and children of the day.
We are, by nature, of the light and not the darkness.
We are destined for the light of eternity, "to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ".
When we go to our final sleep we will not sleep "as the rest do." Therefore, even now, we can't live asleep "as the rest do". The rest are asleep, walking through life but not fully alive. They are, as it were, the walking dead. What does it mean for someone to walk through life half asleep? It means he isn't ready. It means the day can overtake him like a thief. It means that when he is put to the test he is taken by surprise and doesn't respond as he should.
We are children of the light. But the risk of behaving the same way remains. We must choose the light and embrace it. We must stay awake. Yet weariness of the world makes it hard. Paul has good advice for weary travelers. He says, "encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do." It is as if we are on a long drive through the night toward the kingdom of Heaven and sleep is making our eyes heavy. We must help one another to keep our eyes open. We do this by reminding each other of the hope which lies ahead.
These words help us to stay awake because they convey kingdom authority.
and they were astonished at his teaching
because he spoke with authority.
We are empowered to speak with the same voice that casts out demons.
They were all amazed and said to one another,
“What is there about his word?
For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits,
and they come out.”
Extreme? Yes. But also true. Because, "these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues" (cf. Mar. 16:17).
It is no longer just some pleasant but superficial thing to "encourage one another". It is power that we need. It is possible to be guilty of sins of omission if we deprive them of these blessings that God wants to pour on them through us. Let's take it seriously, stay awake, and celebrate our hope!
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
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