To Sleep or Not To Sleep

When we arrived in Guyana, members of the parish council showed us around Lutheran Courts – the fenced-in compound where, among other things, our home and congregation were located. They pointed out the various security measures, and assumed us that a guard would be on duty every night.

After a month I asked if the security guard was really necessary as it seemed to me that the barred windows and double locked doors along with the floodlights and the dog would be quite sufficient. After a few moments one of my members replied, “Well, Pastor, we wanted you to feel safe, but you know what they say about security guards; they can sleep in the security hut just as soundly as you can sleep in your own bed.”

We are like servants who have been left to take care of the master’s house until his return. We can take the master’s absence as an opportunity to slack off, to sleep in the guard house instead of walking the grounds. Or following Christ’s example, we can continue to spread the good news of forgiveness, reconciliation, acceptance and salvation while feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and visiting the sick.

Supporting God, in our weariness encourage and sustain us as we continue your work until your coming in glory. Amen. — VSR