In Gethsemane for Me

I

On that hot and dreary night,

I was gripped by lethal fright,

As I struggled through my plight,

Though I knew which choice was right.

As I stumbled through the park,

Feebly trembling in the dark,

I became at once aware,

Of a presence everywhere.

In the dark I heard a noise– 

A small, muffled, whispering voice.

It came very close and near,

And it whispered in my ear.

Suddenly I saw my mother,

Friends and family, and my brothers.

All my loved ones I did see;

All that I could long to be.

I at once fell on my knees

Praying ever fervently,

"Father, if it be Thy will,

Let this cup pass on from me."

II

Then the whisper came again,

"This world will reject your way.

Why give more to them in vain?

Why throw your great life away?"

Look at you disciples sleeping,

Even them you could not change!

Peter's still so proud and boastful;

Thomas's doubting; Phillip's scared.

Even John has aspirations

Of a lofty, regal throne.

Give it up and spare the trouble!

Shed not glorious, royal blood."

Near to tears, I called and shook them,

"Wake and watch and pray with Me,

For my heart is near to breaking!"

Then back to my agony.

I again prayed, "My dear Father,

Please don't let me do my will.

Help me to submit my wishes,

Though this cup pass not from me."

III

One last time the foe approached me,

Even closer than before.

He rushed at me like a flood,

And down poured great drops of blood.

"You will lose your close connection

With your Father up above.

You will bear sin's heavy burden

But no hand will to hold you strong.

You will pass through hell's own portals,

You will tread on death's cruel path,

Yet your Father won't be looking,

He'll be pouring out His wrath!

You know you'd rather not do this,

So just give it up and go!

You can call down all your angels,

Just one legion 'd be enough."

Oh, the pressure was enormous!

Some encouragement I craved.

But on looking to my closest,

Only sleeping snores, I heard.

"Could you not watch just one hour?"

My heart sank down to my feet.

Yet I let them keep on sleeping,

To the battlefield I steered.

IV

Sneering taunts came from the serpent

As he boasted gleefully.

"Get away from me now, Satan!

To the Lord alone I'll yield!"

As I laid there feebly, shivering,

A small vision came to me.

Looking through the gates of hist'ry,

A small face I could perceive.

I could tell their case was hopeless,

As they cried in agony.

I could see their chains and sorrows;

I could hear their desperate pleads.

Then, Alas! the scene now shifted,

As this child was then set free!

I could see their joy and freedom

And life trough eternity!

So, I focused on this person,

Though it was not one alone,

It was hundreds, thousands, millions–

T'was your face that cheered me on.

Yes, I knew you would be stubborn–

Run away, rejecting me.

But there was a chance for freedom,

If my life I laid for thee.

So, at last the fog was lifted,

As deep love cast out my fear.

"This be now my prayer, oh Father,

I yield all my will to Thee!"

V

Thus, Christ fought the greatest battle

In Gethsemane for me.

Greatest battle for surrender,

Greatest love that set man free!

But what will be your decision?

For the choice comes now to thee.

Will you choose to keep on fleeing?

Or surrender all to Him?

As for me, I choose surrender,

Though the choice quite hard may seem;

Let this be my supplication,

"Lord, I yield my will to Thee."