12 December 2009
Psalm 30, 32; Haggai 2:1-9; Rev. 3:1-6; Matt. 24:1-14

The prophet speaks words of encouragement regarding the rebuilding. It has become increasingly clear to me that the Lord always wants his people to be realists, understanding the situation in which we find ourselves, aware of the obstacles and the impossibility of the task confronting us. Never do we see Him giving His people a job to do that they are able to do on their own. He always wants them to see the enormity of the work but not to discourage them, but rather that they will pray and ask Him for help. We tend to take on the work we estimate ourselves to be capable of doing but He generally calls people to greater things. Haggai calls them to remember the former splendor in order to give them a vision of what they are working towards. They are also reminded that all the resources needed to accomplish the work belong to the Lord and even though they may see a lack of resources, the Lord does not.

Jesus speaks prophetically of the overthrow of the temple and of what else the disciples will suffer. The disciples remark on the grandeur of the temple and Jesus immediately tells them it will not be left standing, a prophecy that came true in their lifetimes. Jesus wants them to not be afraid when they see the obstacles before them as they go about the work of establishing the church, and not lose heart in the work. To hear his words would, for many, be so discouraging that they would not attempt the work at all, but the disciples will experience the physical resurrection of Jesus after having seen Him crucified, will witness the ascension and will receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit before that work begins. They will know that there is more than this life at stake and they will be willing to sacrifice everything for what they know to be true. Are we?

The word to the church at Sardis is that all that glitters isn’t gold. What looks good to outsiders is not appealing to the Lord. They are called to remember what they have heard, obey and repent. While the message may seem less clear in some ways than the other letters we can assume that the people of Sardis knew what this referred to. The call is to purity, as only those whose garments are unsoiled will be allowed into the banquet. We cannot take a haphazard approach to the Lord, we must come undefiled.

I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up
and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
O LORD my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.