In the Morning Daily Devotions

MONDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 2023

TEXT: Mark 14:32-43

32. They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”

33. He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated.

34. And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.”

35. And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

36. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.”

37. He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour?

38. Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

39. And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words.

40. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him.

41. He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

42. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”

43. Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.

(New Revised Standard Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: SENSING THE LAST HOUR

The life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ was divinely timed. God sent Him when the time had fully come (Galatians 4:4).

While on earth, Jesus did things at their appointed time. Sensing that His time had come, Jesus took an action that many in His situation would not have taken – He went to pray! Many would try to contact important people in government and society, including those who have benefited from their ministry to the see the high priest.

They would provide money to “settle” everyone who has a say in the matter. If all efforts fail, they would secretly leave the country. Jesus did not do any of that.

When the hour finally came for His arrest, having prayed in agony requesting for the Father’s will to let the hour pass Him, He submitted to God’s will. Without struggle, Jesus handed Himself over to those who came to arrest Him.

For all of us, there is always a last hour in whatever we do – if you occupy an office, there will be a last hour. If you suffer from a certain disease, there will be a last hour. There is a last hour to whatever we are passing through in this life, whether good or bad.

Learn from Jesus to be conscious of the last hour and to be found in the state of God’s grace.

QUESTION: What last hour awaits you?

PRAYER: Keep me vigilant. Help me not to sleep in the hour of need. Amen.