September 12, 2024 Devo

The expression Jesus uses here to describe going to see Lazarus jumped out at me today. “I will go and wake him up.” It reminded me of the phrase we often use when someone has an event or an epiphany that shakes them up and causes them to think or act differently. We refer to it as a “wake-up call.” Like Lazarus, we all need those from time to time. I know I sure do!
If Jesus was headed your way to give you a wake-up call, what would it be for? For some of us it might be to get us off the road we find ourselves on. Sometimes we start down paths that seem innocent enough at the start, but it’s a road that leads us further and further away from God. It’s not that there aren’t signs along the way that tell us to turn around, but often we tell ourselves we have it under control and everything’s fine. But it’s not. That’s when Jesus has to shake us out of the slumber we’re in and get us turned around to a better path, a safer path. A path that leads us back to God.
Other times I think God gives us a wake-up call regarding our priorities and the things we fill our time with. I was talking with a friend recently about how fast time passes, how fast kids grow, and how easy it is to miss so much of the really important moments in life. Sometimes we need Jesus to wake us up so that we give ourselves more fully to the things that truly matter in life. Success in business or other pursuits will be pretty empty if we end up without the love and respect of those we love the most.
I think another wake-up call some of us need is to our potential. Too many of us write ourselves off as people who can make a difference, and in doing so, we give ourselves a pass to not pursue doing significant things for God. It’ll be a great day in our lives when we discover that He calls the “least of us” to do amazing things for Him—not because of who we are or what we can do, but because of who He is and what HE can do!
What’s YOUR wake-up call that’s needed today? What is Jesus knocking on your heart’s door or nudging your spirit about? Tune your ears and your heart to the voice of God as He calls you. You’ve been asleep at the wheel long enough. It’s time to wake up! That’s God’s Word for you today.