December 2: Revelation 3
Christ’s Letter to Sardis
3 Write the following to the messenger of the congregation in Sardis,[a] for these are the words of the one who holds the seven Spirits of God[b] and the seven stars:
I know all that you do and I know that you have a reputation for being really “alive,” but you’re actually dead! 2 Wake up and strengthen all that remains before it dies, for I haven’t found your works to be perfect in the sight of my God. 3 So remember all the things you’ve received and heard, then turn back to God and obey them. For if you continue to slumber, I will come to you like a thief, and you’ll have no idea at what hour I will come. 4 Yet there are still a few in Sardis who have remained pure,[c] and they will walk in fellowship with me in brilliant light,[d] for they are worthy. 5 And the one who experiences victory will be dressed in white robes and I will never, no never erase your name from the Book of Life. I will acknowledge your name before my Father and his angels.6 So the one whose heart is open let him listen carefully to what the Spirit is now saying to all the churches.
Christ’s Letter to Philadelphia
7 Write the following to the messenger of the congregation in Philadelphia,[e] for these are the solemn words of the Holy One, the true one, who has David’s key,[f] who opens doors that none can shut and who closes doors that none can open:
8 I know all that you’ve done. Now I have set before you a wide-open door[g] that none can shut.[h] For I know that you possess only a little power, yet you’ve kept my word and haven’t denied my name.[i] 9 Watch how I deal with those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews but are not, for they’re lying. I will make them come and bow down[j]at your feet and acknowledge how much I’ve loved you.10 Because you’ve passionately kept my message of perseverance, I will also keep you from the hour of proving that is coming to test every person on earth. 11 But I come swiftly, so cling tightly to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown of victory. 12 For the one who is victorious, I will make you to be a pillar in the sanctuary of my God,[k]permanently secure.[l] I will write on you the name of my God and the name of the city of my God—the New Jerusalem, descending from my God out of heaven.[m] And I’ll write my own name on you. 13 So the one whose heart is open let him listen carefully to what the Spirit is now saying to all the churches.
Christ’s Letter to Laodicea
14 Write the following to the messenger of the congregation in Laodicea,[n] for these are the words of the Amen,[o] the faithful and true witness, the ruler[p] of God’s creation:
15 I know all that you do, and I know that you are neither frozen in apathy nor fervent with passion.[q] How I wish you were either one or the other! 16 But because you are neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm, I am about to spit you from my mouth.[r] 17 For you claim, “I’m rich and getting richer—I don’t need a thing.”[s] Yet you are clueless that you’re miserable, poor, blind, barren, and naked! 18 So I counsel you to purchase gold[t] perfected by fire, so that you can be truly rich. Purchase a white garment to cover and clothe your shameful Adam-nakedness.[u] Purchase eye salve to be placed over your eyes so that you can truly see. 19 All those I dearly love I unmask and train.[v] So repent and be eager to pursue what is right. 20 Behold, I’m standing at the door, knocking.[w] If your heart is open to hear my voice and you open the door within, I will come in to you and feast with you, and you will feast with me.[x] 21 And to the one who conquers[y] I will give the privilege of sitting with me on my throne, just as I conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 The one whose heart is open let him listen carefully to what the Spirit is saying now to the churches.