Meditation
111
Are You Sleeping?
Luke 22:40-46 (ESV) And
when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into
temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down
and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.
Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an
angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more
earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the
ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them
sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray
that you may not enter into temptation.”
This scene is from the last night of
Jesus’ life. He and His disciples have come into the garden in the dim light of
dusk. Knowing the darkest night of temptation just Jesus tells them “pray that
you may not enter into temptation.” Leaving them to pray, Jesus withdrew a
stone’s throw away, knelt down, and prayed in preparation for the most
terrifying temptation of His earthly life. The pressure was so intense that an
angel appeared and strengthened Him. When He arose from prayer and went to His
disciples He found them sleeping while the historical event of His dying to
become the sacrifice for man’s sin was unfolding.
Fast forward to today and realize the
historical rapture of the church is about to take place. Now ask yourself these
questions: Am I sleeping or am I preparing? Where am I storing treasure on
earth or in heaven? Am I getting to know Jesus better? Is there oil in my lamp?
Ending
Thoughts
Knowing Christ is the central issue of
life on earth and eternal life. We
should be growing closer and closer to Him as each day passes. Take a break
from the activities of life and talk to Jesus and there by prepare for the
rapture and grow your relationship.
