The disciples did not follow Jesus’ directions in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Stay here and keep watch.” What were they to watch for? But it really didn’t matter; they couldn’t stay awake. “Watch and pray so you don’t fall into temptation,” Jesus encouraged, but their eyes were too heavy and they fell asleep three times.
They wanted to do what Jesus asked, but they couldn’t. Mark wrote that after Jesus woke them, “They did not know what to say to Him.”
“No one knows about the day or the hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
“Therefore, keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back – whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch!” (Mark 13:32-37)
I watched Taylor coach his volleyball team this week. The crowd was enthusiastic, the game was intense, and our son was on the sideline… it was easy to watch. But it is harder to watch when matters are spiritual and I don’t fully comprehend. I want to watch; I want to be alert; I want to understand the times… but I need assistance.
The Holy Spirit will help us watch as we depend on Him! We are not left on our own. We can ask the Counselor to help us stay alert and discern. “The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
This is what I need… a Helper to keep me awake and help me understand. Thank God He helps us watch!
“When the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is to come. He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you.” John 16:13-14