We know the story of the disciples sleeping while Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. Recently, I realized that there’s another story that involves the disciples and sleeping.
The account of what is called the “transfiguration of Jesus” is another familiar story. Luke’s account provides an interesting detail that is quite unique to his version of the story. It reads: “Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him” (Luke 9.32 NIV). Did you notice it? The disciples were “very sleepy” when the transfiguration of Jesus was taking place. They would have missed the special opportunity to see what was happening right before them. Fortunately, they “became fully awake.” And it was only then that they got to see the glory of Jesus.
This was a literal, historical event. But I believe it would be valid to draw a spiritual lesson using the themes of “being asleep” and “being awake” in a figurative sense. Literally, sleep has to do with a state of rest that is close to unconsciousness. Figuratively, sleep may refer to a state of inattention, such that one is not able to respond properly to a situation, and thus miss certain opportunities. For example, a basketball team may be described as “asleep” when the opposing team keeps making baskets because they are not paying proper attention to the moves of the opposing team. Conversely, to be “fully awake” is to be attentive to what is happening so that one is able to respond in the most fitting manner.
The spiritual lesson, then, would be: It is only when I become “fully awake” that I can better see the glory of Christ—that is, to see what God is doing around me so that I can then have the privilege of joining him in accomplishing his will in his way. What would that be like? Another biblical character provides an example.
While Moses was tending Jethro’s flocks on Mount Horeb, he noticed an unusual sight: a bush that appeared to be burning, but was not consumed. The situation with the bush created an opportunity to see the glory of the Lord. How did he respond? If Moses was sleepy he would have just shrugged his shoulders and moved on. Instead, being fully awake, he chose to “turn aside to see this amazing sight” (Exodus 3.3 NET). Because he did, he had a personal encounter with God. And he was given the privilege to be used by God in a specific assignment.
How would you describe your stance before God: “very sleepy” or “fully awake”? —Keith Y. Jainga