August 14, 2022 - Mark 14-16

Judas will give Jesus up to the authorities. Peter will deny him three times. I think about all this. These are men who have walked with Jesus. They have eaten with him. They have seen his miracles and heard his teaching. And still, they walk away from him. And in Peter’s case, he is the disciple to whom all looked as a rock. If Peter can be so afraid that he denies Jesus, how careful must we be that we look after our own hearts!

Peter, James, and John went with Jesus up to Gethsemane to pray. While praying, they fell asleep. And they were praying with Jesus! Twice Jesus found them asleep. If Peter, James, and John are so susceptible to lethargy, how diligent must we be to pray and stay close to the Lord!

But you know, the cross and the resurrection are not far away for these guys. And they will persevere and prove to be bold and effective spokesmen for the gospel. One day or one experience does not define a life. They failed, but they got back up. Good things to think on.

He calls us now to run the race,

the path we tread, the way of grace -

discarding every weight and load

to speed our way along the road;

and though the journey may be long,

the grace of God will keep us strong

until we stand before his face. -- Martin E Leckebusch (late 20th century)