Wake Up Time 

God on Monday
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‘It is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light; let us live honourably (...), not in quarrelling and jealousy’ (Romans 13.11-13). 

Reflection

The sound is all too familiar to us - the ring or beep of our alarm clock. Although it heralds the dawning of a new day, it can often feel unwelcome, especially after a late night. 

The Apostle Paul evidently wanted to rouse his Roman readers from inactivity, indifference, and apathy. He wanted them to be fully awake, and ready to live in the light of the fact that the salvation to come ‘is nearer to us now than when we became believers’ (vs 11).

We live closer to the coming of Christ’s ultimate salvation than did those early believers. Therefore, the contrast Paul makes between night and day, darkness and light, is of at least as much relevance to believers today as it was to them. Paul's contrast can remind us of the daily choices we need to make between right and wrong. It can prompt us to ‘live honourably’ (vs 13) in every sphere of our lives, our work included.

Paul follows his waking-up metaphor with one about getting dressed. He exhorts his readers to take off ‘the works of darkness’, and put on ‘the armour of light’ (v 12). They need, in fact, to ‘put on the Lord Jesus Christ’ (v 14). 

Probably for most human beings when they wake up, taking off nightwear and putting on day clothes is second nature. Paul is clearly keen for the daily service of Christ to become second nature for believers. As each new day brings us a day nearer to our salvation, Paul is saying that we need to be alert and prepared, just as we are at the start of each new day.

The call to awake from our spiritual slumber is a clarion call to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus, to reach out to a broken world, and to make disciples, all for the glory of God. It is a call for us to fulfil every time our alarm clock (or our body clock) lets us know that a new day has begun.

Response

Nobody has ever lived this day before. How will we live it in the light of our coming King? What practical steps should we take to shake off spiritual apathy?

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, that the fullness of your salvation is nearer today than when we first believed. Help us to live each day in the anticipation and hope of this truth. Let us remember each new day to clothe ourselves with you. Amen.

This Week's Author

God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the next Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up to Faith in Business here to receive each God on Monday instalment.  
   

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