Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:37-38
We read some strong words from Peter about not falling, not denying, and even dying for Jesus. The Lord then tested this man's faith by having him keep watch for one hour. Peter failed. Such an easy task for the test too, we think. Some of us have experience in keeping watch, and we know that this is not so easy. Later in the night, a full meal the prior evening, a little walk to get there, and the peace of a night in a garden when everyone else is in bed sleeping combine to make keeping an alert watch difficult. Another difficulty in staying awake on watch can be emotions. Too much fear can make one sleepy. A time of emotional stress, such as the disciples had when Jesus told of His arrest and death during the meal, can cause one to be worn out even without a serious physical exertion. Keeping watch for one hour - not so easy as it may seem in the morning with the sun shining.
Metaphorically speaking, we are keeping watch for one hour while Jesus makes intercession for us with His Father, God. Let us keep watch in the strength of Christ our Lord.
Bucky
