Blog

This morning’s devotion is based on Week 3 of Cross Examined: Why are you sleeping? (LISTEN HERE)

---

I’m always impressed when I visit a fire station.  While I haven’t been to many, there is a common theme in each of them.  

They are ready.

The gear of each firefighter is intentionally placed with boots set out, the coat ready to put on and the lower pants ready to pull up.  The hoses are cleaned and rolled/folded in such a way so that they will not get tangled when pulled.  The gear needed is stowed in proper compartments and the doors of the truck are even open so no time is wasted getting them open.

So when the alarm rings, even if it’s in the middle of the night, it takes very little time to be in the truck with sirens blazing off to the emergency.

It certainly would be cumbersome for a firefighter to wait around in full gear anticipating an emergency, but they have their gear at the ready so whenever the emergency comes, they are ready.

As we examine Jesus’ question, “Why are you sleeping?” this week, it is a reminder to always be ready to face the attacks and temptations of Satan.  When we are spiritually asleep we are not ready.  

Maybe read this familiar section of Ephesians 6 as if you were living in a spiritual firehouse and had to be ready at a moment’s notice to take on a temptation emergency:

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 

Can you picture as Satan comes with a temptation that you jump into your Gospel boots, throw on your breastplate of righteousness, strap on the belt of truth, put on your helmet of salvation, hold up your shield of faith and swing away with the sword of the Spirit?  

Satan doesn’t have a chance when we are awake, alert and always ready.

It’s no wonder Jesus penetrates our heart with the question, “Why are you sleeping?”  He knows temptations are all around us.  He doesn’t want to see us fall.  He wants us to use the weapons he has gifted to us to win every attack from Satan.

But it means staying awake.

It means being ready.

It means praying in the Spirit and for the Spirit.

So get your physical rest, but stay spiritually alert and ready at all times!

 

Apply: Which part of the armor of God is often missing for you when temptation comes?  How might you be prepared with it the next time Satan attacks?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, as always, thank you for posing penetrating questions that lead us to be stronger spiritually.  Keep us spiritually awake and alert so we don’t fall into temptation.  AMEN.

This morning’s devotion is based on Week 3 of Cross Examined: Why are you sleeping? (LISTEN HERE)

---

“I’m tired.”

I will often say this at the end of the day when bedtime approaches.  It is normal at the end of the day to be tired and head to bed.  We don’t usually question a person at 2 in the morning, “Why are you sleeping?”  It’s the right time to sleep.

But if the phrase, “I’m tired” comes at 2 in the afternoon and you put your head down on your desk and fall asleep, your teacher or boss might come up to you and ask, “Why are you sleeping?”

Sleeping is ok, but not when you should be alert.  Being tired at the wrong time might be an indication of a physical ailment.

So being spiritually tired at the wrong time might be a warning signal that something is wrong.

The disciples were tired.  It probably was past their bedtime, and they were “exhausted from sorrow.”  You can understand why their bodies succumbed to sleep.

However, Jesus rouses them, “Why are you sleeping?”

Jesus knew that if they were physically tired and sleeping, the temptations of the evening would be harder to resist.  He wanted them up and alert so they didn’t fall into temptation.

Luke 22:45 When he [Jesus] rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

Even though it was dark out, Jesus wanted his disciples to be children of the light and not succumb to the cover of darkness and fall for the temptations Satan would bring their way.  The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:4, “But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.”

“Be alert and self-controlled.”

This happens when we are spiritually awake (and being physically rested doesn’t hurt either!)

Paul mentions that sin often happens under the cover of darkness.  Our sinful nature loves when we perceive others can see us.  Parties with drinking and debauchery often happen at night.  Robberies and rapes often happen at night.  Our short temper and unloving actions often happen when we are tired.  Darkness provides cover for our dark deeds.

Jesus knows this.

Jesus doesn’t want his followers to fall for it.

So he questions, “Why are you sleeping when you should be alert and resisting temptation?”

He doesn’t want us to lose our vigilance.

Again the Apostle Paul encourages in 1 Corinthians 10:12 “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

Being spiritually alert means understanding how Satan works in your life.  Recognizing when you are spiritually vulnerable (around certain situations or people) and having the self-control to avoid those situations or find the way out to avoid falling into sin.

So stay alert and don’t fall asleep (spiritually!).

 

Apply: What situations or interactions might be better to avoid or limit because they are a place or relationship that creates more temptation for sin?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for always staying spiritually alert and forgiving me when I fall asleep and let Satan lead me into temptation.  Keep me alert and self-controlled so that I don’t fall into temptation, but rather flee from it.  AMEN.

This morning’s devotion is based on Week 3 of Cross Examined: Why are you sleeping? (LISTEN HERE)

---

It’s hard to stay alert when you are physically tired. Yet that is what Jesus asked his disciples on the evening before his crucifixion. 

The day had been long.  Preparing the Passover.  Jesus washing feet.  The emotion of Jesus’ prayer for himself and his disciples.  The shock of Judas being identified as the betrayer. The eating of the Passover meal.  The establishment of the new covenant in the Lord’s Supper.  

The day was physically, emotionally and spiritually taxing.

Here’s what happened next:

39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

Jesus was fully aware of the task ahead.  It was going to tax him physically, emotionally and spiritually.  His prayer was spoken with intensity to understand if there was another way that would accomplish the salvation of mankind that did not involve “drinking the cup” that was ahead of him.  The intensity broke the capillaries in his skin so that his sweat was mixed with drops of blood.

Of any time, he needed the support of his closest disciples, Peter, James & John.  He wanted them to stay awake to pray with him and for him.

However, as Jesus amazingly does, he is always thinking about and concerned for the spiritual well being of his followers.

Jesus wanted them to stay awake and spend time in prayer for their spiritual well-being.  “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”

Satan was going to be working on the disciples.  How?  We are not sure, but Jesus wanted them to stay spiritually alert.  He knew that Satan is a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  The unobservant is the one that a lion can devour.  You don’t know when or where he will strike.  

What might be some of the temptations?

Satan could tempt them to think Jesus was a rogue criminal and lose their faith in him.

Satan could tempt them to think the promises of Jesus were without foundation and doubt them.

Satan could tempt them to drift back to those who opposed Jesus for fear of being captured too.

Satan could tempt them to protect their own safety rather than stay strong in faith.

Whatever it was, Jesus didn’t want them to fall asleep and lose their alertness.

We may not be in the garden.  Jesus may not be praying a stone throw’s away, but his encouragement is the same for us.

Temptation comes unexpectedly.  Temptation comes from places you don’t expect.

The warning and encouragement are from Jesus to you as well.  

Watch and pray so that YOU do not fall into temptation!

 

Apply: Notice today when and where temptations come to act or respond in a way that is not God pleasing.  Pray for ability to spot them and overcome them!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for perfectly spotting and overcoming Satan’s temptations for me.  Strengthen me with awareness and ability to notice and overcome temptations today.  AMEN.

This morning’s devotion is based on Week 3 of Cross Examined: Why are you sleeping? (LISTEN HERE)

---

Wake up!

Nothing gets your heart moving faster than when you are in the process of dosing off or have fallen asleep to have someone shake you and vehemently yell, “Wake up!”  Sometimes it’s not the words that matter but a startling sound in the middle of the night that rips you from your slumber and causes you to become fully alert.  Adrenaline flows and your mind quickly tries to determine if you are needing to fight, flee, or what.

Usually the stern cry to “wake up!” is made when one is imminent danger and continuing to sleep would imperil the person or others under their care.

Has this ever happened in a spiritual way to you?  When your life is going in a direction that is opposite to the footsteps of the Spirit and while you are comfortable walking that direction, a trusted friend says, “Wake up!”

Or perhaps you embark on a decision that has potential to derail your faith or weaken it and a Christian friend says, “Watch out!”

The Proverbs say, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. (Proverbs 27:5-6)

There is no greater friend than we have in Jesus.  When he tells us to “Wake up!” we certainly want to pay attention. 

Jesus is most concerned about us entering eternity with him safely.  He knows the influence of Satan, the world and our sinful flesh will seek to lull us into a spiritual sleep and apathy that is no longer able to discern right from wrong and has little concern for the truth of God’s Word and the saving work of Jesus.

Wake up!

Proverbs 24:32 I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: 33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—34 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

Solomon was making an observation of financial wealth that individuals who have no desire to work will find themselves in poverty.  But the same application can be made spiritually.

A little sleep on a Sunday morning and your soul is deprived of the Word of truth, the forgiveness of the Sacrament and the opportunity to be encouraged by your Christian family.

A little folding of the hands unwilling to go against your peers who are engaging in questionable behavior and you find yourself finding less direction from God’s truth and more flowing with the current of the culture.

Just an evening to “let loose” and “have a little fun” and the experience begins to dull your conscience to feel that a little sin doesn’t matter that much.

The result?

Like one saying, “I’m just going to take a little nap” finds themselves in a full sleep, so one who drifts off spiritually is in danger of sliding into a full spiritual sleep!

Wake up!

Satan loves when our soul sleeps and our spiritual alertness wanes.  He loves to use a tired and worn spirit in a person to convince us that a little sleep doesn’t matter.  When spiritual sleep kicks in he wins.

Jesus would have none of it because he loves you too much.

“Wake up!” he yells into our hearts to get our spiritual adrenaline going and flee from the temptations of Satan to the safety of our Savior!

 

Apply: What tempts you to fall into a spiritual sleep?  Where do you find yourself justifying your behavior thinking “a little rest” won’t matter?  What helps to wake up?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, wake me from my spiritual slumber so that at all times I am alert and aware of the prowling lion of the devil who seeks to devour me while I spiritually sleep.  AMEN.

Sometimes in hidden things, God reminds you of his glorious presence and promises.

One of my hobbies is metal detecting. This weekend we enjoyed a family weekend with our girls on the beach in Galveston.  They like to sleep in.  I like to get up and go metal detecting on the beach.

Most finds are coins, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies along with scraps of aluminum, bottle caps and pull tabs. But once in awhile you find something interesting, unique and perhaps even valuable.

What made this weekend unique was a series of finds that reminded me of God’s promises.  Jesus said in Mark 4:21 “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 

Jesus spoke these words regarding his use of parables, but like parables bring hidden truths to light, so that which was hidden in the sand brought the promises of God to light.

Friday find: An Angel charm.  Whether from a necklace or charm bracelet, the little angel was a great reminder of this promise: Psalm 91:11-12 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.  

Saturday find: A gold plated crown ring with gems (probably not diamonds).  This was an exciting find as the glimmer of gold appeared in the scoop of sand. What a great reminder of how much more exciting will it be when the crown of life is placed on our head as a gift of God’s grace. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Sunday find: A crucifix pendant from a necklace (or perhaps a set of rosary beads).  The crown we receive only comes through the sacrifice Christ made on the cross.  He wore the crown of thorns so we might wear the crown of life!  The only reason we have the ability to look forward to the glorious crown is because of the gory cross that Christ endured.  Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!

What maybe added to the irony/significance of this series of finds was the hole I dug after finding the cross wasn’t a strong signal, but I decided to dig it.  What was in the hole: a bottle cap.  Of the hundreds of beverages that have a metal screw off cap, this one said “Mike’s” (yes…an alcoholic drink – but that’s not the point!)  It was like the message from the Lord was this.

The angels, the crown of life and the cross…all of it was for me.  It is Mike’s.

These hidden treasures reminded me of God’s amazing grace and goodness.  Never before have I found three significant finds that connect to the promises of God.  The bottle cap with my name on it made it very personal.

Perhaps there is more God wants me to take away from him making these hidden things visible.

But I know what is concealed will be brought to the open.

I trust he will do the same for you.

 

Apply:  Which of these finds/promises resonates most with you. Why?

Prayer: Lord, you love to make that which is hidden revealed.  Open my eyes and heart to see the glorious promises of your truth so that none remain hidden.  AMEN.