I've been told that I talk in my sleep. Not a comforting thought to realize that I'm probably divulging some deep, inner secret in the middle of the night over which I have no control. I don't think it happens as much lately as it did in my younger years. Or maybe my husband has just learned to sleep through it. But I have had a few occasions where I woke myself up talking, so I know it's true. Fortunately, I've never awakened while walking around the house. That would be even scarier! I don't think I've ever sleep-walked. Nor do I remember witnessing anyone who has. But as I understand it, those who do are not just in a light form of sleep, walking around, they actually do stuff. These dazed walkers often engage in simple activities during their stroll. Witnesses say they have seen sleepwalking family members heading to, and using the bathroom, eating, and even cleaning house. But the sleeper often has little, or no recollection of the events when asked. That's what came to mind as I was reading Paul's admonition to the church in Rome... And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Romans 13:11 NKJV Now it is high time to awake out of sleep... Paul must have witnessed some sleepwalkers in his day So why would Paul address people like this? Let's keep in mind, back in Paul's day, they were just off the heels of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, and were fully expecting His return any day. So here, Paul is cautioning these Romans citizens, and us as well, that the time of Jesus return is nearer than before And here we sit reading these words of Paul, centuries have passed, and still no return of Jesus. Has our immediacy lagged? How often do we contemplate His return? We rarely speak of it. We don't have the same sense of awe and wonder these people did who walked in the same dirt and breathed the same air as Jesus. It's almost easier for us to put it off until tomorrow, or worse, another lifetime. But the truth is, as each day passes, Paul's word is true for us as well. While we can't say when, the fact that Jesus' return is getting nearer, day by day, is true. So Paul likens them... likens us, to sleep-walkers. Because clearly, he's not talking of the true night when we are in bed. Paul must have known they were living in a daze, walking through life, performing mundane tasks without much recollection of what they had done; living daily lives without significance, purpose or passion. Do you ever feel like that? As if you've gotten through a whole day and accomplished nothing significant? Are you ever dazed and confused, distracted and running on empty? Maybe like me, you sometimes feel as if you're sleep-walking through life, looking for real purpose. And Paul continues... The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Romans 13:12 Paul was calling these people to wake up... the night is over. When Jesus died, there was great darkness for three days. But He resurrected from the grave, He conquered sin and death. He is the sun and will return again. We need also to realize that the night is over; our darkest days cannot swallow us. God does not want us to be consumed by our past, by what drags us down, trying to tell us that the night will overtake us. Just as Jesus resurrected to new life so long ago, He brings us new life, day after day. Saving us from the night of our past, assuring us a new day of grace, with hope in Him! So this casting off the works of darkness, means to lay aside our sinful selfishness. This is a command to our soul. Consider it like getting undressed; stripping off our old self, and laying it aside and out of reach. Then, we certainly cannot walk around in nakedness, so let us put on the armor of light. And this "put on," means to to literally clothe ourselves with it. But it gives the sense of sinking in, as if the armor is worn on the inside. This armor of light, is not just any normal protective garment. For the light is one of divine source; illumination of Jesus, Himself. He is the light which protects us, guides us, saves us, warms us, and enlightens us with wisdom. This is surely a better way to walk through the day... not dazed and asleep, not missing out on the details, but recalling all that was done, purposefully and passionately, protected by or hope in Him. Word of God train me today... To wake up to the salvation You have given, casting off the darkness of my flesh. To clothe myself in the armor of light, and walk properly in purpose and passion You give.
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January 2019
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