Are We “Sleepy Christians”?

Romans 13:8-14

Matthew 26:36-46

Jesus was distressed to find his disciples literally sleeping at a crucial time. “Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, ‘So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak’” (Matthew 26:40-41). Paul warned his readers in Rome of the dangers of spiritual sleep as well. “Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep” (Romans 13:11). In each case the intent is to keep us from becoming “sleepy Christians,” those who snooze when we should be alert and active, tending to our faith and our relationship to God.

This is an easy analogy to pass over without much thought. But what might being a “sleepy Christian” actually mean for us in our world today? Is there starvation, hunger, deprivation to which we fail to respond, injustice against which we fail to speak? Is there a word from the Lord, a call to ministry, a sense of purpose that we have conveniently overlooked? Is there someone crying, or praying, or singing, who would welcome our presence and our comfort? Spiritual and physical sleep may keep us from reaching our full, God-given potential. It may rob us of the means by which to serve our Lord.

There is a time and place for sleep. The body needs enough rest in order to work efficiently. But there is also such a thing as too much sleep. Laziness and sloth may deter us from serving God so we must remain robust! We must remain active and alive. We must live as though the hour is at hand, for according to Paul and Jesus, it is.

Prayer: Lord, help us to rise from our stupor and work for the coming of your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Is There Really A Choice?

Romans 13:1-14

Luke 8:16-25

At first glance we might see a contradiction between our New Testament readings for today. In Romans Paul says, “(the commandments) are summed up in this word, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor, therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 13:9-10). Meanwhile in Luke’s gospel Jesus is told that his own mother and brothers are trying to see him but cannot get through the crowd. Jesus’ reply seems almost dismissive. “But he said to them, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it’” (Luke 8:21). So what gives? Are we to ignore our own flesh and blood while showing compassion to the wider community? I think not.

In Luke Jesus does not deny his family, he instead expands it exponentially. Not only are Mary and her other children of concern to him, but so is everyone else who strives to do the will of God. Then, lest we turn ourselves inward, Paul reminds us to do no harm even to those who are not a part of “the family.” There are no limitations in these passages. Far from it! In Jesus there is a community available to anyone who would be a part of it, and compassion for those who are not. This is something to think about today as we go about our lives, interacting with friends and strangers, loved ones and those who we do not know. Will we make sharp distinctions between the two? Or will we show love and kindness in each case?

Prayer: God of love, help us to share that love with friend and stranger alike, that your will be done and your name glorified. In Jesus’ name. Amen.