It is election day in the United States of America!!! What an incredible privilege we have as Americans. Regardless of where you may be in the ideological, political spectrum, Tuesday's Musical Notes urges you to cast your ballot! This Public Service Announcement brought to you by Tuesday's Musical Notes where you can go any day of the week and get something a little bit different than your normal musical blog fare. Enjoy!!!
Good Tuesday to ya friend!!! Welcome to Tuesday's Musical Notes!!! Each week, folks just like you gather from all over the globe to read about their favorite bands and songs. We try to bring an interpretation to this music that is unique in its perspective, unlike anything you've ever read, and unabashed in its delivery of truth. So, since the weather has become fall like, grab your favorite warm coffee blend, a throw or favorite blanket, your phone or ipad, and let's visit awhile about one of the biggest bands ever put together. Don't get too warm though..you might...start...to become...very...zzzz...zzzz...zzzz...
WAKE UP!!!!! Wow, that's as annoying now as it is in the morning! Sleep is a necessity. Some require a specific amount each night to function at optimum, others can fluctuate and still maintain their operational status during the day. Infants require 14-15 hours, teenagers require 8.5-9.5 hours, and most adults need from 7-9 hours a day. ("Are You Getting Enough Sleep?" webmd.com) As I get older, I find my need for sleep increases...maybe that's just an afternoon nap calling...
Ever had that afternoon meeting where the one leading the meeting seems to go on and on and on. Your lunch is settled and the room may be warm. All of a sudden you find yourself called upon for an opinion and you have to be reminded the topic because you had fallen asleep? This scenario has the potential to be job ending, and at the very least is embarrassing.
An entire industry of "energy" boosting supplements has in the last decade popped up in stores to get you through those long afternoons. Many folks attest to their reviving characteristics and seem to not suffer the "crash" that previous generation's "no sleep" aids cause. Perhaps however, we are looking at the wrong solution. Instead of waiting until you get sleepy, maybe the fault lies in your preparation for the day.
The apostle Peter, yes the one who walked on water, cut off the servant's ear, and swore to Jesus that he would NEVER deny him, is writing to the burgeoning church in Asia Minor (south west portion of Asia, comprising most of modern day Turkey) to provide encouragement at a time of persecution they were experiencing. Peter attempts to galvanize their courage by telling them: "So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives." Considering the current climate in the world that we find ourselves, this seems to be pretty good advice for Christians as we navigate a culture that will increasingly become negative toward our world view.
What experience in Peter's life would have prepared him to elucidate such advise? Peter had one of those "wake up in the middle of a meeting" moments on a very important night. The Gospel of Luke chapter 22 NKJV/The Message Here we see the episode from the apostle Peter's life that provides him with the experience to be able to encourage those in Asia Minor. Unfortunately for Peter, his wisdom was gained experientially from the mistakes that he made.
The disciples had just had the last meal they would have with Jesus before He was taken to be crucified. It was a lively evening as the disciples did not fully comprehend the meaning behind the moment. Judas leaves and the disciples have a discussion about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus continues to compassionately teach and lead the disciples as He knows what lays in store for the remainder of the evening. While Jesus is praying in the Garden of Gethsemene, His disciples, weary from the days events and full of Passover supper, succumb to sleep. At His greatest time of need, Jesus was alone. Peter and the disciples were not alert, nor were they aware of the arriving mob coming into the Garden. When Jesus was arrested, the disciples scattered and hid to avoid potential prosecution as well. It was not a good night for the men who would later begin the Church in Jerusalem. It is a good thing that God is forgiving.
But before we beat up on Peter and the disciples, we must evaluate our own service to Jesus. Are we alert when opportunities arrive for us to be "light" in this present darkness? Are we "sober" as we make decisions that affect others around us and aware of the implications those decisions may have on the testimony of Jesus in our lives? Or when we are called upon to do a great work for the kingdom, is our reply...
"Please, don't wake me, no, don't shake me
Leave me where I am, I'm only sleeping"
Leave me where I am, I'm only sleeping"
'Til Tuesday,
Serving HIM by serving you,
Randy
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