Day Thirteen Message

Day Thirteen - The Garden of Gethsemane - A Special Three

When Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane and went off to pray he took three of his disciples with him (Peter, James and John). Jesus asked them to stay awake and keep watch, but upon his return he found them asleep. When Jesus spoke he called Peter (Simon), his original name. Jesus called him Simon because he was not the "Rock" that Jesus needed and hoped for in the garden. Jesus called him Simon because he was not setting the example that the other disciples could benefit from. Peter would eventually become the leader that Jesus expected and knew he would be, but Peter (Simon) would fail again in denying Christ three times after Jesus was arrested.

Brothers and Sisters, those of us that have taken upon leadership roles understand that we are the ones that must set examples in conduct and deeds. Mature people in faith understand that mistakes will occur, and we must have the faith to move on and not let it interfere with our walking with Christ. Many of us have hopes and dreams that we have prayed about intentionally, Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God walks with us through times of mistakes and successes.

My prayer for you this day is that we all attempt to be the leaders and the followers that Jesus wants us to be. If your church is trying to cast a vision for the future, do not let stumbling blocks get in the way of God's plan for your churches and your own individual walks. Jesus the true leader has paid the price and has set the example for all of us that call ourselves followers of Christ. As you go through this day thirteen of Lent, follow the leader and say and pray: "Lead On, O King Eternal"!

Pastor Tim Polley

Lead On, O King Eternal
Text: Ernest W. Shurtleff, 1862-1917
Music: Henry T. Smart, 1813-1879
1. Lead on, O King eternal,The day of march has come;Henceforth in fields of conquestThy tents shall be our home:Thro' days of preparationThy grace has made us strong,And now, O King Eternal,We lift our battle song.
2. Lead on, O King Eternal,Till sin's fierce war shall cease,And holiness shall whisperThe sweet amen of peace;For not with swords' loud clashing,Or roll of stirring drums;With deeds of love and mercyThe heav'nly kingdom comes.
3. Lead on, O King eternal,We follow not with fears;For gladness breaks like morningWhere'er Thy face appears;Thy cross is lifted o'er us;We journey in its light:The crown awaits the conquest;Lead on, O God of might.

Texts For Reading
Mark 14: 33, 34
Mark 14: 37, 38
John 1:42
Matthew 5:16
Matthew 16: 13-23