Daily Devotional

May 12th, 2020
by Pastor Wil Staley

Luke 22:39-46

And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

In this passage, we see the beginning of the end. Jesus and His disciples had already eaten the last supper, and He was about to be arrested. Jesus obviously felt a lot of anxiety because He was about to be separated from the Father on the cross because of humanity’s sin. But three of his closest disciples were feeling the anticipation of what was to come, as well. Some translations say in 22:45 that they were “exhausted from sorrow.” How are you experiencing exhaustion right now? What aspects of this new normal are playing a part in your weariness? What weight are you carrying on your shoulders right now? Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest for your souls.”

Be intentional during this quarantine to set yourself a bedtime. It actually helps with sleep patterns to go to bed at the same time each night. Consider listening to worship music before you fall asleep. Our world is going through a communal trauma right now. It’s exhausting. Be gentle with yourself—don’t expect to be perfect. Jesus has been perfect on your behalf. The weight of the world does not rest on your shoulders. Psalm 127:2 (NIV) says, “He grants sleep to those He loves.”

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English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

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