Awake, O Sleeper

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)… but when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5: 8-10, 14-14

Broken + Buried exists to offer hope and let you know you are not alone. We are all broken but that doesn’t mean we are worthless — dying and burying ourselves daily (Luke 9:23) we embrace the truth that Jesus sacrificed himself for our redemption. His resurrection paves the way for our forgiveness, counteracting the judgment we warrant. Each step draws us nearer to God or pulls us away—we're either guided by the spirit or driven by the flesh. Our former self, with its dominion over our lives, has perished; there is freedom in the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17). The essence of this is that we are to submit to God’s spirit daily, letting Him guide us and rule in our heart — that there is nothing above Him.

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:11-14

Embracing a crucified life demands that we make "no provision" for our flesh. We were born with a sinful nature and if left to our vices, we will remain in darkness. In contrast, we are called to walk in the light, and His “light is found in all that is good and right and true”. It’s time to wake up! We are called to higher living! No longer do we abide by old ways that permit unrestricted behavior. We're to yield to a higher authority. I no longer do what “feels right”, my moral compass is guided by the one true God who lives inside me. In the radiance of His light, selfish ambitions and actions find no place. I've been transformed, and my renewed heart craves a covenant and connection with my Creator. We are set apart, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy. It may involve going against cultural norms or facing criticism from those around us. However, the rewards far exceed the costs. By being set apart, we experience a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends earthly desires. We find strength and guidance in our relationship with Christ, enabling us to navigate life's complexities with grace and wisdom. Moreover, being set apart allows us to fully embrace our identity as children of God and to shine His light in a world filled with darkness. The joy of knowing Christ and the eternal hope He offers outweigh any temporary struggles we may encounter.

Be encouraged, this life is but a passing moment, and its trials are temporary. Our Creator has paved the way for us to reside eternally in His presence, free from the constraints of this world. We're encouraged to cast off our former selves and surround ourselves with His splendor daily. By doing so, the radiance of Christ will illuminate our path, guiding us to walk in His light.

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead”, let your light shine and prepare for the day of the Lord. Throw off all darkness — He is coming and we need to be ready.

But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Matthew 24: 36-44