Introductory Thoughts
Once Judas Iscariot determined to betray the Lord, the earthly ministry of Christ hastened toward the time of His crucifixion. As the time of His death drew near, the Lord Jesus took the disciples to Gethsemane so that He could spend time praying. He asked them to watch while He went to the Father in prayer; however, when the Lord returned from prayer, He found the disciples asleep. He woke them and rebuked Peter saying, “What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” What a horrible rebuke as Peter, along with the others, realized that he had failed this one simple request! After everything that the Lord had done for the disciples, they could not force themselves to watch for one hour. In like manner, many believers are going to find out the consequences at the judgment seat of Christ of failing to watch for the Lord.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): The Lord is going to return but we do not know when. His warning to watch and pray in Mark 13:32-37 can apply to us so that we will not be ashamed when He comes (1 John 2:28).
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(For everyone): Our lives are certainly a short space of time in the scope of eternity. In light of eternity, how long has the Lord really given us to watch? How much of that time has been wasted?
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What is more important in your life than being obedient to the will of God? What have you chosen above fulfilling your duties as a watchman for the Lord?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you see the time of your duty is short.
- Thank the Lord for all the times He has watched for you.
Song
Have I Done My Best for Jesus?
