Stay Here and Keep Watch

They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch." Mark 14:32-34

"Stay here and keep watch."

Jesus invites us to accompany him on the road that leads to suffering. We walk with him because the alternative (to walk without him) is unimaginable. He tells us to stay and we do. But we would be less than honest if we didn't also admit our relief that we aren't asked to go any farther. We are told to keep watch and we nod our heads in affirmation. It isn't long though, before our eyes close in weariness and we drift off to sleep.

He tells us to stay and keep watch and we fail him, again and again.

Even so, we are His beloved. We are His chosen ones. We are the very people upon whom He has sent His Spirit and His power and His authority to go out and share the Good News. We are the broken men and women who have been called to be His love and His light to a world that knows only darkness.

In the course of our lives, we will have multiple opportunities to "stay and keep watch." He continues to invite us to do the hard things that purify our faith and reveal the motives of our hearts. We should expect to be asked. And we should never cease praying for the day when we will be able to keep our eyes open in obedience as we wait with Him.

Jesus, forgive me for all the times I have refused to walk the road of suffering with you. Forgive me for the relief I have felt when you have let me stop travelling and gone on ahead without me. Lord, why were my thoughts only for myself, in those moments, and so far from you and what you were going through? Forgive me for the many times I have sought refuge in sleep instead of staying awake with you. You know my heart. You know my sin.

Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for your grace and mercy which covers me and my brokenness. Thank you for your blood which was shed for me that I might be forgiven and free. I am free. Hallelujah!

Teach me how to stay awake with you in the dark hours when pain and suffering and death draw near. Teach me how to honor you as a companion in faith. Teach me, Jesus. I have so much to learn. In Your Name, Amen.