The New True Great Awakening

Jesus replied, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in daylight doesn’t stumble because there’s plenty of light from the sun. Walking at night, he might very well stumble because he can’t see where he’s going.”He said these things, and then announced, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep. I’m going to wake him up.” The disciples said, “Master, if he’s gone to sleep, he’ll get a good rest and wake up feeling fine.” Jesus was talking about death, while his disciples thought he was talking about taking a nap. Then Jesus became explicit: “Lazarus died. And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn’t there. You’re about to be given new grounds for believing. Now let’s go to him.”  John 11:9-15 (MSG)

Have you ever suddenly awakened in a place to which you had arrived without knowing how? I mean, you weren't asleep, or perhaps you didn't feel like you were, but you didn't remember getting there. You were subconsciously elsewhere or maybe journeying through a routine so muscularly memorized you simply ended up at your destination. I believe many of us are there right now in our faith walks. Present, but not awake.

Somehow, we've gotten caught up in a trap of trite, majoring in the minor, focusing on the futile and scorning the significant. We've lost sight of the fundamentals of redemption, righteousness and worship and as a result have fallen victim to the disruptive distractions designed to dilute our faith walks to mere Sunday morning happenstances and to sedate us to all that is going on around us.

One day, while concerned about the dangers facing them if they returned to Judea, Jesus explained the importance of walking in the light an being awake. He told them, as long as they continued walking in the light, they were not in danger of stumbling. Awakening Lazarus became a priority, not just because he was a friend of Jesus, but because of the power it demonstrated in Jesus' ability to revive and restore our believing.

If you find yourself present, but not awake, seek the light. Jesus is willing and able to come and get you and give you a new, true great awakening. Simply ask.