Opening Prayer
Lord, have mercy on us. Let the Word of Your reproof be for our salvation.
Text: Revelation 3:1-6
“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but 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.”‘”
Devotion
This is spoken to us. It applies to our congregations. But how very shocking this is: “You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” Nothing could be more tragic. Life is the best thing there is; death, the worst. What could be more terrible than to be called living, yet to be dead? Or what a statement this is from Jesus’ mouth: “I have not found your works perfect before God.” And again: “Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief.” But so it happens with most people. They are called Christians, that is: anointed, but God’s living Spirit does not live in them. The prince of death reigns in their heart. You few who have not defiled your garments, watch and keep yourselves pure. Fight for your life, the enemy of souls wants to snatch you away. Fight as though for your life! Certainly, each day in time is a battle for life itself, – everlasting life. Strengthen one another, for many are weak and are about to sleep in death. Keep yourselves close together around our Lord Jesus. Love one another, bear with one another, but also correct one another, and understand that this is done in love. Encourage one another, and stand together in the confession of the faith. Don’t let the devil divide the Lord’s army. For God’s sake, no! Brothers and sisters! The battle is worth the white robes of victory and having our names in the Book of Life!
Closing Prayer
O God, fear burns within me that I will lose the life You gave me. And the brethren, Lord God, let none of them sleep again in death. Almighty, merciful God, help us and keep us. Make us alive and eager to testify of You and to praise Your name. Knit us together. Unite our hearts in Your love.
Hymn
How blessed is the little flock,
Whom Jesus calls His own!
He is their Savior and their Rock,
They trust in Him alone.
They walk by faith and hope and love,
But they shall dwell with Him above,
When hope and faith shall pass away,
And love shall last for aye.
Lord Jesus, take me by the hand
And lead me – I am Thine!
I stand among Thy chosen band
Whose lamps so brightly shine.
In peace and joy I now may rest,
For this I know, my Savior blest,
That I will live, by grace restored,
Forever with my Lord.
Lord, may I daily, hourly strive
In heavenly grace to grow,
To Thee and to Thy glory live,
Dead to all else below.
Lord, teach my heart Thy love to sing;
In faith my humble praise I bring,
With all I am and have, to Thee
In thanks eternally.
Holm: L 82 ELH 585 tr. C. Døving;
tune: Hvor salig er den lille Flok