It's not easy to wake from sleep - July 20
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 41, 52; PM Psalm 44; Joshua 7:1-13; Rom. 13:8-14; Matt. 26:36-46
…it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:11b-12)
As I sit this morning, the words “wake from sleep” are calling to me. And it’s more than splashing my face with cool water or hugging a family member at the start of the day. This action of waking up is presented in the shadow of the apostle Paul’s retelling of the law of God: love does no wrong to a neighbor.
Paul was really good at presenting these summoning messages to peoples spread all across the Mediterranean. He recounted the laws of God, and then cast an image of what a faithful response to living into this new age of the Lord Jesus Christ who rose from the dead. In this section of Romans, Paul advised those receiving his letter about living faithfully with God.
I sit here wide awake, and yet I wonder how spiritually groggy I am about living into loving my neighbor as myself. It’s not that I fear I’ve settled into a secret life of debauchery or licentiousness, but what other works of darkness have been swallowing me up? Denial, fear, distraction, dissatisfaction…
The disciples battled with sleeping through critical times, too. In Matthew’s account of Jesus praying at Gethsemane, he entreated his friends Peter, James, and John to stay awake as he (Jesus) prays in the garden, wrestling with fear and dread. Peter and the Zebedee sons keep nodding off.
And so, as I reflect on this Monday, what is the invitation extended to you and to me in this call to stir from slumber? Paul’s letter to the Romans says to “put on the armor of light”…and then, “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”. This is a reminder of our baptism, in which we are renewed with a new garment, a new name, a new boldness. And what about Jesus? What does Jesus invite us to do? He tells his friends, “Get up, let us be going…” as he points out the truth of the betrayal and sin around them.
On this Monday, let us be roused from drowsiness, embrace the gifts of love and hope in baptism, and stand up. Let us address truth and sin. It won’t be easy, and Jesus is with us.
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
What "works of darkness" drag you down?
What inspires and wakes you up?
Daily Challenge
Think of a smell, taste or touch that heightens your awareness. Reflect on what that experience does for you and pray that God opens your eyes to love more boldly today.