The Week That Changed The World Devotional March 28
by David Joynt on March 28, 2024
Stress Test Devotional April 27
April 27, 2024
MARK 14:32-39 | 32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took with him Peter and James and John and began to be distressed and agitated. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” 35 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me, yet not what I want but what you want.” 37 He came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? 38 Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words.
ISAIAH 51:17 | 17 Rouse yourself, rouse yourself! Stand up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his wrath, who have drunk to the dregs the cup of staggering.
This will be the second worst day in Jesus’ life. Having shared the Passover meal, washed His disciples feet and established the practice of a sacred meal, which we call communion, Jesus went to Gethsemane to pray. Here we see the raw reality of Jesus’ humanity. He knows arrest, trial, torture, humiliation, and death are coming. He asks His friends for support for the next few hours. He needs their presence and prayers. His own prayer shows how He dreads what is coming, how He wrestles with His calling and His fate, and how “drinking the cup of God’s wrath” seems awful to Him. The same prayer: “take this cup from me, but may Your will be done!” is prayed over and over again. Yet, we see His divinity in the faithful and determined way He moves toward the horror, despite His great discomfort and misgivings. Still, He trusts the plan of His Father, despite overwhelming pressure.
Do you seek help under pressure?
Can you pray a prayer of submission, seeking God’s will in your hard moments?
Gracious God,
Thank You that Jesus understands life’s trials and underwent its pressures. May we seek Your will in the hard times.
Amen.
