Deserted

How will we react when the time of trial comes?

And Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters; for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though all become deserters, I will not.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same. They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.” - Mark 14:27-42

Peter was convinced he would stay by Jesus' side through whatever was about to happen, but even before they came for Jesus, he proved he could not stay awake with him.

We may think we have what it takes to go the distance, but until we face that moment of truth, we don't really know.

Jesus was struggling and deeply grieved, so he took those closest to him with him to pray.  All he asked was that they stay awake.

You wouldn't think that would be too hard to do, especially since they knew he needed them.

I can't help but think of those marines and other servicemen who are in Afghanistan right now, facing the most difficult time of trial in their lives.

Like Peter, I want to help, but I don't know how, and I am sure I would fail if I tried.

Maybe our task is to do what Jesus did, and go someplace to pray.

Instead of praying for ourselves, we can pray for all who are in harm's way, and pray for those who hold the power to harm them, that they show compassion and restraint.

But it is so hard to believe that will happen.

Maybe that is the point.  Even though Jesus knew his prayers would not change the outcome, he prayed for strength.

More to come...