During perhaps Jesus’ most vulnerable hour, Scripture describes in grave detail the anguish He faced within His own soul as He pursued his mission of crucifixion on the cross. It was now that He would begin to taste the bitter cup of sin in its entirety. Ironically, during this period a profound revelation would be unveiled to the believer. The fact that Jesus called upon His disciples to watch and pray for Him during His darkest hour is not only an anomaly, but also a sort of spiritual quandary. Why would the God-Man, Christ Jesus, the Anointed One task his disciples to watch and pray? Could it be that the disciples were being invited beyond the veil to a place of divine access, a place Paul called, “The fellowship of His suffering? (Philippians 3:10, NASB).” For one hour, the disciples were bidden into an assignment of a lifetime: to stand as strength and help to the Savior of the World.
As the days grow dimmer, the Church is faced with the same invitation. Will we stand with Christ during what is arguably the darkest hour in all human history? Will we tarry with Him one hour in the watches of the night to see that He receives the reward of His suffering? Are we able to contend for an outpouring of the Spirit’s power to break the power of bitterness and betrayal? Will it be said of us that at the hour of Bridegroom’s arrival and outpouring that we were wallowed asleep in our comforts?
Prayer: Father, we stand as your watchmen. You bid us to stand with You through Your Psalmist, “Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD, (Psalm 134:1 KJV).” Lord Jesus, strengthen us, we who are weak, to faithfully stand and minister in worship and intercession to You in the night. You are truly worthy of 1 hour of night.
Darrian Summerville, [M]Watch Director