Wake Up!

James Smith

We are all apt to get drowsy and lethargic, therefore we need to be aroused and stirred up — and the Lord uses many means for this purpose.

Sometimes He speaks to us by his providence,
sometimes by the intimations of his Spirit,
and always by his holy word.

To every drowsy soul he speaks and says, "It is high time to awake out of sleep!" Romans 13:11.

THE REPROOF IMPLIED.

Lost sinners are asleep, they sleep the sleep of death, to such the Lord says, "Awake you that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light!"

Mere professors sleep in carnal security — to such he says, "Let him who thinks he stands — take heed lest he fall.

Some real Christians are asleep in indolence and ease, and to such he says, "It is high time to awake out of sleep!" For being asleep, they do not hear when the Lord speaks, either to warn them of danger, to call them to work, or to comfort them in his ways. They do not see the plain path of duty, though it lies open just before them. They do not employ their talents for God's glory, or do the work allotted to them for man's good. They do not improve the opportunities for usefulness presented to them, but like the sluggard — they are asleep in harvest!

They do not enjoy their privileges, as costly and precious as they are — so they derive no comfort and benefit from them.

They do not watch their foes, and therefore it is no wonder if they are surprised and overcome.

They do not prepare for the coming of the Lord, and therefore they will probably be found asleep when he comes.

This is a very unfitting state for any child of God to be found in! The Lord's people should all be useful and watchful — ever doing the will of God from the heart.

The ADMONITION DELIVERED. "It is high time to awake out of sleep!" The Sun of Righteousness has arisen, the darkness of pagan night, and the twilight of Judaism is past — it is now "gospel day". The foe is busy and has been seeking to do all the mischief he can. Our fellow-servants are at work, and some of them have done much good, and have gained many honors. The seed of the kingdom is given to us, with the direction to plough up the fallow ground, and not sow among thorns. The command is to all, "Son, go work today in my vineyard!" Also, "Work while it is called day, for the night comes, in which no man can work."

Popery, infidelity, idolatry, and many deadly errors, with those who hold them — are awake, and are doing a world of mischief!

Time flies fast, and once lost, it cannot be regained — but is lost forever. The Lord is at hand, and he is coming to take account of his servants, and to reward every one according to his works.

Look around then, rouse yourselves up, and ask, "Am I awake? Am I wide awake?" Who has not been napping, and to whom may not the admonition be given, "It is high time to awake out of sleep!"

Sinners perish by millions — and yet professors sleep!

Preachers call upon them to arise and work — and yet they sleep!

The heathen cry, "Come over and help us!" — and yet they sleep!

Societies are formed to facilitate the work, render it easy, and cut off expenses — and yet they sleep!

Doors of usefulness open on every hand, and every kind and degree of talent is called for and required — yet many sleep!

Instruments offer themselves in every direction, and only need to be taken and employed — and yet many sleep!

God is blessing the efforts of his people, and waits to be more gracious still — and yet what multitudes sleep!

From all quarters, in every direction, we hear the words addressed to God's drowsy church, "It is high time to awake out of sleep!"

Reader, have you ever been awakened by the thunders of God's holy law — or by the music of Christ's gracious gospel? Have you fled from danger to the only refuge provided for poor lost sinners? Are you in Christ? If so, are you awake to the needs of the age, and prepared to serve your generation by the will of God? Are you awake to the responsibility that rests upon you — the field of honorable labor opened before you, and the prize that may be won by you?

If saved yourself — then you ought to seek to lead others to Jesus, that they may be saved too. And if you are not doing so — to you is this word of admonition sent, "It is high tinge to awake out of sleep!" It is time to work for God. Every talent should be employed for Jesus. The day goes away, and soon the shadows of evening will be stretched out. The Lord is coming — may he find us working diligently for him when he does. Or, if he sends to take us home to rest with him awhile first — may his message find us in the field, and call us from labor to repose, that so when he comes — we may come with him, to receive our reward, according to our own labor.

Gracious Lord, rouse up your people, and in the conscience of every drowsy professor, let the admonition be heard, "It is high time to awake out of sleep!"