Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:22:48 -0500
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Mar. 18); BP: Mt. 26:36-46; RBTTY: Mk. 15:26-47; Dt.
March 18 “Watch and Pray”
“And He comes unto the disciples and finds them asleep and said unto Peter, ‘What, could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak’.”
Matthew 26:40-41
The hour’s late and the need is great—and we can ill-afford to be found asleep.
“Watch and pray.”
That’s the central truth in today’s Manna, even though there are many other eternal “nuggets” found within it. If there was ever a time for such a clarion call to spiritual vigilance, it’s now.
We really can’t fault the disciples for falling asleep, for the hour was late and it’d been a long day. And, on top of that, it’d been a very stressful day to say the least. If the truth be known, their whole three-to-three-and-one-half years with Jesus had been stressful; however, nothing could compare to the past few hours in the upper room when their Master had said “One of you shall betray Me” and they’d answered back, “Lord, is it I?” (vv.20-22).
Mentally, emotionally and physically, they were worn out. Stress has a way of doing that to us. It’s like driving our car with one foot on the gas and the other one on the brake. There’s inward tension that zaps us, robbing us of our strength (and hope).
So, again, we really can’t fault them for dozing off—for who of us has never fallen asleep during a sermon or prayer meeting?
But, this was no ordinary prayer meeting, was it?
No, their Master was going through the most difficult time of His earthly life and ministry and His flesh cried out for companionship and consolation—just as ours does. That’s why He took His three closest confidants and didn’t hide His “sorrow and heaviness of heart from them” (v.37). . .and neither should we.
Pity the person who feels he has no one to turn to in his/her hour of need.
That’s why Jesus asked them to help “bear His burdens” (Gal. 6:2). His transparency and invitation to “Watch with Me” (v.38) weren’t just a “Primer in Prayer;” they were a passionate plea for “partnership” (I Cor. 3:9). . .and how we need to be diligent in our duty—for countless souls hang in the balances of eternity!
“Watch and pray—that you enter not into temptation (Grk. ‘peirasmos’—‘a putting to the proof, to test, adversity, trial, to scrutinize, examine, etc.’).” The enemy cannot sneak upon a watchful sentry; but he can do what he wills with a slumbering one. Be diligent and faithful, weary Pilgrim. It may be night now—but the morning’s coming.
“The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Heavy eyelids often accompany heavy hearts. Fear and faintheartedness usually travel together. “Stir yourself up and waken to God’s judgment” (Ps. 35:23). Awake, O Pilgrim. . .“for it is high time to awake out of sleep—for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed, the night is far spent and the day is at hand. . .” (
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