Luke 8:22-25 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Three in this series, seeking ten devotionals. Our focus falls upon “he fell asleep”.

Sleep in New Testament terms is often speaking to those who have died and have not yet been resurrected. It also refers to men who have failed to do as they are asked. That example is found in the garden of Gethsemane where Peter, John and James were found asleep not once but twice after Jesus had asked them to stand watch.

Look what happened on the boat. They woke the master crying out to be saved. In this example I see a prevailing attitude among men and women of faith today. They cry out as if our Lord is asleep and inactive in our lives. It is as if we think that without our cries, He doesn’t know our distress and that we have to wake Him from a slumber.

Christ did sleep for three days, then He got up and now sits on the throne in eternity, where there is no darkness, there is no sleep, and all this He knows because He sits on the right hand of the throne, the seat of power and authority. In that position, He sleeps not.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (esv)

Living and active, not asleep.

Luke 8:22-25 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Yesterday I said there was enough truth here for ten devotionals. I accept that challenge. Here is number two in a series, I hope lasts at least ten days. Am I overreaching? Perhaps, let’s see..

Today’s focus is on “Let us go.” Notice Jesus got into the boat first. I have to say as a former soldier that men respect officers who lead. They do not give orders and sit back in their safe house position and wait on results. Leaders lead.

I know from a dictionary meaning a disciple is a student. Yes the disciples learned from Jesus, but they learned from Him because He led by example. Disciples of Christ are often thought of as followers in that they follow Christ’s example. While this is a true principle, what is it in the practice of “walking in the spirit”? It is not to follow, it is to “go with” as He said “Let us go.”

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Go with.