In Matthew 26, Jesus rebuked the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, and more than once for falling asleep on the job. Like the disciples, Christians have been given a job to do, to "go ye therefore" and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, as the gospel is watered down, Jesus is reinvented to appeal to a materialistic society, and Christianity is marginalized even further on the world stage, too many of us are asleep on the job.
In Matt. 26:38, Jesus told the disciples, “Stay here and keep watch with me.” After rebuking them in verses 40-43, He prayed and returned to them a third time and said, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed in the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer." My Bible tells me the garden was the place of Jesus' agonizing prayer, Judas' brutal betrayal, and Christ's wrongful arrest. However, when Jesus needed His disciples most, they didn't have His back. They were asleep on the job. Jesus Christ needs His church today to "have His back," be alert and on her J.O.B., Jesus Official Business. Too many religions are out there "out-witnessing us witnesses!" And, as a result the church is in decline and losing ground.
What makes matters worse is this wasn't the only time Jesus told the disciples to be on guard. In Luke 12:1 (NIV) He said, "Be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." In Mark 13:35, “…keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back….do not let him find you sleeping.” He told the brothers in Luke 21:36, "be always on watch, and pray...." Another translations says, "Keep on the alert at all times...." But like too many Christians today, the brothers were asleep on the job. Yes, their bodies where there with Jesus, but their minds where way on the other side of the town. They were absent-minded, missing in action, asleep on the job, snoring even!
Scripture says to be faithful over a few things, and He will make you ruler over many. Are you faithful in Sunday school, ministry, and church attendance? Are you in the Word of God, equipping yourself daily and watching for opportunities to "go ye therefore," and witness the Good News that Jesus saves? Or, are you, like the disciples were in the Garden of Gethsemane, asleep on your J.O.B., Jesus Official Business?
That teaching is an great reminder that we are all on a mission whether we are actively applying principles and carrying out that mission or not. We cheat ourselves and others out of so much when we are not focused on our purpose and God's will for our lives.
ReplyDeletePastor Price you and your ministry is a blessing in due season. Looking forward to your next writing.
Brenda Caldwell