Longing For JesusSample

Yesterday, we were reminded that love is central and is all that remains as we wait for Jesus to come. Today we are reminded again, before we forget, “Keep, awake!” These ‘keep awake’ reminders ought to happen as often as possible, lest we forget. 

We know that it is impossible physically to stay awake at all times, but is it possible to stay awake spiritually all the time? Is Jesus expecting the impossible from us? No, he understands that we are weak. In Mark 14:38, he says, “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” What can we do to stay awake?

One, see that no one leads you astray (Mark 13:5). There are many things that can lead us astray. But Mark is warning us of people who have the potential to lead you astray. Certain relationships help us come closer to Christ while other relationships take us away from the love of Christ. No matter how “nice” a person might be, are they helping or hindering us from the love of Christ? We should not be like the woman who fell in love with the post-man bringing letters from her lover. 

Two, obey your leaders (Hebrews 13:17). Obedience has become a very unpopular word. But we all, whether we like it or not, subconsciously obey those whom we love and respect. It is important that along this journey of waiting, for Christ, we have caring people to whom we are accountable. 

Three, praying at all times with perseverance (Ephesians 6:18). Finally, we must pray at all time. Prayer is speaking to a God who listens and listening to a God who speaks. His words speak through the Bible and into the stillness of our hearts. Brother Lawrence, author of The Practice of the Presence of God, reminds us that prayer is an attitude that we carry at all times, in all circumstances and with all people.