Monday, March 12, 2012
Matthew 26:40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter.
WATCH WITH ME
Yes, everyone has times when they would like to be alone, perhaps in part because they feel some pressure to respond in some way when others are around. But there are also those times when we all need "back-up" of some kind. These may be dark times, times when we feel our weakness, yes, even times that we must face something alone (like illness, or death). Then we may greatly appreciate the company of friends and loved ones.
Jesus was facing just such a dark time in Gethsemane on the night in which He was betrayed, and He asked Peter, James, and John to watch with Him. He knew what lay ahead, had already confronted Judas with it, and was sorrowful unto death.
It was a time of weakness for Him because He laid aside the full use of His divine power and faced God's judgment upon the sins of all, including yours and mine. No wonder He craved the support and company of those who were close to Him, but it was not to be. When He returned from His prayer, He found them sleeping.
That, however, did not stop Him! He faced God's fury for us and He did it alone. More than that He understands every time that we need someone to "watch with us," and He that watches with us neither slumbers nor sleeps.
To this our prayer, His answer is "Yes!":
Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me!
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 552:1)
