Wednesday, March 3, 2010

~Decisions of Anguish~


Jesus went to pray when he knew he was soon going to be betrayed and arrested. He took with him three of his closest disciples for strength and protection. He prayed to his Father for this to pass. He agonized over what he was facing. Was he tempted to just walk away into the night? Did he think possibly he could just leave and disappear and be safe from death? The three disciples were sleeping, did they really care what he was facing? Would it be worth it to carry out his Father's will? I'm sure all these things went through his mind as he anguished this decision. But he did decide to do what he knew in his heart was right. He stood up, knowing the consequences of his decision and went to his sleeping friends. Can we be as sure in our heart of what is the right decision and stand up for what is right?


Matthew 26.36-46; Luke 22.39-46

32Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he told them, "Sit here while I pray."
33Jesus took along Peter, James, and John. He was sad and troubled and 34told them, "I am so sad that I feel as if I am dying. Stay here and keep awake with me."
35-36Jesus walked on a little way. Then he knelt down on the ground and prayed, "Father, [a] if it is possible, don't let this happen to me! Father, you can do anything. Don't make me suffer by having me drink from this cup. [b] But do what you want, and not what I want."
37When Jesus came back and found the disciples sleeping, he said to Simon Peter, "Are you asleep? Can't you stay awake for just one hour? 38Stay awake and pray that you won't be tested. You want to do what is right, but you are weak."
39Jesus went back and prayed the same prayer. 40But when he returned to the disciples, he found them sleeping again. They simply could not keep their eyes open, and they did not know what to say.
41When Jesus returned to the disciples the third time, he said, "Are you still sleeping and resting? [c] Enough of that! The time has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to sinners. 42Get up! Let's go. The one who will betray me is already here."

Father, help those who are tempted to continue wrong decisions that create destruction and do not contain your will. Help us to see truth in facing what is in front of us. Ready our hearts to accept the things that aren't easy, but know that it is your will to move forward despite the hardship because it's the right thing to do. Always bless those that strive to do your will and show your love...

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