Subscription Lists
Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Luke Chapter 22 at verse 45, we read of Jesus being in anguish in prayer and we also read of the disciples asleep. What a warning to us all. What a warning to each of us.
These disciples do not realise what is going on in the world, this spiritual battle. They couldn't at that point, of course. Sin had blinded them. Arguing and squabbling had opened the door to the evil one. We have seen that.
But we also see that Jesus has to do this work on His own. Prayer is hard work.
In so many places around the country the poorest attended meetings in The Church of Jesus Christ is the Prayer Meeting. If there is a Prayer Meeting where you worship, and there should be, make sure you attend whenever you can, and participate. We do not need much singing or chat. We do need to get down to praying. It is difficult. It is very difficult and leaders need to be aware of this.
Leaders, make sure there is a time for prayer, and get down to actual prayer as quickly as possible. In Cowdenbeath, we met every Friday evening at 7.30. Start on time! There would be a Bible Reading and a few points from the passage to focus our attention on Almighty God, and upon Jesus Christ, and towards prayer, because the people would have been involved in all kinds of duties and family demands during the day. Matters for prayer can be mentioned but seldom do we need a long story. When the clock reached eight o’clock we got down to prayer.
Leaders lead! People need to be led and people appreciate being led. That is why our gracious concerned God appoints leaders!
Prayer is hard work, but those who fail to pray, fail to stand in the hour of trial and testing.
Verse 45 is so sad. Jesus comes sweating, and those whom He has been training to work and serve and pray, are sleeping. Why are you all asleep? Be awake and alert and prayerful and avoid temptation.
Verse 47. What were the feelings in the Heart of Jesus as the man who rejected His Love now comes and betrays Him? Rejected love is sore and wounding and painful.
Verse 48. How can you use a symbol of affection to do this? In his heart there is neither love nor loyalty. It is possible to be physically close to Jesus Christ and have rebellion in your heart.
Jesus makes no attempt to frustrate Judas's hellish scheme.
Jesus is calm and poised and in control.
Jesus knows what has to happen, that we might be saved, rescued, washed, forgiven, justified, sanctified, and anointed with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus shows no fear as he faces the enemy. Jesus is Master of the whole situation.
Judas had started well, appointed treasurer of that band of disciples, but what counts is not how well we run at the beginning, but how we complete the course remaining faithful to Jesus.
Jesus was going to the Father, but not so Judas.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Word from Scotland" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.