Matthew 26:36-46
“In the fullness of time” is a phrase from Galatians 4:4 that keeps coming to mind as I read this passage. We know there is an appointed time for everything (Eccl 3). In my mind, it is in that moment when the appointed thing is accomplished when the time is “full”. In this passage, time is just on the verge of being “full” for Jesus (and us, since we are in him) as he takes Peter, James and John further into the Garden at Gethsemane. Here he gives an invitation and warning to those who are closest to Him as to how they are to compose themselves in this particularly full moment.
When I think of God I am frequently overwhelmed by the height and the depth and the length of His inscrutable wisdom and being. The sheer dimensions of His thoughts are infinitely beyond the knowing of man’s finite mind. Yet…. He takes some friends aside and confides to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death, (here is an invitation) remain here and keep watch with me.” The idea of God revealing His deepest emotions to man and asking him to share them (in some small measure) reveals, I believe, something of the depths of God’s heart and his relational aspirations for us.
Sleep apparently was a powerful temptation for the three since it won out over God’s invitation to keep watch with Him. As Jesus is pouring His heart out to God, praying, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt“, the disciples were sleeping! For the record, I do not fear God’s wrath. I am confident that His wrath toward sin was absorbed in the cross which Jesus endured. What causes me to tremble though is that I might fail to respond to the invitation to remain with Him and keep watch – that I might be asleep in the fulness of time.
“Sleep” was what Jesus warned them against. The problem with Jesus’ intimate friends was chronic. In this very full moment they succumb to the temptation to sleep three times. Finally, their opportunity to respond to the invitation passes and Jesus wakes them and says…”the hour has come and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.”
“Sleep” is also what He warns us against. He tells us, “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.” Read this verse and all that follows to hear Jesus speak directly to us regarding time and the critical nature of how we steward it. This may not effect our salvation but it is definitely going to affect our reward. (Matt 24:46-47) That is sobering to me.
Scripture indicates that a sign the time is once again full will be the heavy eyes that have succumb to sleep. I believe Jesus is still inviting us to stand with Him and keep watch in a time that is growing increasingly full. I also believe that a frightening number of us are asleep regarding the kingdom of God, having given ourselves over to the worries of this world, being driven to a frenzied pace by technology, consumed in our vocations and vacations – deluded in our perceived need of more. If you have remained awake this far congratulations. I invite you to listen to Paul’s words to the Ephesians;
“Awake, sleeper and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ”. (5:14-21)
In the spirit of the Blue Book (from which this writing originates) is an ongoing invitation to assess our own alertness, to listen to and respond to the invitations and warnings Jesus is still issuing to remain with Him a while – awake and watchful over our own hearts as the times are growing more full by the day. And…., I sincerely pray that my writing is a form of “speaking to one another” and “encouraging one another..as we see the day (that will be utterly full) drawing near“.
Father, help us to hear Your loving invitation to slow down and listen to our own hearts and to Yours and make those changes in our lives that wise stewards make which will lead to greater intimacy with You as well as kingdom responsibility, opportunity and reward. In Your kindness, awaken us and help us to compose our hearts to respond to the things that are most grievous to you today. Amen