October 28
Do you ever find that the same verse or lesson keeps popping up every which way you look? This was the one for me last week. There were no less than four different instances that it appeared. Nothing in it seems out of the ordinary or applicable to current circumstance. It makes me wonder if God is preparing me for something yet to come. Or perhaps just warning.
I think it is important for all believers, so I’m going to share a somewhat long passage from Charles Spurgeon’s Evening by Evening devotional, as he describes things better than I can today.
When is a Christian most likely to sleep? Isn’t it when his current temporal circumstances are prospering? Haven’t you found this to be true in your own life? When you experienced troubles that took you to God’s throne of grace, weren’t you wider awake than you are now? The truth is: roads of ease make for sleepy travelers.
Another dangerous time for a believer is when all is going pleasantly in his spiritual life. In The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan (1628-88),Christian did not fall asleep when lions were in his way, or when he was wading through the river, or when fighting Apollyon, the lord of the City of Destruction. But once he had climbed halfway up the Hill Difficulty, representing the right road for him, he came to a delightful arbor, sat down, and quickly fell asleep, much to his own sorrow and loss. That enchanted place was one of balmy breezes filled with lovely fragrances, lulling pilgrims to sleep. Bunyan described it as follows: “Then they came to an arbor—warm, and promising much refreshment to the pilgrims, for it was beautifully covered overhead with greenery, and was furnished with long benches. It also had a soft couch where the weary might rest…This arbor was known as The Slothful’s Friend, and was purposely designed to allure weary travelers.”
Therefore, you can be sure of this: it is in the easy places that people shut their eyes and wander into the dreamy land of forgetfulness. Ralph Erskine (Scottish preacher and hymnist, 1685-1752) once remarked, “I like a roaring devil better than a sleeping one.” In other words, there is no temptation half as dangerous as not being tempted. A distressed soul does not sleep, for it is only after we enter into peaceful confidence and full assurance that we are in danger of sleeping.
In today’s text the disciples had fallen asleep in Gethsemane—after their mountaintop experience of seeing Jesus transfigured (see Matt. 17:1-2). So take heed, joyful Christian, good times are close neighbors to temptations. Be as happy as you wish—but be watchful.
Prayer for today:
Heavenly Father, thank you for providing rest and protection when I am weary. Help me to not wander from your side once danger passes. May I find joy in your presence and come to you when I hear your voice call my name. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
