No Short Cuts

We are always looking for shortcuts. In this day of text messaging, express checkouts and HOV lanes (High Occupancy Vehicle lanes), we don’t have time. We keep checking our watches when a speech is overlong. We’re in a hurry. We’re short on sleep and we could use a nap.

As Jesus prayed, pleading in desperation for another way-a shortcut, if you will-Peter, James and John were sleeping. They were not watching or waiting as had been asked of them. They let Jesus down. We can almost hear the disappointment in his voice, “Could you not stay awake with me one hour?”

The question is as much for us as it was for him. We do not always follow through on our promises. An hour with the Lord at worship is not always the priority when the lake, golf course or ski slope beckons.

Jesus did not take a shortcut in the garden. He went all the long way, up the road to Golgotha, through the agony of Calvary. He gave his last breath for you and for me. And a good thing, too, because if he hadn’t, we would be lost and without hope. Thank God Jesus didn’t take the shortcut.

Lord, keep me awake. Help me to honour my promises to you. Amen. — KBL