Pastor Lennys study on Lent Day 16: Saturday, March 22 Scripture: And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. -Luke 22:41-44 Commentary: Even before Jesus is taken away by the Roman soldiers, He is described as being “in agony.” This is obviously not physical agony, because His physical sufferings have not yet begun. But it is a spiritual agony so intense that it manifests physical symptoms. We all know what it’s like to have bad physical feelings because of emotional or spiritual pressure. Our stomachs ache, our hearts pound, we feel week or dizzy. Now imagine that instead of facing a court date or a major medical procedure, you were facing hours of torture and a horrible execution—and that the fate of the cosmos was resting on your readiness to do so. Contemplation of Christ’s mental and spiritual state in the garden of Gethsemane completes our week of focus on this other aspect of the suffering He endured for our salvation. Let us give that suffering our full attention as we continue with our devotions for Lent. Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for not backing down when faced with the prospect of pure torment. Fill me with gratitude for Your willingness to not only lay down your life for Me—but to do so in a way that demanded the full measure of Your godliness. Let this meditation change me for Your glory and for the sake of Your Kingdom. Amen. Today, I put aside: My thoughts about Jesus were:
Posted on: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 13:13:01 +0000
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