Good morning. Jesus, just before He is arrested on the night that He was betrayed, asked His disciple for help. 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
They didn’t remain alert as the Lord requested, they went to sleep. A couple of verses later we read: Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:37-38
I bring this discourse to our attention this morning to focus on the excellent advice that Jesus gives to Peter, Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.
Jesus says to keep alert, to “watch out!” When sin is creeping up on you, run! When sin is aimed at you, duck! When temptations are directing your path, go the other way!
Jesus commands that we pray. Prayer invites God to walk with us throughout our day. Prayer asks God to guard us against the attacks of the enemy. Prayer asks for the strength to overcome when the battle is on. Prayer asks for blessings for us, and for those we love. Prayer asks God to pour His will into and over our lives with the promise that we will honor His will as we come to know it. Prayer is power and Jesus commands that we receive such power and use it well.
“Watch and pray.” That is excellent advice for every day. Let’s take it!
Vern