| Exodus 29:1-30:10; Matthew 26:14-46; Psalm 31:19-24; Proverbs 8:14-26
“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He told the disciples, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ Taking along Peter and two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, ‘My soul is swallowed up in sorrow – to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with Me.’ Going a little farther, He fell face down and prayed, ‘My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me, Yet not as I will but as You will.’ (Matthew 26:36-39)
Jesus is on the verge of being betrayed by a friend. He knows the plan of His Father entails His suffering, humiliation and eventual death at the hands of ungrateful, ungodly people; the same people He is dying for. He is so overwhelmed with grief and is disappointed that His friends who came with Him can’t grasp the seriousness of what is going to happen, they can’t even pray for an hour with Him.
I wonder if anyone out there can identify with Jesus? Have you ever felt so alone, like even God Himself has abandoned you? Has everyone that you invested your life in turned their backs on you and left you to face your fate alone? Ever just felt like dying because you were so distressed?
Jesus has walked in your shoes. In the book of Hebrews He is called our High Priest, one who can identify with us. (Hebrews 4:15-16) That’s why we are encouraged to come boldly to Him. Even when He seems silent He is still there. Every one of us will have times in our lives when no one will be there for us, when we will be betrayed, depressed and stressed to the point of feeling like we just want to die. Just remember that you were created for a purpose and God will see you through until you have fulfilled your destiny. Jesus Himself said that He would never leave nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) Take heart, be strong and like Jesus, let God’s perfect will be done in your life.
PRAYER:
Lord, I lay my life before You. I pray You will strengthen me and my brothers and sisters in Christ for the times that we need it. I pray to have the desire and ability to lay this life down for You in any capacity that You may require. Help me Father to keep my eyes on You. I love You, in the name of Jesus I pray, amen. |
