Early In The Morning

I realize what’s late for some is early for others.

But when I feel like I’ve slept late, it’s still too early for many! It’s not light yet, but this is my anticipated view from my back yard.

Were this a Sunday morning then I rise a little earlier than normal so as to spend time with prayer, devotion, and preparation. Many want to sleep in, and many have nothing planned for the day that gives them prompting to get up and move. I seldom have a day like that! Sleeping in may get me close to 7 am, but that’s about all!

Of all my days, Sunday is the one that requires the most out of me. More focus. Energy. Getting out of my comfort zone. Greeting. Meeting. Delivering. Retreating. And finally rest. Hours and hours after the day started.

Morning Habits

To support my early rising, I turn to scripture and find a number of times where the bible talks about getting up early.

Abraham got up early and went to the place where he stood before the Lord. (Genesis 19:27) This was the morning after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. His nephew Lot had escaped just before the destruction, but only with his two daughters. Not by persuasion alone, but with gentle (?) force (Genesis 19:16-17).

Jacob arose early after of dreams and visions and promises from God.

Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said,
“Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.”
And he was afraid and said,
“How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!”
Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel; but the name of that city had been Luz previously. (Genesis 28:16-19 NKJV)

Imagine that! Calling a place of rest the House of God! (Beth-el)

Several times Moses was commanded to rise early and go face Pharaoh… but then he finally rose early to prepare to hear from God on Mount Sinai. (Exodus 34:2-5).

Rising For Purpose

Of all the reasons for any of us to rise early, there is none so special as what was found on that resurrection morning. After fearful and restless hours, those that came early to finish caring for the body of Jesus stood at the door of the tomb. What was once barred, was now standing wide open. Where his body once laid, now, his grave clothes were neatly left behind.

He was not there…

Early morning lessons are often won after a night of restless sleep. Something pulls you awake, from the comfort of your bed, and drives you to seek the reason for arising early.

What do you expect to do today? It’s the Lord’s Day… Arise…

The night is far spent, the day is at hand.
Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness,
and let us put on the armor of light.
(Romans 13:12 NKJV)

Another Morning

Here I am, hours after rising, and the sun is just turning from red to yellow. It was in the high 20’s overnight, water for the dogs and chickens is frozen. The grass crunches underfoot. Through the distant haze you can see the hills surrounding our homestead. Neighboring cows are starting to head for the hay. And around my ankles and knees, my dogs greet me with exuberance.

I pause to look at the orange light that portends the sun beginning its march across the sky.

My kind of Morning!