Asleep in the Garden

I really don't blame them. Dinner, a glass of wine, a long walk and then a quiet place to sit. I'd have fallen asleep also. In fact, often in the quiet of the night when I can't sleep, I'll repeat Psalm 23 in my head until I do. Rarely do I get through it all more than once before it's lights out. So I completely understand how Peter, James and John fell asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus asked them to stay awake, pray and keep watch.

The problem is, that it was one of the most significant events in the history of mankind, and they almost slept right through it. Three times. While Jesus was in such great anguish in prayer that he was literally sweating drops of blood, his protectors, the ones he trusted to keep watch, were fast asleep a short distance away. Paying no attention. More concerned about their own comfort or convenience than the responsibility they were given.

How alone Jesus must have felt. He takes his closest friends with him and three time he asks them to keep watch while he prayed. Three times he asks God to find another way. Three times he surrenders to the will of God. Three times his friends were asleep.

"My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." (Matthew 26: 39) 

So, here's the question that haunts me. How often am I asleep in the garden? Physically present but asleep to the most important things happening around me. My wife's needs and concerns. My children silently reaching out to be heard. My team trying to get me to pay attention to a problem. My responsibilities saying "we need you" and my flesh saying "not now".

Jesus knew they would fail, but asked them anyway and in doing so demonstrated both his amazing grace and willingness to sacrifice himself for a flawed people. And painted a clear reminder to stay alert and pay attention to the people and responsibilities most important to you, or a mob may show up out of nowhere to take them out.

You are in the garden. Are you asleep or are you keeping watch and praying for those in your care? Are you fully attuned and committed to your responsibilities? Are you preparing yourself to be ready? Are you seeking God's will or the body's?

I want your will to be done Lord, not mine. Help me stay awake and alert so that I may see the needs of others before my own and stand firm and be ready when the mob shows up.