“It is far better to receive a rude awakening than to be left slumbering in the dark.”

I heard these words from the LORD in prayer. In a single sentence He summed up what we are facing in this hour. There are many who slumber. There are many who were awake and alive at some point in the past but they have since drifted off. They are overwhelmed with the cares of this world and have lost focus on the Kingdom of God. In a spiritual sense they have fallen asleep.

A man cannot serve two masters. Neither can he serve two kingdoms, especially two kingdoms which are at war with one another. If in your spirit you know these words describe you, it is far better to receive a rude awakening today than to wake up in the dark after the door has already been shut.

I grew up on a religious system that was based on fear. As a result I make it a point to avoid “Hellfire and brimstone” preaching. After all, I find it far better to focus on God’s love than what life is like absent of it. Yet I will not deny the LORD this word which He wishes to speak.

“A day is coming when the door will shut. For those on the inside it will be a time of rejoicing. For those left on the outside there will be only weeping and gnashing of teeth. Wake up! The day and the hour draw near. I come like a thief in the night. If you are watchful you will be ready but if you slumber you will awake to find yourself robbed of the greatest treasure. Be ready for My Son. He comes at an hour you do not expect.”

Is the picture clear enough? You may say to yourself, “Hasn’t every generation thought they were the ones destined to see the coming of the LORD?” I caution you in regard to this kind of thinking. It promotes procrastination and robs our lives of purpose. Recall the master who went away on a trip. He gave talents of gold to each of his servants according to their gifts. Two went out and wisely invested their master’s talents but one buried his and went on with his “regularly scheduled life.” The master was away for a long time but it is important we are reminded that he did return.

Our LORD Jesus has been away for a long time but He will return! When He does, how will He find you? Will you be invested in the Kingdom or will your talent have been buried? Will you enter into His joy or will all you have be taken away just before you are cast out?

You can choose to discount what is being said here. You can say to yourself that you have time. Or if you have been sleeping you can receive this rude awakening from LORD. The choice is yours but remember it is far better to receive a rude awakening than to be left slumbering in the dark.

The alarm clock is going off. Will you arise or will you hit the snooze button?

“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

~ Mitch Salmon

Mitch Salmon is a follower of Jesus Christ and proclaimer of the Good News – The Gospel of Christ Jesus!