Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
April 7, 2023
Matthew 26:36-46
36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He said to the disciples, “Stay here while I go and pray over there.” 37 When he took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, he began to feel sad and anxious. 38 Then he said to them, “I’m very sad. It’s as if I’m dying. Stay here and keep alert with me.” 39 Then he went a short distance farther and fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it’s possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. However—not what I want but what you want.” 40 He came back to the disciples and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you stay alert one hour with me? 41 Stay alert and pray so that you won’t give in to temptation. The spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak.” 42 A second time he went away and prayed, “My Father, if it’s not possible that this cup be taken away unless I drink it, then let it be what you want.” 43 Again he came and found them sleeping. Their eyes were heavy with sleep. 44 But he left them and again went and prayed the same words for the third time. 45 Then he came to his disciples and said to them, “Will you sleep and rest all night? Look, the time has come for the Human Oneto be betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up. Let’s go. Look, here comes my betrayer.”
Good Morning, What wondrous love is this that gave himself for us.
Have you ever been so tired that you couldn’t keep your eyes open? No matter what you tried, you felt yourself nodding off. Tiredness comes from many sources: lack of sleep, stress, poor overall health, and more. Why couldn’t the disciples stay awake that night?
Luke tells us that they were exhausted out of “sheer sorrow.” When you consider their lives since being called to follow Jesus, you must wonder how they managed at all. They traveled around the country with less than optimum eating and sleeping arrangements. They experienced emotional highs and lows, but indeed they believed that this life for which they were chosen was worth living.
Just before this trip to Gesthemene, they had joined in the Passover celebration, which ended with Jesus telling them that one of them would betray him and he would soon return to his Father. This was quite a shock to these followers. Even though Jesus had spent time trying to prepare them, they weren’t ready to hear this.
They were aware that tensions were building and a showdown was likely with the Pharisees or even the Romans, but so far, Jesus had always been able to talk his way out of these confrontations. Why is this time going to be different?
We began the week with Jesus announcing to the world that he is the Messiah as he entered Jerusalem on the donkey with shouts of Hosanna by the crowds that gathered. It was time for God’s plan to come to fruition. Sometimes it is hard to put all the pieces together when you are in the moment. Even though everything is clearly laid out before you, you just don’t see it. When you do, the air rushes out of your lungs, and you collapse in agony or exhilaration, depending upon the side you have chosen.
For the disciples, they chose Christ! We choose Christ! It is time for the world to see God’s power over evil, sin, and even death! It is time for every knee to bow and every tongue to confess that Jesus is Lord. For that to happen, first, Christ must give his life for us in the cruelest, inhumane death imaginable. As you remember the shouts that changed from Hosanna to Crucify Him, cling to God and be filled with grace, mercy, love, and peace.
Blessed God, We thank you for Your blessings. We are weak and fall asleep when you need us to stay awake. Help us lean to you for our strength. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Even when it is difficult, I will do what God has called me to do.
Consider Now the Lilies! Pastor Liz
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