Experiencing Jesus Together Through LentSample

Day 39:

Scripture:
“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”  Romans 13:11 NKJV

A Call To: Prepare

Do you remember the road trip? You barely got going and the children began to ask, “Are we there, yet?” You respond, “No, not yet. We just started.” 10 minutes later, “Are we there, yet?” “No, not yet. I’ll let you know when we’re close.” 

Anticipation. That’s what drives the questions. That’s what fuels the adrenaline laced excitement. Hope deferred through a long journey is what brings the crash into sleep. 

Every journey requires three important elements: a destination, a map and road signs. Roads signs give us perspective. They tell us we’re on the right path, when we need to make adjustments, and more importantly, they remind us that we’re getting closer and we can eventually answer, “Wake up! We’re almost there.”

Paul was given understanding. He experienced with all the church the anticipation of the promise. Even though the church was just beginning, they had hope and excitement for their own personal journey. But for us, we have the road signs. Signs that say the hope, the promise is almost here. Signs that tell us it’s time to awaken. 

Reflection:
Jesus was drawing closer to his destination of purpose. He knew the time and season of his journey’s end. There was much to be done, final ideas to be emphasized and modeled for us. Things like “love”, “service”, and “community”. As we see the signs and understand the season, what preparations do we need to make?Take a moment to ask Holy Spirit how you can prepare as we await, with anticipation, the arrival of the “bridegroom”, the destination of promise. 

Praise + Prayer:
Father God, we are so grateful that Jesus was prepared to complete His journey and give us the privilege of following Him. God we thank You for the invitation and the right to come boldly before Your presence. We pray for the Holy Spirit to lead us as we awaken to love and serve as a global family, unified under Jesus by the Spirit, to Your glory, Father. 

In Jesus name, Amen.