This is not about physical sleep, it is about Spiritual sleep. Jesus wants us to know Him so well that we will not be deceived by anything that could take place before He returns. If we don’t take the time to know Him we could be getting caught up in the world and be sleeping when He returns. We are told to have peace on earth as it is in heaven, when we are not alert our peace is gone and we struggle to find it. Look at verse 33 which says, “And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!” We can never feel satisfied with what we know because to be alert and on guard we must be continually learning and having a relationship with Him. Then we will know what we need and we will have joy in all situations.
Staying alert means we are showing the qualities of Jesus in our lives. This statement by Pastor Kevin made me think, “What kind of evidence is in you that show you are committed to Christ?” Because when we are alert and learning from the Lord; our lives show it by our actions not just our words. In the book of Revelation Jesus talks to many different churches but I want to look at what He said to the church of Smyrna.
Revelation chapter 2 verses 9-10 say, “I know about your suffering and your poverty – but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan. Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you in prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death I will give you the crown of life.” This shows us being alert and being on guard and what happens when we are focused on Him. Verse 11 goes on to say, “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death.”
We who are in Christ will not die but we will go home to the place we belong. Amen (and that is not West Virginia.)