Sleep: A Daily Resurrection, A Godly Ordinance
Isaac Megbolugbe
September 12, 2024
Introduction
Sleep, often viewed as a mundane aspect of human life, holds profound spiritual significance. The notion that “sleep is like death” is more than a mere metaphor; it is a biblical reality. In God’s grand design, sleep serves as a daily rehearsal for resurrection, preparing us to fulfill His purposes and glorify Him. It is also a useful metaphor for practicing before performance. It is also evident in limiting our request for daily bread to one day at a time. The Bible teaches that God created humanity in His image, breathing life into Adam’s nostrils (Genesis 2:7). Similarly, each night, God “breathes life” into us through sleep, rejuvenating our bodies and spirits. This daily resurrection enables us to continue serving as vessels for His work, accomplished through the Holy Spirit.
In Psalm 121:3-4, we read, “He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” This passage highlights God’s constant vigilance and care for His people, even in sleep. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:11, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” This verse underscores the Holy Spirit’s role in resurrecting us daily, empowering us to fulfill God’s purposes. In 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Paul notes, “We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” While referring to the ultimate resurrection, this passage also alludes to the daily transformation that occurs through sleep and the Holy Spirit’s work in us. In conclusion, sleep is not merely a physical necessity but a spiritual ordinance, a daily rehearsal for resurrection. As we surrender to sleep, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and trust in His promise to resurrect us, making us fit vessels for His work and glory. May we embrace sleep as an act of worship, recognizing the divine purpose behind this daily practice.
Daily Renewal
As we sleep, God works in us, refining and equipping us for the tasks ahead. Just as Jesus was raised from the dead to new life, we too are raised daily to new life in Him. This daily resurrection prepares us for the ultimate resurrection, when our mortal bodies will be transformed into immortal ones. In Ephesians 5:14, Paul writes, “This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'” This verse highlights the connection between sleep and spiritual awakening. As we rise from sleep, we are called to rise from spiritual death, shining with the light of Christ. In conclusion, sleep is not just a physical necessity but a spiritual ordinance, a daily rehearsal for resurrection. As we surrender to sleep, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and trust in His promise to resurrect us, making us fit vessels for His work and glory. May we embrace sleep as an act of worship, recognizing the divine purpose behind this daily practice.
Let us view sleep as an opportunity for spiritual growth, a time when God works in us, equipping us for His purposes. As we sleep, may we rest in the assurance that God is working everything out for our good, raising us daily to new life in Him.
Embrace the Perspective
As we embrace this perspective on sleep, we can approach it with a sense of reverence and awe. We can see that sleep is not just a necessary evil, but a sacred gift from God, designed to refresh and renew us for His purposes. In Psalm 127:2, we read, “He gives his beloved sleep.” This verse reminds us that sleep is a blessing from God, a gift to those He loves. As we receive this gift, we can trust that God is working in us, even in our rest.
Furthermore, this perspective on sleep can help us cultivate a deeper trust in God’s sovereignty. As we surrender to sleep, we acknowledge that God is in control, even when we are not. We can rest in the assurance that He is working everything out for our good, even in our sleep. In addition, this view of sleep can help us prioritize rest and self-care. In a world that often values productivity over rest, we can remember that sleep is not a luxury, but a necessity. By prioritizing sleep, we can ensure that we are refreshed and renewed for the tasks ahead. In conclusion, sleep is not just a physical necessity, but a spiritual ordinance, a daily rehearsal for resurrection. As we embrace this perspective, we can approach sleep with reverence and awe, trusting in God’s sovereignty and provision. May we prioritize rest and self-care, knowing that sleep is a sacred gift from God, designed to refresh and renew us for His purposes.
