Before He Left...

"Let's sing a song before we leave."

Peter's eyebrows collided together. Leave? What was Jesus talking about. "Where are we going?"

"To the Mount of Olives. But first we need to sing a hymn."

Peter shrugged as Jesus  moved past him, and began to sing a popular hymn. The other men only hesitated for a moment before joining into the song. Together they sang. Their voices blended together in a Heavenly symphony.

Here on earth.

Peter opened his eyes briefly, and looked around the room. The men were all worshiping, eyes closed, hands raised, and oblivious to the world. Out of them all, Peter couldn't help but note, Jesus. The expression on Jesus' face told Peter that this was more then just a song to him. It was like this was His sustenance.

Like He needed it.

Based on Matthew 26:30

"And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." Matthew 26:30

I think this is one of the COOLEST things ever! And again, something I've never really thought about... (I'm sensing a pattern here...)

These guys got to worship with Jesus. In the flesh. Really let that sink in a moment. Was it like Heaven opening up to them? Was it like another transfiguration moment? Were they just ushered into the presence of God? How often did they get to participate in this awesome, jealousy-evoking activity?

I'm am literally green with envy right now.

But there's something else, even more important to note right now, and it's not the sickly tint to my skin. It's the fact that Jesus made sure He worshiped first before going to the Mount of Olives where the worst day of His life would start.

He worshiped first.

Too often, we go into the difficult times, days, and minutes without spending time in God's presence. Without quenching our thirsting souls. Without the benefits of worship.

"Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before out Lord, our Maker!" Psalm 95:6

Jesus knew He needed that time with God (In addition to all the prayer in the garden!) before going into the tribulation awaiting Him. Do we know that? Do we know the benefits of worship in our own life? The confidence, the revelation, the renewed strength, the life, the love. How do we make it through without that? I wouldn't want to, that's for sure.

Worship first!

V. Joy Palmer