Thursday, February 9

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016
[Apologies for the delayed post]


"Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'" (Matthew 26:39)


Jesus's suffering in the Garden of Gethesemane points to the even greater suffering that will come through His passion on the following day. He wrestled in prayer with His Father, concerned about the upcoming separation and taking on the scourge that sin deserves. He has taken up the mantle of Great High Priest, and the heaviness of the responsibility weighs on Him.

Jesus's aloneness in this moment comforts us in those empty times when we also experience abandonment. We may feel vulnerable, shaken, and afraid. Yet, we have the reassurance that our Lord Jesus Christ also travel through this "darkest valley" and may therefore stand with us. He will never abandon us, even though this world and the temporal things in which we might place our trust will.

Three passages from Hebrews come to mind as we consider these moments of abandonment. The author of Hebrews encourages believers to reflect on the example of Christ and the promises of those faithful ones who have preceded us:

"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death-that is, the devil-and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. For this reason, he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." (Hebrews 2:14-18)

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses [of faithful, godly servants], let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3)


Lord Jesus, thank You for Your perfect example of obedience, even in the face of great suffering. We cannot give You praise or thanks enough for taking the penalty of sin that we could never bear. You are our Great High Priest, and, because of Your great sacrifice, we too may stand before the Father in holiness and freedom. What an amazing love You have shown us! Help us to communicate this love to others through our lives and words. Make our joy complete as we reflect on Your goodness to us. Bring others into a knowledge of You so that they too may share in our joy. In Your Name, amen.


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