WHEN YOU ARE IN
We have been looking at Christlikeness and as we approach Easter, today we consider what lessons we may learn from Christ’s experience in
I have been in the
Dying to self is what we talked about last time - death to a way of life in which my self is the centre of the world and in which I with my needs, feelings, desires , fears and resources of knowledge and strength are what determines my whole life.
It was a struggle – a struggle to trust God; to really place everything into his hands. Like in the desert at the start – and now in
You are in
When you face a decision where to embrace the will of God looks and feels like a crucifixion, a complete death of all or part of you. Jesus can help?
He understands your struggle -
He gives you an example of sharing – he gives us a model of relating to the disciples – there is an open statement of his feelings/struggles. V38. I have seen a tendency for those who are struggling to withdraw and isolate themselves. That does not seem to be Jesus’ model for his fellowship. He told them of his struggle and that he needed their support. We should be more transparent. If we do not know, we cannot support or pray.
He feels with you in your sorrow – disappointment with the disciples – he sought their help – a supportive community in time of trial. Its absence contributed to his anguish and sorrow. It was in his mind for he spoke of their desertion in v31. Their hearts were not right – they later all forsook him and fled.
He calls on others to show their support – Stay here and keep watch – a cry for them to stand with him in his hour of need. The expected support is not forthcoming. Why? V41. Good intentions fail because of lack of self-discipline. But the sad result is that when we do not pray we fall and others may fall too.
Are we are asleep when we should be praying . is there someone asking us to keep watch with them in their moment of supreme testing and we just think about them but never actually get around to praying for them? Have we made empty promises assuring people we would pray?
He made an honest supplication – he is shrinking from the cross – asking to be spared –-to ask to be spared is not unbelief; it is part of our dialogue with God- is there another way? is this the only path?
“If it is possible” – he is admitting he may not know everything – could the world be saved a different way that would not mean the cross – but if this is the only way I accept it.
He demonstrated complete submission to God – It was in his power to escape, to flee – voluntary. V54 But he had meditated on the Word of God and finally saw he had to drink this cup. Submitting mind, heart and life to the teaching of Scripture because it is God’s word is the pathway of submission and trust.
How was he able to do this?
Jesus had always known total security in God – in a way beyond our understanding Jesus knew he was being totally cared for by the Father so if the Father said the cross was the only way then he could accept that, endure it and know all would be well. We have dreams and plans and hopes for our life; but they may not be what God has in mind – do we believe that what God wants is the best.
Jesus received special strength – as a result of this he received strength - an angel appeared – it happened in the wilderness temptations – angels are helping us invisibly (Heb 1:14); there is much help given unseen. If you are let down – God will send help – and much help is given you will never know anything about. Some are praying whom you never asked to pray. Some will show up whom you never expected.
Do you feel you are in a kind of
The good news of the gospel this morning is this.
The Christ who calls you has been there and understands.
The Christ who calls you lives in you by his Spirit and will enable you to come through.
The Christ who calls you shows you what will happen to those who triumph in
Contact
16 East Bridge Street
ENNISKILLEN BT74 7BT
Tel: (028) 6632 5759
www.spce.org.uk
email: church.office1@btinternet.com