“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way” Matthew 13:24-25
This verse teaches us what happens when we sleep, spiritually. It’s saying while people sleep, our enemy comes and plants tares (an injurious weed resembling wheat) alongside the wheat, and then leaves. Those times when we’re not spiritually vigilant, this is what’s happening. You sleep spiritually when you refuse to ‘watch and pray’. You sleep spiritually when you’re careless and desensitized to the opportunities presented by God. You sleep spiritually when you’re not sensitive to the schemes and devices of the enemy.
In Judges 15 and 16, Delilah pressed Samson to know the secret to his great strength. Samson toyed with her constantly until one day he confessed that a razor had never touched his head, and then took a nap on her knees. [Judges 16:17]
“Delilah made Samson sleep upon her knees and she called for a man to come and shave his seven locks of hair, and she began to afflict him.” Judges 16:19
While Samson slept, his strength was cut off! While Samson slept, a diabolical plan was being executed which eventually led to his death. Similarly, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus took Peter, James and John with him to pray. Three times, Jesus came to find them “asleep.” “And while men slept, the enemy was marching to arrest our Savior. The three disciples missed the opportunity to cover him or, aligned with God’s will, comfort him during Jesus’ greatest time of need.
“Then Jesus came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Matthew 26:45
Perhaps the Lord is asking you the same question today–”Are you still sleeping and resting?”
The enemy can only sow tares alongside the wheat in your life when you sleep, becoming unaware of your circumstances and environment. However, as long as you remain vigilant, spiritually sensitive and awake, the enemy cannot sow tares in your family, relationships, health, finances, career, ministry, circumstances and mind.
We are exhorted to live like we are ready because the day of the Lord or the enemy of our soul will come like the thief in the night.
“But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God.” Romans 13:11 MSG
Is there something you know God wants you to do?
Are there opportunities that you’ve been given that are falling by the wayside?
Is there a relationship in your life that causes distractions of the heart?
Is there more time you’re able to dedicate to reading God’s Word each day?
Be up and awake to what God is doing.
REFLECTION
It’s dangerous to sleep when your enemy is working overtime. What are 2 things you can do today/tomorrow to help you stay awake, spiritually?
Rise & Shine Bright.