Let Us Not Sleep as Others Do
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Let Us Not Sleep as Others Do
When we’re sound asleep, we don’t have a clue about what is going on around us. We’re in our own dreamland, experiencing dreams that are not real. If our house is being looted, it would be better for us to be awake. Paul used the comparison of being asleep or awake to teach us to pay attention to what is happening in 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6,
For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.
The world is described as being in the night. They are all so content with their sinful ways, striving to become rich and famous, and just living it up. Not one of them gives a second thought to the coming of Judgment Day. As a matter of fact, they mock and laugh at the very thought of being judged for anything they do. They think anyone who mentions Judgment Day is just a fool — a religious nut of some sort.
But, when Paul calls us “all sons of light and sons of day”, he’s reminding us that we have already been shown how God keeps His promises. All the prophecies of a Savior came true in Jesus Christ. Since God kept His promise of a Savior, what should make us think He won’t keep His promise of a Judgment Day?
Just because most everybody in this world does not want to think about the upcoming Judgment Day is no reason for us to dismiss this promise of God. Paul warns us to “be alert and sober”. In other words, we are not to be lulled into leaving God out of our day-to-day living. The way we think, act, and pray all need to be based on the fact that we don’t have a clue when Judgment Day will be here.
It very well could be today. If today just happens to be our last day on this earth, we still need to be ready — even though the big Judgment Day comes later. The apostle John also told people to be ready. In 1 John 2:18 he wrote, “Children, it is the last hour.”
In this last hour, we are to be totally awake and aware of the dangers of false doctrines, liberal policies, godless living, our sinful natures, and everything else that will make us “fall asleep” and forget about God.
We cannot afford to let this world lull us into their dreamland of claiming that “I’m okay, you’re okay. Let’s just all get along and forget about God.” As tempting as that may be, it is the lazy man’s way out. The coward will also go with the flow, just so long as he doesn’t have to stand up for anything.
But, we are to be like soldiers, awake and standing strong in the truth. As we face whatever battles come our way, Hebrews 13:5-6 reminds us,
He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” so that we confidently say, “The LORD is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?”
God has not promised that the battles will be easy. He has promised to be with us and to strengthen us as we learn to lean on Him.
As we trust and obey, we say, “Hallelujah! Lord, keep me ever mindful of the dangers in this world. Let me always remember Your love for me on the cross and Your resurrection power. You have repeatedly proven Yourself trustworthy for my sake.”
Love,
Margaret
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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods
This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30
Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.
Psalm 33:1
How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1
Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3
Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12
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