Sleeping and Awakening

Jesus told his disciples when Lazarus died, ‘Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.’

John Chapter 11

...let us not be caught napping by the Kings of Kings who deserves our all.

‘Asleep’ is a useful metaphor for death in the New Testament.

‘Asleep’ reminds us that death is a temporary state. Everyone will face God’s judgement.

‘Asleep’ reminds us that in death it is only our bodies that die. Speaking of death, Paul said, ‘I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.’ (Phil.1:23)

‘Asleep’ reminds us of our future resurrection.

‘Asleep’ reminds of Jesus’ own death and resurrection.

Likewise, ‘Wake up!’ is a useful metaphor for stirring us as individual believers and churches out of their spiritual sleep.

Rom 13:11 ‘the hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber.’

Eph 5:14 ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’

Rev 3:2-3a ‘Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die.’

The revival of Lazarus from the dead is a picture of our receiving the promise of resurrection when we put our trust in Jesus. It is also a picture of Jesus’ desire to bring fresh life – revival – through the Holy Spirit to the church for whom he died.

So when we die or when Jesus comes, let us be living lives of faith in him and the good news of his death and resurrection. And let us not be caught napping by the King of Kings who deserves our all.

John Peterson