Daily Devotions
Mark
Acts 3:19 "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3:19"
Day 308 – Mark 14
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19
SEEKING GOD IN PRAYER
Prayer was never “one way” where Jesus was concerned! He knew how to interpret the answers His Father gave Him. But first He must continue to seek His Father in prayer.
“Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words.
And when he returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes
were heavy, and they did not know what to answer Him.
Then He came the third time and said to them,
‘Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough!
The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed
into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer
is at hand.”
MARK 14:39-42
1. Spoke the same words
The key issue in this season of prayer was the subject of “the will of God”. Mark noted the concern that Jesus had for His disciples, even though He was deeply engaged in His communion with God.
2. The third time
The tired disciples could not watch with Jesus, no matter how many times they were exhorted and admonished. Sleep overcame them! Their spirit had not been able to muster enough strength to overcome the flesh.
3. The hour has come
In this cryptic statement, Mark noted that Jesus had come to the conclusion of His prayer. He had fully embraced “the hour” of His death as His Father’s will!
4. Behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed
Did this statement cause the disciples to wake up at last! Who was this betrayer? Had he dared to come at all?
5. Rise, let us be going
Rise! Indeed, they must rise! Was Jesus asking them to ready themselves for battle? He was certainly not telling them that they must attempt to hide themselves!
SO MUCH HAD TRANSPIRED IN PRAYER
Jesus had spoken of His soul feeling exceedingly sorrowful. He had emerged from His season of prayer, strong and ready to face “the betrayer” who would cause Him to fall into “the hands of sinners”.
Prayer brought Jesus to full and total submission to do the will of His Father. He would drink the cup that His Father proffered. He would drink all its bitter content.