From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Mon, Jul 7, 2025 at 5:30 AM

Subject: 7-7-25 THOUGHTS

7-7-25   THOUGHTS

This story is simple and powerful!  Judas was processing the betrayal, our Lord is getting ready to die.  Key disciples are instructed and fail!  There is disappointment, there is grief from the anticipation of the ugly inevitable.  The SALVATION of mankind is at hand.  Have you ever dreaded something so personally horrible in thought that it made you ill?  Think for awhile on the “ABBA!  FATHER!” terminology in this context.  See the PASSION!  The bloody sweat is here...  Luke 22:44.  Most of us have had the experience of being unable to keep our eyes open.  Sometimes it in the middle of a sermon.  The case with Peter, James and John was inappropriate also.   Jesus’ response is found in vers 38.  Surely we need to digest this verse and apply it to ourselves!  We understand that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Mark 13:33   "Take heed, keep on the alert;  for you do not know when the [appointed] time will come.

Mark 14:32-38    They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He  said to His disciples, "Sit here until I have prayed."  33  And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled.  And He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch."  35  And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by.  36  And He was saying, "Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will."  37  And He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?  38  "Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

A Prayer:
Accept our praise and thanksgiving, O God of all creation.  The words above take us to the core of our salvation.  The essence of relationship is demonstrated here. How precious that You want that relationship with us.  You have given us life in Christ Jesus.  The cost is beyond comprehension, yet the price was willingly paid.  Help us to see our place in this grace design.
Keep us watching and praying.  Strengthen us in the flesh continually.  In the name of the One who saves us...      Amen.