Have you wondered how you would react if you were put in a crisis situation in which you had to make a decision that forced you to choose between doing what was right and doing what was best for you? We all hope we would do that which is good and noble, but fear makes cowards of us all.
The account of Jesus struggling in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane shortly before his arrest brings to mind many images. But none so powerful as that of blood and perspiration oozing from his forehead as he begs God the Father to come up with a different way other than the cross to rescue the human race. The full force of what he must do has overwhelmed him, and being fully human, Jesus is terrified.
Although he seems to waver, Jesus’ decision is made more than clear with his words spoken to God the Father, “Not my will, but yours be done.” He will do what he came to this earth to accomplish. He gets up from his knees to face those who have come to arrest him and ultimately take him to his crucifixion.
One definition for God is “love”. Another is “committed”. Jesus in the crisis shows the extent of God’s commitment to us. He will not spare anything to give us what we need – forgiveness which leads to the eternal life God intended for human beings at the creation of all things.
You may feel you are in “crisis” mode at this particular time in your life. So many things don’t make sense. At best, you wonder if God has taken a vacation. At worst, you might believe he is a monster purposely making life miserable for his creatures. Jesus in his crisis shatters both delusions. In his greatest suffering, he remains unalterably committed to rescuing us. And that is everything we need to overcome in our crises.
Weekend worship service times: Saturday: 6:00 pm
& Sunday: 10:00 am
