Matthew 26: 39, 42-44) And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Companion Scripture Mark 14:35, 39, 41; Luke 22:42

A casual reading of the Scripture gives the appearance of Jesus trying to weasel His way out of the whole Divine plan formed before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4; I Peter 1:20) He prayed the same prayer three times! Does that say procrastination to you? Jesus humanity is on display here. No human in their right mind would go skipping to a crucifixion. The Word says he was unrecognizable as a human being by the time the wrath of God was poured out on this sinless man. (Isaiah 52:14) Jesus knew what He was facing and He was being very human in asking The Father for a plan B if there was one.

With Jesus, timing was everything. He was waiting, not procrastinating. Procrastination is defined as “the action of delaying or postponing something.” IF he was procrastinating, it was His Father’s abandonment that He was putting off, not saving our souls.

Procrastination is something I know. I put off spring cleaning, exercising, doctor’s appointments, and other such unpleasant activities even though they have welcomed results of a clean house, a healthy body, and general feelings of accomplishment from completing tasks. When I finally get up and just get the project done, I wonder why on earth I put it off. I wish I could say I was “waiting for the right moment” like it was some high calling but let’s just be honest! I am either being lazy, disobedient, or stubborn. Jesus on the other hand did all He had to do as unto the LORD! (Colossians 3:23-24; Ecclesiastes 9:10)

The artwork portraying Christ in the Garden does not come close to showing the agony of Christ as He prayed and sought strength, encouragement, and guidance. He would be broken and the poured out began here as He fell on His face and prayed so hard He was sweating drops of blood–Hematohidrosis. (Luke 22:44)

If anyone had a right to procrastinate it was Christ. But instead, He was a perfect example of a love; for greater love hath no man than this that He lay down His life for a friend! (John 15:13)

Do you procrastinate visiting the nursing home, a sick friend, taking a meal, teaching a Bible study, writing a blog, or sharing a testimony? I do. How many times has someone come to mind with the thought I should give them a call? Later, I would discover they were in the middle of a crisis and could have used a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, or some information I had. Opportunity missed, never to be recovered. This is part of the chaff of my selfish life that will be burned away. (Matthew 3:12) (You know writing these blogs is showing me all the sin Christ died for in my own life and I thought I was pretty good. Boy, oh boy, how self righteous and wrong I have been,)

Lord, Help me to be more like Christ. When I dread what You are asking me to do, may I seek Your face first, then, get up and get after it with my whole heart. In Jesus name I ask for grace to do Your will, willingly. Amen.

Treading on,

Yvonne Jones

Lead me To The Cross by Francesca Battistelli