During the last couple of weeks in preparation for my sermon delivered yesterday, February 26, 2012 I encountered some very interesting material on the internet.  A goodly portion of it provided some laughter and entertainment, but not much of it was of any use other than to know that it would not be utilized as part of my sermon.  The Scripture text for the sermon was Mark 13:32-37 and the title of the sermon was “Staying Awake.”  I am endebted to The Reverend Dr. Peter G. James at the Vienna Presbyterian Church for the following sermon illustration which I used toward the end of the sermon.

On May 19, 1780, the sky over Hartford darkened ominously, so much so that some members of the Connecticut House of Representatives feared the end was at hand. Colonel Abraham Davenport, who served as the House Speaker, rose from his seat to say, “The day of Judgment is either approaching or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment. If it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. Therefore, I wish that candles be brought.” Candles were brought until the sunlight returned later in the day.

I wonder – when the day of Judgment comes will we be found doing those things that God has called us to do?