Now comes the message from this LORD to the church in Sardis:

"'I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' - Rev 3:1-6 ESV

 Temple of Artemis in Sardis

The LORD acknowledges that Sardis had a reputation or name of being alive. The same thing is said about certain churches in our day. We admire them for their size, for the crowds that populate their worship services and their many activities. We envy their buildings, their large number of staff, the eloquence of their pastor and the influence they seem to have upon their community—yes, even beyond, throughout the nation. Something like that was true of the church in Sardis. 

But . . . here is a wake up call. What some call being alive is really death! Those works do not proceed from the Spirit of God. They do not grow out of the life of the Spirit of Christ. They are not the fruit of the Spirit. They are the opposite. So taught all the Apostles. 

... the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. - Gal 5:22-24 ESV

The works of the sinful flesh are quite opposite.

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. - Gal 5:19-21 ESV 

 Perhaps none of this kind of behavior was going on among the Christians of Sardis. Perhaps they were known for their generosity, their piety and prayer, the beauty of their worship songs, the excitement everyone felt when they gathered. Perhaps the other churches knew them as people who worked hard to sponsor new missions in other cities. We are not told how they had built their reputation. What we do know is that the LORD declared them dead !! They were not preaching the Gospel of pure grace and mercy. They had reverted to another gospel, as the Apostle Paul said about Christians in Galatia, the Roman province adjoining Asia where these churches were.

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. - Gal 1:6-9 ESV

Yet there were a few true believers in Sardis, even as there always are in churches that have forsaken or twisted the Gospel of grace in Christ for what the Apostle called a different gospel, one that distorts the pure and undeserved mercy offered to all men in Christ and because of His sacrificial death for the entire world (John 3:16-18; 12:47-48; Isa. 53:10-12). These true believers had not soiled their garments by putting their confidence in their own good works, in their glorious reputation. No indeed. They looked in faith to Christ and to His shed blood to wash their robes and make them white (Rev. 7:14). Clothed in these white garments they could be confident that their names were written in the Book of Life (Rev. 13:8) and that the LORD Jesus would witness to them being His children when they were judged before the throne of His Father (Mal. 3:17; Matt 10:32; Luke 12:8).

The letter concludes with a strong word of warning and encouragement to us all, a refrain used again and again in the letters to the churches (Rev. 2:7,11,17,29; 3:13,22).

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. - Rev 3:6 ESV

We all do well to perk up the ears of our hearts and pay strict attention to what the Spirit says here and in other passages of God's Word.

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. - Mat 7:21 ESV

My White Stone Name

We were on our way home from Colorado this past Monday evening and stayed overnight in Amarillo, TX. As is my necessary custom, I was walking our little dog 'Wee-Z' before retiring. Suddenly I saw what looked like a quarter on the ground, sparkling and inviting. I bent down to pick up the coin only to discover that it was a token for a car wash and had "of no cash value" written on it. I kept it nevertheless. It is hidden in the pocket of my parka, now hanging in my closet because we're back in Texas where the weather is in the sixties. But I shall wear the coat again when required.

This reminds me of a Bible verse. Revelation 2:17 reads:

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

My unused token brings to mind that white stone with a new name written on it. I received such a new name when I was baptized into Christ, now over 77 years ago. And yet the Word says this name is known only to the one who receives it.

Romeo says to Juliet in Act II, Scene II of Shakespeare's well-known play:

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose would by any other name smell as sweet."

What indeed. There was a long time when I struggled with the name I received both on the day I was born and later when I was baptized. For many years I thought I remembered my mother saying I was named after my father and both of my grandfathers, Henry and Stephen. I later looked anew at my birth and baptism certificates to discover that Grandpa Stephen's name was not recorded. Did my mother forget? I know not. All I know is that in my childhood I proudly announced that I had three given or baptismal names instead of the usual two.

There have been so many explanations for this mysterious Bible verse. Among the best I've discovered to date is A New Name Written Down in Glory by Sam Storms. Sam concludes,

To sum up, there is an identity you have in God, reflected in your new name, that transcends whatever shame or regret or disappointment is wrapped up in who you are now. There is a very private and personal place of intimacy with him that brings hope and freedom and joy that none can touch or taint or steal away. Paul said it best when he declared that “your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3b). Peter echoed much the same thing in saying that we have “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven” for us (1 Peter 1:4).

I tend to think that I shall forever have my baptismal name 'Alvin Henry', because it was spoken upon me on the day Jesus forever claimed me as His own and took me with into His death and resurrection (Romans 6:1-14). What only I know in the depths of my heart is that Jesus has claimed me as His very own brother, a member of His family. I can now confidently pray to His Father and mine, saying 'Abba' or Papa and know with certainty that my Papa hears my prayers and answers them (Luke 11:1-11).

By the way, 'Wee-Z' is not just a name I happened to give to our little Pekapoo. His full and hidden name is Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). But like Zacchaeus, he's a wee little 'man' of only ten pounds. So we named him Wee-Z. I trust that he too will be restored to be with us in eternity. At least that is my prayer.

His Name is Jesus and He is Near

His name is near.. - I appreciate the humble comments of this child of God and want to comment further on Psalm 76:1, "We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near."


In the Lord's Prayer we daily pray, "Hallowed by thy name." Martin Luther invites us to ask, "What does this mean?" Then he answers, "God's name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also."


Luther goes on to emphasize the importance of correct teaching and living according to God's Word, but does not tell us what Asaph meant in this psalm when he said God's name is near.


The name of anyone, even today, brings with it what we know about that person. I've just used the name 'Martin Luther'. That name brings with it the memory of that great 16th century monk who led the Reformation of the western branch of the Christian church. Through the 'names' of my family I can trace my spiritual history back to that country—Germany—where the Reformation began. I am proud and thankful for that heritage and most happy to be called by the name 'Lutheran'.


Similar use of the word 'name' is found in holy Scripture, e.g. when the Proverb says that a good name is more desirable than great riches (Proverbs 22:1). But that still leaves the question about God's name being near. This psalm speaks about God bringing judgment and vengeance upon the wicked of this earth and rescuing the righteous. In that context the following passage is the best commentary:


"For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?" (Deuteronomy 4:7).


Here Moses gives Israel instructions about how to live as they enter the Promised Land. He warns them to obey the Ten Commandments the Lord God gave them. He speaks against the background of the Old Testament's version of the Gospel of grace and mercy. The reputation or name of their God—a name they never spoke out of reverence, faith and awe—is that He is ever near and ready to hear the prayers of His children. He brought Israel out of bondage in Egypt and led them to the borders of the Promised Land. So now, Moses urges, love the Lord with all your heart and obey His commandments.


Jesus is that Lord of the O.T. (Romans 10:5-13). After freeing us from the slavery of sin upon Calvary's cross, He promised to be always with us, ever near (Matthew 28:20). And so He is, ever available, ever ready to hear our prayers.


In this very day listen quietly and penitently to His invitation, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-29).


The Name of our God has been clearly revealed. His name is Savior, Jesus, the name above all names (Philippians 2:5-11). He is the Great I AM, yet gentle, humble in heart, ever ready to hear your prayers and deliver you. Joined to Him the burden you carry this day will be easy and light.


What a reason to say with the Asaph, "We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your Name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds." 

With A Deep Sense of Vocation

Things had really changed for the man named Saul. He had the name of Israel's first king--not a great one, but a king nevertheless. Now he had taken to himself the name of "Little One," Paulos in Greek. It was because he saw himself as the chief of sinners, unworthy to be called a follower of Christ, let alone an apostle.

But here he was--a man with a calling and a purpose! That's how he starts out his letter to the Corinthian Christians: "Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God."

How few of us go around feeling we have a purpose and a calling from God. What a difference it makes when you do. The whole idea of vocation or calling changes everything. The Reformation lifted up the ordinary believer to an exalted position by helping us all to reclaim this teaching. Now each believer can rejoice in the mundane and daily tasks of his or her calling. It is a high calling from God to be husband, wife, father, mother, fireman, scientist, farmer, etc.

Paul, the little one, saw the hand of God reach out to him to bring faith in the cross of Christ. His calling was to proclaim that wondrous Good News most especially to the non-Jewish Gentile world. So he begins, with a proud and deep sense of vocation. The very will of God is being accomplished through him. Listen up!

My prayer is that each one of us may approach the tasks of today with that same deep sense of being called. He who calls, also promises to be with us, to bless and guide as we go about our vocations.

Living in the Living Savior

The first of this month of March I began to serve what we, in our circles, call a vacancy. That's not a Biblical term. It is simply a way of saying that the congregation is searching for a full time, permanent pastor and in the meantime another pastor--or in our case two--is called by the Lord through the congregation to serve them with the Word of God and the Sacraments. That's where I am. I'm one of a team of two pastors serving Living Savior Lutheran Church in this 'vacancy'.

I love the name of this congregation--Living Savior. I love it because it points directly to Jesus. When the LORD confronted Moses on Mount Horeb to send him to lead Israel out of captivity, Moses asked, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?"

God said to Moses, "I am who I am . This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' "

The name means not only that the Lord exists, but that He is present and active in the lives of His chosen people. He is the Living One, the Eternal One who is sending Moses in answer to their prayers. That is His name. This name became known among them by four letters, YHWH. In Hebrew the vowels are implied, but were not originally written in the text until after the time of Christ.

Anyway, to make a well known story short, they began to regard this Name as being so unique and holy that they would not even speak it. Instead, they substituted their word for LORD or Master whenever they saw it written in the sacred texts. In many English translations we see all the letters of the name capitalized as LORD. This is a way of indicating that the Name YHWH is in the original Hebrew, a name unspoken by the pious Israelites, because they feared to take the Name of the LORD in vain.

When Jesus, the Word of God, came among us, He laid claim to this Name. The Apostle John records many instances of this in his Gospel. For instance, confronted by the Pharisees about His age and His claims, Jesus replied, "Before Abraham was, I AM!" Of course, they all knew what He meant. That's why they tried to stone Him to death. He was making himself equal to the LORD.

This LORD tells us directly why He has come among us. In that same Gospel we hear Him speaking of Himself as the sheep gate through whom His sheep pass on their way to abundant and full life. He says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

We who call ourselves by His Name (we translate it as Living Savior), are now asking ourselves what it means to go through Him to live. What is this abundant life that this Living One, this Living Savior, brings? And how is He leading us to live it?

We have some clues. We have much to learn. One of the vital clues is to be found in the writings of the Apostles. Peter, for instance, speaks of us Christians as living stones built upon THE Living Stone. Paul picks up this understanding when he asks the question, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." In this instance the words 'your body' are plural. That is, Paul is not talking about a single person, but rather about the entire body of believers gathered by and filled with the Holy Spirit.

So we Living Savior people are asking ourselves what this means for us. How is the Living Spirit of the Living Savior living in us leading us to live? As we grow together and prepare to go together out into our part of the world, we will keep asking such questions. I am quite assured that our Living Savior will answer them. We need only to listen and to follow.