Readiness

​Get ready.
A familiar phrase you and I use when preparing for life events.
Ready means being prepared for what is going to happen. Readiness is an important, indispensable key to success in life. People who are ready for life reap its richest rewards. People who are not ready, well, you get the picture.
Matthew 26:36-56 records Jesus and His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, a pivotal point in Christ’s life and ministry. Read and meditate on this sacred passage of scripture. I will list key phrases of the Lord and make comments.
“The He said to them “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and watch with Me.” (Verse 38)
“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Verse39).
“And He cane to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said “So you could not watch with Me for one hour?” (Verse 40).
“Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation, for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” (Verse 41).
“Then He came to the disciples and said to them “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest?” Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. (Verse 45).
“Arise let us be going, the one who betrays me is at hand.” (Verse 46).
I read this passage with deep, inexpressible emotions in my heart for Jesus and the disciples.
When the Lord needed the support, love, prayers and watchfulness the most, His followers went to sleep. Asleep at their most important post.
Jesus agonized about His coming death. Deeply grieved He sweat drops of blood. Three times He asked the Father if the cup of suffering could pass. Three times the Son of God surrendered His will to the Father’s will.
Three times He sought the support of His closest followers who were nodding off when they should have been lifting their Master up to the Father. The words “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest?” and “So could you not watch with Me for one hour?” haunt my soul.
I call you My friends. I loved, cared for, ministered, taught and endured You for three whole years. I am all alone. Need your support. You cannot stand watch with Me for one single hour? Sixty minutes as I prepare to be crucified on the Cross? That phrase rips my heart.
Jesus said let us get up and get going boys (my paraphrase).
Jesus left the Garden of Gethsemane prepared, ready for the Cross. The disciples left the Garden unprepared, not ready for the Cross and what would follow. As Jesus walked toward the Cross, the disciples walked away from it.
Peter cut off a guy’s ear. The disciples fled and hid out when Jesus was crucified. Christ’s closest followers feared for their lives. Only John the beloved showed up at the Cross.
When the hour came for Jesus to be taken away and nailed to a cruel Roman Cross, the disciples were nowhere to be found. What if they had watched and prayed? Just asking.
Rest was more important to them then readiness. Initially they failed because their faith was not ready. Sleepy faith. Read the book of Acts to see what they learned about watching, praying and putting their faith in the Lord. With the power of the resurrected Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit, they turned their world upside down!
Christian Readiness

• Wait on the Lord regularly. Get away and alone to your secret place to be with Jesus. Be still. Silent. Listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit. (Isaiah 30:21)
• Read. Study. Meditate on the Word of God. Daily devotional reading prepares you for the day ahead. (Joshua 1:8-9, II Timothy 2:15).
• Put on your spiritual armor every single day. (Ephesians 6:10-20)
• Obey the Lord. Whatever Jesus tells you to do, do it! (John 2:1-11).
• Attend church services regularly. The fellowship of believers keeps us encouraged as we await the Lord’s glorious return! (Hebrews 10:23-25).
• Share your faith with other believers who need encouraged. Be like Barnabas! (Son of encouragement) (Acts 4:36).
• Praise the Lord! Give God thanks! Rejoice in His goodness to you every single day! (Philippians 4:4).

Readiness is a key factor in triumphing over life’s trials.
As Christ’s followers, let us watch and pray for we know from experience our spirit is wiling but our flesh is weak. I pray you and I will not let the Lord down by spiritually sleeping when we should be awake, alert, watching and praying.
May the Lord not find you and me sleeping when we should be watching and praying for His glorious return!
“Awake sleeper, arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 4:14
 A Word For Your Week: Faith must be ready for what lies ahead.