²² And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

I can’t see how the days will be shortened, anything I would say about how this would happen would be a speculation. What I can say is it’s a blessing to be reminded that even when the most tremendous time of tribulation is going on, God is still working on behalf of the elect and showing mercy.

²³ Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

I’m truly bothered by the idea that there are Christians who are banking on things other than a solid foundation in the Word of God (knowing the truth) and a close personal relationship with Jesus to strengthen them so they can endure to the end. Loving Jesus isn’t what will keep a person from buckling under the pressure of the tribulation. I’m reminded of the disciples when Jesus told them the things that were coming up. Peter especially reacted in his flesh and sets an example for us to consider whenever we feel like we are too strong to stumble…which by the way is a manifestation of pride because it places our survival on our own commitment and not on the grace, mercy and guidance of the Lord. Peter had been with Jesus when Jesus performed miracles, he ate of the loaves and the fish…. he walked on water….. he sat at the feet of Jesus basking in his love and learning first hand. He believed his love and commitment to Jesus was enough to keep him from stumbling.

Mark 14 27-41 ²⁷ And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. ²⁸ But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. ²⁹ But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.

Jesus has just pointed out to Peter a weakness in his commitment. Peter dismissed what Jesus said because in his self-examination he considered his love and devotion to Jesus (his spirit was willing ) all the strength he would need to endure what was coming up.

³⁰ And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.³¹ But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

Jesus tells Peter very specific things that he is going to do that very night and Peter, knowing who he’s talking too See Mark 8:29, doubled down and held on to the idea that he would not be offended that night. (Mark 8:29 ²⁹ And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.)

³² And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.³³ And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

Jesus was sore amazed… he was struck by terror and was heavily burdened by what he knew was about to come.

³⁴ And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

He’s telling them to keep watch while he prays. Jesus is about to lay down his life for our sins and even he, the Son of God, has taken this time to pray and seek God.

³⁵ And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.³⁶ And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

• Jesus is the example we all need to be following. I’m not ragging on Peter, because Lord knows I’ve been like Peter in my life, more times than I want to admit. Peter’s story here gives me courage to pick myself up, repent and try again after one of my many….many failings. When Jesus rose again from the dead he knew about Peter’s denial and repentance, and still Jesus had the Angels at the tomb mention Peter by name. (Mark 16:6-7 ⁶ And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.⁷ But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.)

³⁷ And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?³⁸ Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

Jesus had already pointed out what was going to happen to Peter and here Jesus admonishes him to pray. He acknowledges the willingness of Peter’s spirit, but points out the weakness in his flesh. I watch Joel Richardson’s teachings, he has from time to time pointed out that we need to remain humble before God, which is what Jesus was trying to encourage Peter to do. I’m more aware than ever about my own shortcomings…I know I am a sinful human who is weak and lacking in so many ways… so I seek God and ask him for his help to ready me for the time, should it come, when I will be tried and tested the way Peter was. The first time, Peter stumbled… then he repented and humbled himself….and the next time, he stayed faithful even to death. Peter learned from his mistakes…and I want to learn from mine.

³⁹ And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.⁴⁰ And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.⁴¹ And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

There came a point when it was too late to seek God for his help…. when the situation is upon you, the time has run out for preparing. Right now is the time to be studying the Word. Not simply listening to other people teaching, preaching and testifying, but actually learning the Word for ourselves. We are never going to become so knowledgeable in the Word that we no longer have to study it….I don’t care how many times you’ve read the Bible… you aren’t there yet. I know what I look like,. but I still return to the mirror to check my hair, clean up my face, brush my teeth etc…and I still have to return to the Word to adjust my spirit and purify my walk by becoming more like Jesus and less like me, by walking in the truth of the Word.

²³ Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. This verse is a warning and a course of action. There is an attitude that some may have that there is no way they will be deceived into following a false Christ. I caution people to remain humble before the Lord…. take the time to learn the word of God well…. and even then HUMBLY understand that you don’t know what you don’t know…we will absolutely need the grace and mercy of God.