“…telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’” Matthew 28:13 NIV

The soldiers guarding the tomb of Jesus witnessed the empty tomb. They ran to report it to the religious leaders of the time. The religious leaders devised a plan to detract from the good news of the gospel, Jesus is Risen! They told the soldiers to say that while they were sleeping Jesus’ disciples stole his body.

Well, sleeping while on guard duty is dereliction of duty. So why would they admit to it? They weren’t thinking clearly. And if they were sleeping, how would they know what happened? So they made up a story.

While you are asleep, you are not on duty. While you are asleep you are unaware of what is happening. You miss out.

Once you were asleep, more than asleep, you were dead in your sins but now you are risen with Christ. Colossians 2:13

When you were asleep you were not able to fulfill God’s purpose for your life, you were unaware of God’s happenings.

Are you fully awake now? Are you fully aware of your role as a disciple? Are you fully aware of God’s happenings around you?

“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” Ephesians 5:14

It is time to stop making up stories. Learn the truth and the truth will free you. John 8:32  It’s time to shine with God’s light and bring others out of darkness. Matthew 5:16  It’s time to become fully aware of what God is doing and be a part of it.

Pray Romans 13:11-12 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11

Heavenly Father, I pray that You will  help me understand the times. I want to awaken from my slumber, my apathy, my indifference. Your salvation is available through your Son Jesus and I want to let others know because there will be a time when it will be too late.

While I was asleep in my sins, I was unable to see Your salvation. Your grace awoke me and now I know that You are there for me. I don’t want to live any more in darkness or commit anymore deeds that do not honor You.

Help me, Holy Spirit, to be awake and sober, to put on faith and love and to share the hope of salvation. I do not want to tell stories that soothe the soul; I want to tell the story that saves the spirit – salvation through Jesus.

Help me, Holy Spirit to speak of when Death was Arrested!