SEP 8

Matthew 26:41
Memorise Hebrews 10:24
“…let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works
... and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Christ instructed Peter, James and John to do two things - watch and pray. Watching required them to abstain from sleep and be vigilant. Praying was to commune with God for divine strength to face what lay ahead. Much danger was awaiting them! Soon under the cloak of darkness Judas would arrive with an armed crowd, hearts all brimming with murderous intent. The disciples needed to be vigilant and prayerful, so that they may not give in to sin, to succumb to the temptation to run and deny Christ. They needed to be physically and spiritually awake and on guard. Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him to pray in Gethsemane. When Christ told them to watch and pray, did they want to obey? Were they willing to watch and spend this precious time left with Christ fruitfully? Most definitely. But yet they wasted it. Their tired bodies slowly succumbed to sleep, not once, but twice! They had cast out demons and healed the sick in the name of Christ, yet they could not stay awake for even an hour to watch and pray with Him this final time. Their very best intentions came to naught.

Just as wakefulness slowly but surely gave way to sleep, so can we slowly and subtly fall into sin. How incredibly weak the flesh is! We fall into sin when we do not see the danger ahead or we overestimate our strength. The best of intentions alone are not enough. Nevertheless, do not despair! Though the slumbering disciples exemplify our susceptibility to falling into sin, we can avoid the danger by listening to the exhortation of Christ to watch and pray! When should we watch and pray? Always. There is no time when we are not susceptible to falling into sin. Our adversary Satan does not rest, nor will we be free from the weakness of our flesh whilst in this corruptible body. Indeed, being on constant watch is tiring. Soldiers take turns to be on the lookout. Peter, James and John could have encouraged one another and therefore strengthened one another to remain awake, watchful and praying. We see the necessity and beauty of Christian fellowship in gathering together to pray for one another. There is strength in numbers. Christ asked the disciples to pray for themselves, lest they fall into sin. He knew that their spirit was willing but their flesh was weak. This was His burden for them. Do you have this burden not just for yourself but also for fellow brethren? When others stumble and struggle do you encourage them to pray for strength?

Thought: Do you ask others to pray for you? Do you pray for others?
Prayer: Lord, may prayers for others be a regular and integral part of my prayer life.