1Thessalonians 5:9, 10 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. --NIV In the name of the One Who appointed us to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
There is an incredible wordplay going on in chapter five of St. Paul's letter to the Thessalonians. He talks about the coming judgement, where God's wrath will be played out, and says that those who are living licentious lives are not keeping watch, but are "asleep." He then turns the thought on it's ear and shows us that those who live according to their faith are "awake," so that even when they are physically asleep, they are alive with Christ Jesus.
So, are you "awake" or "asleep?" Do you look for excuses to please the desires of your flesh, or numb your senses? If you do you are "asleep," and the warning is for you. The day of judgement will catch you unprepared. It is time for you to wake up and keep watch. But Christ Jesus has died for us and we are no longer children of wrath. Instead, we wait with joy for the coming of our Savior who will take us out of this dying world. Amen.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for appointing us to salvation and making us alive whether we are awake or asleep. Send Your holy angels to guard us at all times, and be with us by Your Spirit so that we watch for the glorious coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
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