"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - Day 37 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Leviticus 1-3 Matthew 24:23-51)
STAY AWAKE!
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only... Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:36 & 42 ESV)
Some days it’s really difficult to stay awake. You’ve burned the candle at both ends, and now you’re paying the price. If you happen to be driving, that can be very dangerous. You need to do whatever you can to stay awake – roll down the car window, turn up the radio, get a cup of coffee or soda.
In today’s reading from Matthew, Jesus is encouraging us to stay awake. The reason is far more crucial than merely suffering from physical fatigue.
Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
Only God knows when our last day will be. It will either be the day we die or Judgment Day... whichever comes first. What we do know is that we must be ready. We need to stay awake!
We need to do something much more effective than drinking coffee to stay spiritually awake. Those who are awake and ready for Christ’s return are those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus as their Savior.
So stay awake by the weekly hearing of God’s Word and the receiving of Christ’s body and blood.
1. "Wake, awake, for night is flying,"
The watchmen on the heights are crying;
"Awake, Jerusalem, arise!"
Midnight hears the welcome voices
And at the thrilling cry rejoices;
"Oh, where are ye, ye virgins wise?
The Bridegroom comes, awake!
Your lamps with gladness take!
Allelujah!
With bridal care
Yourselves prepare
To meet the Bridegroom, who is near."
(Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying, Lutheran Service Book 516)
Lord Jesus, thank You for the warning. Please help me to stay awake and be ready for Your return by feeding me with God’s Word and with Your body and blood every week. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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