“Sitting shiva” is an ancient Jewish custom of mourning. Beginning on the funeral day of a family member, the family begins a seven day period of grieving for their loved one. As they isolate with no fanfare, they formally dispense with “business as usual” and welcome relatives and friends to come sit with them, honoring the deceased. There can be prolonged periods of silence as mourners come and go and protocol cues visitors to wait for the family to initiate conversation. Small talk is discouraged while respectful memories are shared. It is an intimate time of standing alongside someone in grief.
In my mind, there is an association between “sitting shiva” and the Garden of Gethsemane experience. In Matthew 26:36, Jesus asked his disciples to “sit here” with Him as He agonized in prayer before His crucifixion – a kind of pre-mourning what was to come. As we know, this was not the disciples’ finest hour as they fell asleep repeatedly.
Isn’t it amazing that the Incarnate Lord so wanted the company of His friends during this time? The Bible says He delights in us. He wants us to “sit with Him.” Of course, this also benefits us. The Garden time was meant to prepare the disciples for what lay ahead for them.
Sometimes, my “quiet time” with the Lord is relegated to another checked box on my day’s “to do” list. I’m asking God to help me focus on Him, despite distractions. and to “sit here,” listening for His voice and direction – in good and bad times. I want to learn more about being truly with Him, because He values me and loves my company. And I am trusting Him to help me not fall asleep to His plans and purposes.
~Nan Robertson
Christ Fellowship