Live 4 The LORD

​READ

32 And they went to a place which was called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34  And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he 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 to you; remove this chalice from me; yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38  Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time, and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come•; the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”  (Mark 14:32–42, RSV2CE)

REFLECTION

Jesus takes a few friends with him to pray. He was greatly distressed and troubled. Jesus is not just God but also man. He wanted friends with him. He was greatly distressed. His soul was sorrowful unto death. He did not want to go through this. He prayed for the Father to take it away because the father could. But He knew God had a will for it and was willing to do it-Jesus completely submitted himself to God’s will. 

His friends are sleeping not concerned by his pain and distress. He instructs them to watch and pray by the Spirit so as not to fall into temptation by the flesh. As Jesus did so we must, submit to the Spirit and deny our flesh or we will not do the will of God. 

RESOLUTION 

God, you have a plan for my life. There are times where I will not want to go through what you have planned for me. I must not look at the pain, I must choose to look at the Spirit praying for grace to go through. I must resist my flesh even if it is crying out that it is wanting to die. I must surrender to You and know You have a good through this pain. 

REST

God, I trust in you. I know painful things come and evading them, I will not fulfill my purpose and become lost. Nothing here is worth losing eternal bliss. Help me, strengthen me, comfort me in my distress knowing you will bring me through. I love you. Amen.