“Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. Then He came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting?” -Matthew 26:43-45
Ever been in church and found it hard to stay awake? Fighting sleep, yet catching yourself nodding off? In the garden of Gethsemane, the three apostles were asked to “keep watch with me,” yet when Jesus returned from praying, “found them sleeping from sorrow” (Luke 22:45). The troubles of the day had overcome their devotion to Jesus.
Sometimes, it is hard to “keep watch” with the Lord. We, too, find ourselves dozing off on the job in our Christian service. The trials and worries of this world often leave us asleep in Gethsemane. It is easier to sleep than to serve, nod off than toil on, or rest than help others. Are we sleepwalking in Christ, or awake and watching for his return? “So then let us not sleep as others do but let us be alert and sober” (1 Thess. 5:6). Upon Christ’s return, will He find you watching or sleeping?
-Dennis Doughty