Our hour of greatest Need ...

the Journey
27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. 28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. 29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. 30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. 31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. 32 ¶ And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. 33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; 34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. 35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. 37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? 38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. 39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. 40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. 41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

(my comments)

In Jesus' greatest moment of need, despite His love and care for these precious disciples, they were found sleeping. This though they had just vehemently denied that they would in any way deny Jesus even if it meant death to them.

Do you find men sleeping ? Do you find many unaware of your trials and sufferings? I suspect that there are many lonely, many suffering in our world today. I would like to encourage us to all take heart and stand beside each other in the trials and sufferings that come upon each of us. Most of all, Jesus stands beside us and has prayed for us that our faith will not fail us. As Jesus is aware of our needs, so Jesus was aware of Peter's upcoming weakness & failure. HE is aware of ours as well. We must rouse ourselves and awaken ourselves up to the reality that it is only through watchfulness and taking heed, being steadfast, through prayer and offering up onself, that we will overcome the weakness, or shall I say strength, of our flesh and not be sleeping at an hour when "we knowest not". When the master comes.

All those who would be disciples must walk a path that seems to twist and turn, from a bold initial declaration of faith and trust, to a sombre reality of the strength of our flesh to make us slumber and hinder us in our walk with Jesus Christ. Only through Jesus Christ Alone can we all truly awaken, Only He can awaken us UP to the reality of Who He is & What He has done for us, may His purpose become fulfilled in us through this revelation.

Our example of Jesus in the garden, pouring himself out before the Father, even as those around him slumber, slept, were oblivious; we too must pour ourselves out before the Father, though others perhaps our unaware; still we submit, still we yield, and into His hands we commend ourselves.

This is the sacrifice that our Spirit is ready and willing to labor within us, and bring unto the Father. OH the fragrance of it! The sweet communion and fellowship that it yields will surpass the earthly and fill us with a great awareness that we are but sojourners upon this earth, awaiting heaven ! Just passing through til one day we will return unto our Father. What a day of rejoicing that shall be ! Home at last we shall be.

Carry on ye soldiers of the Cross ! Arise and welcome Jesus Christ the Lord into thy midst as never before !