At
the Passover, Jesus told the disciples that His time was near. Fearful
words! Later, on the short walk through
the darkness to the olive grove where there was a garden called Gethsemane they
tried to sort out their confusion. Once again, he told them “This very night you will all fall away on
account of me, for it is written: ”‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep
of the flock will be scattered.’" (Matthew 26:31, NIV) As He went to
prayer, they fell asleep.
With
a start they awoke when one of them saw the light of flaming torches coming
their way. Tension rose, but Jesus would not run. Danger came; Roman
soldiers and armed temple police, accompanied by Judas. Jesus stepped forward,
they fell back. He asked them who they sought. They answered that they were
looking for Jesus. Judas moved forward and kissed the Master in betrayal, a
signal that led the soldiers to seize Him. Peter, cornered and desperate,
pulled a sword from his waistband and took a wild swing at the nearest man, who
ducked, but not quickly enough to save his ear which was sliced away. Before
further chaos could break out, the Man in custody showed amazing grace and
leadership. He told Peter to put his sword away, asked the soldiers to let His
disciples go, and then gently healed Malchus’ ear. He was not cornered at all.
He was walking in His Father’s will. "Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your
sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John
18:11, NIV)
How
is it that men in the same place can experience such different responses? Many were full of fear, only One was full
of faith. Jesus knew He was walking in the will of God. Oh, what a
difference that assurance makes. Was He eager to suffer? Not at all. “Father,
let this cup pass,” He prayed, but ultimately finished, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” Secure in God’s grace, He found courageous
confidence for that walk to the Cross.
Has
life apparently cornered you, Christian? Are the problems overwhelming, the
future clouded with no good choices? Is there no way out, no way around?
Study the men in the Garden and follow the One at the center, the One facing the greatest trial, Who knew the deepest peace. Kneel! Find your place in the Father’s will. Wrestle with the emotions. Jesus did! His stress was intense, His desire to walk away from the Cross, but He didn’t. Instead, He submitted Himself to the plan of God. Faith is both a gift and a choice. God gives us His Word, the well from which faith flows. But, we cannot live in faith’s assurance without the choice to accept and submit to that Word.
Study the men in the Garden and follow the One at the center, the One facing the greatest trial, Who knew the deepest peace. Kneel! Find your place in the Father’s will. Wrestle with the emotions. Jesus did! His stress was intense, His desire to walk away from the Cross, but He didn’t. Instead, He submitted Himself to the plan of God. Faith is both a gift and a choice. God gives us His Word, the well from which faith flows. But, we cannot live in faith’s assurance without the choice to accept and submit to that Word.
What
has He said? Will you listen and obey? "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.
There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need
it."
(Hebrews 4:16, NLT)
Here’s
a word from the Word.
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe." (Psalm 61:1-3, NIV)
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe." (Psalm 61:1-3, NIV)
__________
You
hear me when I call.
You
are my morning song.
Though
darkness fills the night
It
cannot hide the light.
Whom
shall I fear?
You
crush the enemy underneath my feet,
You
are my sword and shield,
Though
troubles linger still,
Whom
shall I fear?
I
know Who goes before me!
I
know Who stands behind!
The
God of angel armies is always by my side.
The
One who reigns forever,
He
is a friend of mine.
The
God of angel armies is always by my side!
My
strength is in Your name,
For
You alone can save.
You
will deliver me
Yours
is the victory!
Whom
shall I fear?
Whom
shall I fear?
(And)
nothing formed against me shall stand.
You
hold the whole world in Your hands.
I'm
holding on to Your promises.
You
are faithful,
You
are faithful.
CCLI
Song # 6440288
Chris
Tomlin | Ed Cash | Scott Cash
©
2012 S. D. G. Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Sixsteps
Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
CCLI
License # 81005
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