Awakening
Spiritual Slumber: In our modern world, it’s easy to become entranced by daily routines and material pursuits. Many live in a state of spiritual slumber, unaware of the greater reality beyond our immediate perceptions. We rise, follow a routine, sleep, and repeat. In Ephesians we are told to wake from this spiritual sleep: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” — Ephesians 5:14. This call to awakening is not just for non-believers, but for Christians as well, who can easily become lulled into complacency by worldly cares. Jesus tells us, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” — John 3:3. This rebirth is a spiritual awakening and salvation, opening our eyes to the truth of God’s kingdom and eternal life in Him. 2 Corinthians elaborates on this transformation: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17. As believers, we must continually remind ourselves that we have awakened to a new reality in Christ, leaving behind our former lives. This awakening is beautifully symbolized in the act of baptism, which parallels the flood in Noah’s time that washed away wickedness from the earth. Peter writes, “Who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.” — 1 Peter 3:20–22. We are born anew to a life purchased by Christ’s blood, our old world washed away. Why, then, would we return to the ruins of our former way of life? Let us instead fix our gaze on the new Heaven and new Earth where righteousness dwells.
Unveiling the Deception: When we awaken to the enemy’s deceptions, the experience can be jarring. Some are filled with regret for time wasted on meaningless temporal preoccupations. Others, initially filled with zeal, then quickly burn out and fall back into spiritual slumber. Yet some strive to gain more wisdom and understanding, growing day by day in Christ through the Word and prayer. We all have a choice as to which path we will follow, but we must remember that the enemy gives no quarter and spares no one from attack. In fact, the more the eyes of our hearts are illuminated, the more persecution and hardships we may face. As we are reminded, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” — 1 Peter 4:12. These trials refine us, revealing the true reality of what life is really about. Paul warns us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” — Ephesians 6:12. The enemy seeks to keep us spiritually asleep, focused only on the temporary things of this life. But as awakened believers, we must “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8. There is a spiritual war that is both seen and unseen, and it is becoming increasingly evident. As our culture decays into extreme immorality, the enemy is being unmasked more and more. The devil isn’t hiding like he used to, but is blatantly present in symbolism and the normalization of evil behavior in our society. In fact, the term “Woke” has been hijacked by the ungodly as a way to proclaim their corrupt immoral code. Notice how the devil always operates in the inverse to mock God. So, with such a spiritual war raging around us, let us not slumber, but “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” — Ephesians 6:11.
Sojourners and Exiles: Once awakened to our new life in Christ, we begin to see this world through a different lens. In Hebrews it speaks of the faithful as those who “admitted that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” — Hebrews 11:13. This radical shift in perspective is not merely a change in thinking, but a complete transformation of our identity and purpose. As believers, we are called to live as sojourners, with our true citizenship in heaven. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 3:20. This awakening to our eternal nature should profoundly shape how we interact with the world around us. We are no longer bound by the limitations and expectations of this temporary existence, but implored to set our minds on the things above. “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” — Colossians 3:2–3. This dying to self is not a loss, but a gateway to true freedom. When we embrace our identity as sojourners, we are liberated from the shackles of aimless living. Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.” — Luke 9:23–24. This awakening to our true nature as sojourners also instills a sense of purpose that transcends mere existence. We are no longer simply grinding through life, but embarking on an adventure with eternal significance because we become ambassadors of a heavenly kingdom, charged with the Great Commission. “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us.” — 2 Corinthians 5:20. This mission gives new meaning to every aspect of our lives and we find ourselves longing for our true home. Like Abraham, we look forward to “the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” — Hebrews 11:10. This eternal perspective frees us from the fear of death and fills us with hope. For we know that “the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever.” — 1 John 2:17. So let us embrace our identity as sojourners and exiles. Let us use our time in this temporary world wisely, always keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal. For in this awakening, we find true purpose, hope, and a life filled with the adventure of following the King of Kings.
In Him,
Tim and Will