“Therefore stay awake…”
Mark 13:35

I’ve been writing a lot that COVID-19 is God’s call to repentance, for sinners and saints alike. Most of my attention has been on the saints, many who seem to me are missing this great opportunity that God is presenting to us. I feel a great sense of urgency not only to share the gospel with the dead but an even greater urgency to spur believers into action.

Am I hearing from God on this, or, if I am, am I hearing him correctly? Is it the Holy Spirit in me that is driving me or is it my own sense of fear manifesting itself into nervous activity?

Scripture seems to always be the answer when I am looking for verification. Oh, sure, I ask other Christians for their opinion if I am unsure of God’s direction, but, honestly, scripture really nails my conviction more than validation from others.

Take today, for example. I had no idea what I should write about. Melissa suggested writing something about Maundy Thursday. Honestly, the common practice of Holy Week bothers me because it is a time of exaggerated interest in Jesus that quickly subsides after Sunday. But, I looked into it anyway, and this is what caught my attention:

Matthew 26:40-41 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Boom!

That’s all I need. The Word of God stamped its approval for me. You may not think so, but my spirit is convinced that COVID-19 is a boot to the side of sleeping Christians as much as it is to those who are dead in their sin.

Revelation 3:1b-3 “I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.

More and more, I’m convinced that this applies to today’s church. Yes, verse 4 goes on to say, “Yet, you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.” Sure, there are the few, but the majority is getting a boot to the side, aren’t they?

Could Jesus be talking to us? I’m sure he is.

Father, rouse your church! Amen!

Copyright © 2020 Scott Powers