THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

 

Isaiah 63:16; 64:1-9; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37

Introduction

The theme "Stay Awake" carries both a literal and spiritual significance. In today’s world, we are often told to “stay alert” for physical safety. Spiritually, staying awake means living with awareness, expectation, and preparedness for the return of Christ.

Jesus spoke about future events, the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in AD 70, and His still-awaited return in glory. Faced with wars and rumours of wars, He calls His disciples to be ready for His coming, and remains faithful to the end, trusting in His Word and Spirit’s enabling as they continue the task of preaching the gospel to all nations.

Jesus tells us to “Stay Awake” several times in Mark 13. He introduces the idea first in verse 9, saying “Be on your guard,” and then repeats it in verses 23, 33, 35, and 37. So in the longest section of teaching in the Gospel of Mark 13 — Jesus’s central command is to "Stay Awake." So what does that mean and why?

  

It means awareness of what God is doing and focus on His purposes. In our age of instant information, we hear of wars and see the images. We may think we are alert because we are informed, but Jesus challenges us to a different level of consciousness –awareness of God’s work and assurance of God’s timing.

It is a call to vigilance amid a world full of distractions, uncertainties, and spiritual battles. As we unpack this theme, we’ll explore how the scriptures urge us to live expectantly, relying on God’s faithfulness while actively fulfilling our responsibilities as His people.

A Call to Spiritual Vigilance

“Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.”

(Mark 13:33)

In this reading, Jesus warns His disciples to stay awake and alert for His return, emphasizing the unpredictability of the timing. Like servants awaiting their master, we are entrusted with responsibilities until Christ’s return.  

This is a warning against complacency in our walk with God. Spiritual slumber can result from distractions, busyness, or apathy. Jesus likens His coming to a master returning at an unexpected hour. The key question is: will we be found faithful and ready? "If He comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping." (Mark 13:36)

Staying awake isn’t about passive idleness; it’s about being actively engaged in God’s work. Are we cultivating our spiritual lives, spreading the Gospel, and serving others as we await His return?

Like the watchman, we have a critical role in warning others and remain vigilant. We are called to be spiritual watchmen, aware of the signs of the times and guiding others toward God’s truth (Ezekiel 3:16-21).

Divine Intervention

“Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you!” (Isaiah 64:1)

Isaiah’s cry for God’s intervention resonates deeply with the theme of staying awake. It is a plea for God’s presence and power in the midst of human frailty. Isaiah reminds us that God is our Father and Redeemer. Without His divine intervention, he asked, "How then can we be saved?" (Isaiah 64:5) Recognizing our need for Him keeps us humble and watchful. 

The prophet pleads for God's forgiveness of the sins of the people, "Do not be angry beyond measure, LORD; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look on us, we pray, for we are all your people." (Isaiah 64:9). A heart that seeks God through repentance stays awake.

God’s Faithfulness Our Christian Foundation

“He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

(1 Corinthians 1:8)

While we are called to stay awake, Paul reminds us that our faithfulness is rooted in God’s unchanging faithfulness. It is by the faithfulness of God our assurance of being "blameless on the day of the Lord Jesus Christ."

Paul gives thanks to God for the grace given to the Corinthians "For in Him you have been enriched in every way." Our ability to stay spiritually awake and enrichment in life comes from God's grace, not our strength.

God endows us - Christians, with every spiritual gift so we can serve effectively while we "eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed." These gifts aren’t for personal or selfish gain but to build the church and glorify Him.

I am particularly comforted when Paul says, "He, [Christ Jesus,] will also keep you firm to the end." Paul assures us that God will sustain His children until Christ’s return. Even when we falter, His faithfulness remains steadfast to open the page of forgiveness to us.

How then can we Stay Awake?

1. Prioritize Prayer  

   Just as Jesus instructed His disciples to watch and pray (Mark 14:38), prayer keeps us spiritually alert. It aligns our hearts with God’s will and guards against temptation.

2. Remain in the Word  

   Regular study of Scripture sharpens our discernment, enabling us to recognize God’s voice and navigate the challenges of life. (Psalm 119:11).

3. Live in Community

Fellowship with other believers encourages mutual accountability and support. Together, we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).

4. Be His Servant

Actively participating in God’s mission keeps us focused on His Kingdom. Serving others shifts our attention from self to God’s purposes. (Mark 10:15)

5. Watch for Signs of His Coming

While we don’t know the exact time of Christ’s return, we are called to stay attentive to the spiritual and moral climate of our world. (Mark 13:5-13)

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Conclusion

"Stay awake" is a command that requires intentionality and discipline. It’s a call to live in light of eternity, trusting in God’s faithfulness while remaining active in our spiritual journey. As we await the return of Christ, let us be like the faithful servant who is ready and watching, so that when Christ comes, He will find us awake and doing His will. Amen!

Shalom aleikhem...