HE FOUND THEM SLEEPING

“He came and found them sleeping.”

– Mark 14:37

Sleep is a pleasant and necessary part of our lives; it is essential to health and well-being. However, sleep at the wrong time is unforgivable, and at certain times can be tragic in its results. The military guard who falls asleep at his post on duty; the driver who falls asleep at the wheel; the surgeon who drowses in the midst of a serious operation; these all have certainly chosen the wrong time to sleep. There is a time to sleep and a time to be awake.

The disciples of Jesus often fell asleep at the wrong time, especially when they were supposed to be praying. When Jesus took Peter, James and John up into a mountain where He was transfigured, the three disciples were heavy with sleep. Again, in this instance, in the Garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus exhorted His disciples to “watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation,” once more they fell asleep. Three times Jesus came back from His place of prayer and found them sleeping.

Of all the times for the disciples to sleep, this was the worst. The final hour for Jesus was at hand. He was about to be arrested, put on trial, and nailed to a cross. He needed the sympathy, support, and prayers of those who were closest to Him. However, the disciples failed their Lord and failed themselves.

It is interesting, however, when we look into the book of Acts, to see the difference in the prayer life of the disciples. They suddenly became men and women of prayer. They prayed everywhere and at all times. In fact, sometimes when they were supposed to be sleeping, they were praying. When Peter was arrested and put in jail, the Christians in Jerusalem prayed all night for his release. When Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi, they prayed and sang praises at midnight. What made the difference? It was the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit who inspired them to pray and taught them how to pray. And it is the Holy Spirit who can make a difference in our prayer lives today.

Thought for the day: Prayer is the Christian’s powerhouse.

J.T. Seamands.