Wake-up calls
by Joanne Corney
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I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die (Revelation 3:1,2a).
Many people study the Book of Revelation intensely. They are scholars of Revelation. I am not. What speaks to me from this reading is based on curiosity about Sardis and its church.
For context, Sardis was once one of the greatest world cities, the capital of Lydia, in 6C BC, and it was enormously wealthy. It was built about 457 metres above the valley floor and considered virtually impregnable to military assault. Only twice did it fall to invasions – once by Persians and once by Greeks. Both victories were achieved via stealth and seemingly assisted by the city’s complacency. Sardis was so confident that it couldn’t be overcome because of its walls and geographical position that it reportedly did not guard its walls adequately. Conquer occurred at night, with enemy soldiers climbing up the ravine, entering via unwatched gates, and overthrowing the city.
In this reading, it is the church of Sardis that is directly confronted. A wake-up call is issued. In the space of one sentence, it’s plain that their deeds are noted, and their reputation for being alive is known, but this church is now evaluated as ‘dead’. Straight after this wake-up call is issued, they’re directed to honestly see where they are at, determine what they have left, strengthen this and work toward completing deeds unfinished. A plan for them to get on track and move forward is provided – they are to remember what they’ve received and heard, hold to it, and have sincere remorse that things went wrong. The reading then outlines what will happen if the wake-up call is not heeded.
Although this reading is pitched at the entity of a church, I’ve found a personal response to it. A wake-up call could apply to me at various times on various levels. One can only speak of one’s own response; mine began and concludes with curiosity aroused by this reading – it leaves me contemplative. Every blessing to you.
Merciful God, please enliven us with your presence with us. Please inspire and strengthen us in our journey with you and in our service. Hold us close in your love for us. In the name of Christ, Amen.
Joanne Corney is an active member of the LCANZ in Queensland. She has served over many years in voluntary parish pastoral care, ministry and development, and representative roles. During the past seven years, she has worked in the delivery of aged-care chaplaincy for Lutheran Services. Joanne’s areas of service in the church stem from her varied professional roles in healthcare and personal roles in life.
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