Remember the last time you worked so hard that you fell asleep exhausted? The next day you could hardly WAKE UP and the alarm clock kept ringing and ringing and ringing. Sleep gives us what we need; relaxation for the body and refreshment for the mind, and when its good, it can be very GOOD! Death is often referred to as sleep in the Bible. Jesus had to confront death, even the death of a loved one. John chapter eleven puts it this way:Joh 11:11 He said these things, and after that, he said to them, "Our friend, Lazarus, has fallen asleep, but I am going so that I may awake him out of sleep."
Joh 11:12 The disciples therefore said, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover."
Joh 11:13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he spoke of taking rest in sleep.
Joh 11:14 So Jesus said to them plainly then, "Lazarus is dead.
Joh 11:39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days."
Joh 11:40 Jesus said to her, "Didn't I tell you that if you believed, you would see God's glory?"
Joh 11:41 So they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, "Father, I thank you that you listened to me.
Joh 11:42 I know that you always listen to me, but because of the multitude that stands around I said this, that they may believe that you sent me."
Joh 11:43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
Joh 11:44 He who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Free him, and let him go." ESV
Lazarus was raised out of death; now that's one deep sleep indeed! His death led to living again and what a testimony he must have had. However, one day we will all "wake up" and the question before us is "do I know where I am going"? Now, WAKE UP and ask yourself what must I do to have my last wake up call one that I can look forward to?
