Yesterday, my pastor painted a vivid picture of Jesus' time in the Garden of Gethsemane the night of his arrest. Though I'm well acquainted with this portion of scripture I saw it with new eyes. I love that about God's Word--there is always more to learn.
That night, Jesus knew what lay ahead--his arrest, brutal beatings, rejection, crucifixion, the weight of the world's sin laid upon him and the forsaking of The Father. He was the man/God and as a man he asked three of his disciples to wait with Him. He wanted his friends with him. He also wanted the disciples to witness his humanity and a humility which is greater than pride.
If the disciples had remained awake that night they would have seen the heart of their Lord. In Mark 14:33 & 34 it says, he was deeply distressed and in 34 Jesus tells the disciples, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." And then He goes away and He prays that if it were possible that the hour might pass from Him. "Abba Father," he said, "Everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
What a perfect example for us. Jesus told those he loved that he was distressed and he wanted them with him. (His disciples let Him down.) Jesus went to His Father and prayed his heart. He was honest with God, but ultimately wanted God's will, not His own.
What a blessed reminder -- God's will, not mine.
In recent weeks I've said many prayers, beseeching God for mercy and help, wisdom and discernment. And He's answered. But when I look around me, all is not well. Life challenges my faith. There are no answers only a desire and need to trust. I pray my heart, but I pray for God's will above all else. I long for the faith to see beyond my present circumstances and for assurance that nothing touches me or the ones' I love except by God's permission.
When we place our lives into the hands of Almighty God and trust Him, He will show us the way. He will give us peace. When Jesus knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane that fateful night He did not demand His own way. He did not "name it and claim it", as it were. No, He placed himself under His Father's authority and he obeyed by laying down His life for all mankind. What if He had refused?
His prayer is a perfect prayer. His heart is a perfect heart. He is our perfect example.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
Thank you for sharing, it is a beautiful picture of our Savior. I pray you find peace during this time.
ReplyDeleteLovely post.
ReplyDeleteI love that moment in the Garden.
You are so right in that blessed reminder -- God's will, not mine.
So True!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Rebecca
TC, thank you so much for your prayers. Isn't it amazing that God looks down right at you and me and sees our hearts and cares for all our needs.
ReplyDeleteHow does one manage without Him? I'm so thankful I don't have to do that.
Blessings to you.
Hi Loree. That night is a powerful testament to the love of God and the obedience of Christ. Those people who believe we are our own God, are so off the mark. No human can be God. We're incapable.
ReplyDeleteAnd when we try, He still loves us. And is still full of mercy.
Oh, how I love Him.
Hi Rebecca. How nice to see you here today. Thank you for stepping into this conversation. You're a gem.
ReplyDeletePraying all is well with you.