Peter was quick to agree that he would go to the garden with Jesus and the other disciples. He was quick to say that he would stand with Jesus no matter what, yet he caved in three times before the cock crowed. As we ponder the Scripture today, let us resolve to follow through in doing the will of God and not cave into the desires and temptations of the world.

DATE POSTED Saturday, 2022-04-09
WRITTEN AT: Astatula, FL

BY: Ed Algreen 

SCRIPTURE FROM: Matthew 26:39-42
TRANSLATION: New Century Version (NCV)

BIBLE TEXT: 39 After walking a little farther away from them, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, do not give me this cup[c] of suffering. But do what you want, not what I want.” 40 Then Jesus went back to his followers and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “You men could not stay awake with me for one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray for strength against temptation. The spirit wants to do what is right, but the body is weak.”  42 Then Jesus went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this painful thing to be taken from me, and if I must do it, I pray that what you want will be done.”

APPLICATION: Peter was one to quickly agree on doing something for the Lord. When the disciples were told by Jesus that he expected every one of them to turn their backs on Him in His time of capture, trial and crucifixion, Peter was the first to step forward and tell Jesus that would never happen with him. Yet it happened just like Jesus told the disciples. Notice in the Garden, Jesus looked to Peter and shared His disappointment that he and his Brothers could not stay alert with Him during this very difficult time. I can’t speak for you, but I am also quick to volunteer in doing my part for the Master. I wonder how often our Lord must shake His head, knowing that my heart is willing, but my follow-thru is not a great as it should be.
I believe this Scripture also shows us the lack of empathy that we might have for others. For if Peter was feeling the pain in his heart that Jesus felt at this crucial time, don’t you know that Peter would have been looking for every tear that fell, every groan that he heard, and every unhappy, worrisome moment that Jesus may have shared with he and his fellow disciples? What about you and I? Has our hearts become hardened to the pain that others bear, or do we truly feel their pain and pray diligently for their survival of the issues they face? This meeting in the garden occurred right before what we recognize in today’s world as Good Friday. In some countries, this is a sacred day of recalling the events that our Lord suffered. It refreshes the emotions that it was for our sin that Jesus was beaten, hung on a cross and died, even though He is God and could have called down thousands of angels to defend Him. Does it tear into your heart to think of the pain and agony He went through – for us? I would dare say that if this ordeal has no impact on us, then we are probably also numb to the pain our pastors feel when they are accused and picked on by church members, or that fellow Brothers and Sisters endure when they stand tall for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Have we arrived at the stage where, like Jesus, we can say ‘your will be done oh Lord’, even if we see the handwriting on the wall that it will mean pain and punishment for us? Sometimes standing firm on our claim to Jesus Christ as our Lord and personal Savior, might result in criticism, or accusations, or attacks. Are you strong enough in your faith and relationship with Jesus, to withstand the attacks of Satan?

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Not my will, but thine oh God! Be willing to let go and let God have His way in our lives!

PRAYER: Knowing that the Father loves me so, reminds me that I can freely let go and let God have His way in my life, and that everything will be OK! Thank You Lord Jesus for surrendering to the call on Your life and thank You for placing it all on the line for my readers, listeners and myself. Please humble us to trust You with our lives, knowing that there is no greater love than that offered at Calvary for our sin and eternity in heaven. Oh that we could extend that kind of love to others, because You first loved us. Perhaps they will then get the connection and also look to You for life everlasting that is only offered through Jesus Christ. Please touch the lives of those who may happen across this devotional, but don’t know You in a personal and relational way. May this be the day of salvation for them today, oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. AMEN!