Romans 13:8-14

Be Still: Father, thank you that I am your child. Please open the eyes of my heart this morning and reveal to me the secrets of heaven. Amen

Read: Romans 13:8-14

'The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed' (v11)

Encounter: Have you ever fallen asleep on a late-night train and missed your stop? I have…on more than one occasion I’m embarrassed to admit! I’ve also been so engrossed in my podcast that I’ve only noticed last minute that we’ve pulled into Birmingham New Street, not had enough time to properly pack my belongings up and consequently left things on the train. You’d think that, given the amount of time I spend on trains, I’d have nailed the basics by now!

In this passage Paul is screaming at the Roman church 'Wake up!! The train is about to hit the platform and you do not want to miss your stop!' 

Whichever way you look at it, this life is short, the train is coming into the station. Paul’s advice – start preparing for the final destination now! Put away the deeds of darkness, put on the armour of light. Forget the temptations and trappings of this life, stop thinking about how to gratify your flesh and focus on the kingdom of God. In other words, wake up, turn off your podcast, pack up your bag, throw away your rubbish and get ready to exit the train! 

Apply: It’s really easy to get distracted in this life or to metaphorically fall asleep. Spend a bit of time today reviewing your life with the Holy Spirit - are there any worldly temptations that are distracting you from the kingdom? Are you a bit too focussed on building your bank balance, your reputation or your lifestyle? Are there any areas of sin in your life that you need to throw away in preparation for your final destination? Are there things that you should be spending more time and attention on? 

Devote: Thank you Jesus that our destiny is an eternal life spent with you. Please send the Holy Spirit to fill me, to help me to focus on the things of the kingdom and to prepare me for heaven.