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.