His words to his disciples, his friends, express a sadness that is deep beyond language, "My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death." (Mark 14:34). Deathly sadness.
I have experienced grief---deep, dark, physically painful grief--- but, I have never been grieved to the point of death. This is grief of epic proportions. Jesus was walking forward that night into pain unimaginable.
And, He told his friends of His heart. But, they didn't get it. They just couldn't. And, neither can I. I want to get it, Jesus, my friend. I want to understand Your heart more...
They keep with Him, following and trying to understand their teacher, their friend. But, He must separate Himself and wrestle with His heart. He goes a stone's throw away...
...with one request of His friends. "Remain here and keep watch with me." (Matthew 26:38)
Remain here.
Keep watch.
With Me...
He is asking them to stay, to stand firm, to remain where He tells them. Obedience. Awareness. Remain in Today, Stephanie... Rest in me. Remain right where I have put you. Don't rush. Just rest and remain still.
He is asking them to keep awake, to keep aware, to be watchful and ready. Alert. Aware. Keep awake, Stephanie, while this world slumbers.
He is asking... or is He inviting?... them to do it all with Him. Close to Him. Within earshot and able to feel, sense and see His pain. Do this all with Me. I am always Present, always with you, always available.
The themes of this month, pour over me with these words... Remain here, Keep watch, and stay With Me.
Is He whispering to you, I wonder? ... Stay here and watch with Me, my friend.
