Lessons from Gethsemane


Although there were now only 11 of them left with Judas’s exit to the other side, only three disciples were chosen to spend the last hours with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to his arrest on bogus charges. They were Peter, James and John. 

What an opportunity for them given the circumstances. So what did the three disciples do? Provide comfort for the Son of Man’s agonizing distress? Offer companionship and encouragement in this dark hour in world history? Pray with and for Jesus and for themselves to the Father? Observe Jesus in his hour of trial and learn from him?

This is what Jesus asked of them: “Remain here and watch with me.” An hour later he instructed, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Instead, they slept. Luke’s account, perhaps somewhat sympathetically, says that the disciples “were sleeping for sorrow.”

Overcome by fatigue they could not do what Jesus asked of them, because of their weakness, and because he would need to bear this cross alone.

Our feature article on page 24 is a chapter from a book on prayer by pastor John Onwuchekwa who serves a church in Georgia. Prayer, this pastor writes, are the roots for Christians facing the storms of life. Regular prayer makes for strong, deep roots that will guard Christians from toppling in the face of so much temptation and trouble.

Jesus exhorted the three disciples to pray with the storm of temptation on the horizon. As Pastor Onwuchekwa puts it, “The disciples had their night shades on and were sleeping peacefully, while Jesus was staring down the cup of God’s wrath.” Take time to read this chapter excerpt from the 9Marks series by Crossway. It’s what Jesus wanted to teach his disciples just before he was to be taken away to his mock trial, torture and crucifixion.

Sabbaticals for ministers are becoming more common in our Reformed community of churches. Consider how this period of rest and fresh study may be just what your pastor needs to help him in his hour of want and perhaps need (page8).

This issue begins a series of profiles on church leaders who served the Reformed churches at a critical time in church history through the Synod of Dort (1618-1619). The first is a profile of Johannes Bogerman, the President of the Synod (page 22).

Gerry Wisz finishes his brief three-part series on the rise of socialism and socialists in America by reflecting on why this is a matter of concern, and what Christians can do in the face of changing times. Ideas and ideologies do have consequences for good or ill. History is a good teacher in this regard.

Sadly, so many know so little of history, even recent history, and we may have to suffer for a time as a result. Still, fear not! Christ has conquered sin and the grave for us, and the end result is beyond all expectation.

So, as Jesus instructed, watch and pray.

John VanDyk, Editor

Christian Renewal Magazine

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