Are You Still Resting and Sleeping?

While reading in Mark 14 the events of the last few hours of Jesus' life on this earth before his betrayal by Judas and his death on the cross that will show his radical love towards all, I was held by these words of Jesus to his disciples in the garden of Gethsemane, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come.” I was captivated by the simplicity and depth of the words. As we look around us in the community where we live, in our family, how often do we see people still sleeping and resting? And if we look closer to ourselves and in our own lives, are we still sleeping and resting? Do we understand the time we are living in?

Reaching almost the mid-century mark for my physical life on this earth, although I always hope for the best, I can see that it is getting darker and darker in this world. It is even impossible to watch the news without seeing some catastrophic events that affect negatively the population on this earth, the nations of the world and that also carry great material, physical and spiritual impacts. And if we continue our ways more catastrophies are predicted to happen that can annihilate at least half of the human race. We also hear that it will get better. With so many rejecting the Father's ways and turning away from him, will it really be getting better in the world without Fathers' intervention?

When hearing comments made and following decisions taken, one can see that the majority of the world leaders are lacking in characters, common sense and void of the wisdom of God. The people of this world are foolishly following their own ways. Some of the Christian leaders I follow and who are preaching the love and the grace of the living God often fail to warn that man are without excuse when they disobey God. Romans 1:18-19 states that the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. God's eternal power and divine nature is made clear to man so they should know him and that they should know that He loves them.

We already know where we stand with people who do not know God and reject him, but do nominal Christians really know God? Do people stating that they are followers of Christ really know God, obey his Word and practice the truth? Can you see what is really going on around you? How can you say that you are not sleeping and resting? I think that that there a variety of ways or things we could do to help us be watchful so we do not fall into the temptation of resting and sleeping our lives away.

First, we must pray in all occasions for everything to receive Father's guidance, grace and wisdom into all situations we are facing on a regular basis. Second, we must read and study Father's Word to know His ways of thinking and what he wants us to do. Third, we must have a repentant heart and turn away from anything that doesn't bring glory to Father. It is important to pay attention to sinful desires of our hearts, shameful lusts, depraved mindsets, and to turn away from all kinds of wickedness such as those outlined in Romans 1 verses 28 to 31. Fourth, we must believe and obey the Word of God so we can be protected from willful disobedience. This will keep us from not only talking the talk, but walking the walk according to Father's ways.

I have spoken to so many Christians who do not understand the grace that is bestowed on them and how Father wants them to be a light in the darkness. They do not know nor understand how much Father loves them. They do not know how to explain the grace and the gospel of God to others. They are under bondages, fearful and hopeless. The Word of God says to be watchful in order to avoid God's judgment. Yes, the loving Father is also a just Judge and he will give to everyone according to their work. We will also answer to him according to our deeds. The Word of God also states that Father will give eternal life to those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality.

How can we really be alert in the world while being not of it? How can we be sure we can hear the Father's voice? I believe that the Holy Spirit Father who is our Helper, our Advocate and Counselor will always guide us in the truth when we sincerely offer ourselves to Him as a living sacrifice. He will teach us Father's ways, remind us of his Word, and of his perfect will and purposes for our lives, while transforming us to the image of Jesus. Yes! The hour has come for us to be the salt and light we are created to be and to manifest the kingdom of God in this dark world. Since Father will give to each person according to what he has done, let us follow the lead of the Holy Spirit Father. Wake up! Arise from your sleep and your rest because the human spirit that is our soul is willing, but the body is weak” Mark 14:38.

Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it! (Luke 11:28)

Marie Monaus 5 Sep '09