Nov 28 – Time to Rise!

“It is time to wake from sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed”(Romans 13:11).

Sleep, according to the world, is essential. God gives rest in the night for His beloved. It is indeed a blessing.

But the sleep of the spirit can be dangerous. To remain unaware of the times and to sleep carelessly is perilous. Spiritual alertness and progress are crucial. We must stand and fight against the dark forces that oppose us (Romans 13:12).

Before Noah’s time, seeing humanity’s corruption and lawlessness, God destroyed the world with the flood and brought Noah into a new, blessed world. Through Noah’s family, a new beginning was expected. Yet, “Noah drank of the wine and became drunk, and lay uncovered in his tent” (Genesis 9:21).

O Noah – drunk with wine: will you not awake from your drunkenness? Will you not arise to cover yourself and to preserve your spiritual garment? Will you not arise to protect your family and break the curse upon your family and your descendants? How sad it is to know that his negligence caused Canaan and his descendants to be cursed.

O Samson – the mighty warrior: why would you sleep on Delila’s lap, when you should have fought for your people? Will you not arise from your slumber, before your eyes are gouged out, and your hands are bound, and become an object of mockery? You have not risen up for the Lord, as much as you should have.

O Elijah – the fiery prophet, the one whom God stirred to act mightily on Mount Carmel: why would you sleep under a broom tree in exhaustion? Why would you not stand up against the spirit of Jezebel? Your job is not completed, and you have to go far; as there are multitudes of people who need to be anointed by your hands. You, who should rise up many Elijahs – how can you remain in your slumber?

O Jonah, how can you sleep under the gourd, without any concern for the souls perishing around you, when there are millions of people who are yet to hear the message of salvation and repent?

Beloved children of God, your calling is far from complete. The distance you must go is great. Many are waiting for your hands to anoint, to impart life and encouragement. You cannot afford spiritual sleep. Rise and shine for the Lord.

Verse for further meditation: “Darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you” (Isaiah 60:2).