Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy
from carousing and drunkenness
and the anxieties of daily life,
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.
There is a tiredness that is worse than mere worldly exhaustion. Being physically tired is actually morally neutral. It is being morally tired that is the problem about which Jesus warns his disciples. It is growing weary of doing good or resisting temptation. We are called to persevere. He who endures to the end shall be saved (see Matthew 24:13). When Jesus tells us to pray he tells us to ask and keep asking (see Matthew 7:7). He commends to persistence of the importunate widow against the unjust judge (see Luke 18:1-8). It is not enough to merely set our minds on the things of God once. We need to set our minds and keep them set on the things above (see Colossians 3:2-4).
If we begin to give in to our flesh now we won't be able to withstand the day when it comes to assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. It is not possible to stay awake without assistance, which is why Jesus tells us to ask for the strength we need.
Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength
to escape the tribulations that are imminent
and to stand before the Son of Man.
We often begin in the Spirit. We have momentary spiritual highs but then quickly succumb to spiritual drowsiness. God is calling us to rely on him all the time, not just some of it. He is calling us not only to begin with him, but to walk with him through our days, in order that we might also end with him.
They will look upon his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
Night will be no more, nor will they need light from lamp or sun,
for the Lord God shall give them light,
and they shall reign forever and ever.
The life-giving water we will drink in heaven is already flowing from the side of Christ. It is enough to nourish also every month of the year. Let us drink deeply of his grace every day. May we never tire of turning to him.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyfully sing psalms to him.
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