West Park Baptist Church

Loving God, Loving People, Impacting the World

Prayer

Daily Dose of Faith (6/12/2020) – Humble Minds

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Today’s blog prayer is written by Tony Sims, husband and dad, church member and deacon and servant leader on the West Park Prayer Leadership Team.

1 Peter 3:8 – Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (ESV)

Heavenly Father,

What an awesome Father you are to your children. You are a Father of light in whom there is no darkness at all.  You declare us as your children to participate in your kingdom.  Lord, we understand that we are a fallen people and do not represent you as we should in this dark world.  The choices and stances we often take bring shame to you and how we affect our brothers and sisters in Christ.  You are clear in your Word that we are to humble ourselves under your mighty hand that we may be exalted by you at the proper time.

Our nation, government, media, social networking, and families are suffering from a lack of humbling ourselves before you.  We fail miserably in listening to others who are hurting during a time when the “author of confusion,” our enemy, is at work.  Father, we choose to listen to the many voices around us in the world and refuse to even attempt to look through the lens of others as to how our actions impact your kingdom which includes our brothers and sisters in Christ who you dearly love.  You boldly asked us not to be conformed to this world but be transformed through your Word.  We humbly ask that you help us to see how you value love in all our relationships.  The only way that we as brothers and sisters in Christ can show the world that we are your image bearers is that we show love that is active and not passive.

Thank you, Father, how you demonstrated love through Jesus during His ministry on earth.  Your attention was on the marginalized, the rejects of society, the oppressed, those who had no voices and the disqualified.  Your Word says that you came to set at liberty those who are oppressed.  Give us sensitive ears and humble minds and hearts to see how our choices and fallenness impact your intentions for your kingdom.  We understand that suffering precedes glory as it has been demonstrated by the prophets of old, the apostles, many saints before us and, most importantly, by Jesus who suffered for us and now is glorified. Help us to be poor in spirit, mourners, meek, willing to comfort others, peacemakers, merciful, pure in heart, and to hunger and thirst for righteousness in this world.

We need you to please give our church leaders your Word that will spark a spirit of humility in the behavior of your people.  Help us to understand it is not about us, but it is all about you.  Father, help us to remember that this world is not our home and we are only pilgrims passing through.  While we are here, help us to follow your example by having a humble, open mind towards you and especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Help us to love you with all our heart, soul, and mind and love our neighbors as ourselves in fulfillment of your command.  Forgive us for not loving our neighbors and for not taking on the mind of Christ so that your name will be glorified throughout this world.  Now, Father, we commit our hearts and all our thoughts to pleasing you because of what you did for all of us through your Son at Calvary, by humbly taking on our sins to make us right with you.  It is in Jesus’ precious name we ask these things.  Amen

Daily Dose of Faith (6/11/2020) – Tender Hearts

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1 Peter 3:8 – Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (ESV)

A Prayer for Today:

Most Holy Father, 

You shower us daily with love and care from the abundance of your tender heart. Even as we pursue Peter’s command, we cannot begin by our actions to scratch the surface of Your infinite tenderness. You did not leave us to wallow in our lost state, for in tenderness of heart You sent Jesus for our great need of forgiveness. We believe You change not, so Your tenderness will minister to us still today. We need You, Father. 

Jesus, our Lord, You understand the world of men. You who lived among us know our tendency toward closed hearts… hard hearts. Where You constantly met the needs of others who came to You for help, we tend to close ourselves off from others, not wanting the inconvenience of feeling their pain. We are guilty of making excuses so that we feel less guilty when we leave the suffering of our fellow man unaddressed. Forgive us for our hard-hearted apathy. Yet in the wonder of grace we receive Your forgiveness and cleansing for even this sin! You are so faithful to us in Your tender love. 

Holy Spirit, please help us to live the good life that Peter describes in this verse. It is the good life of following in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus: He who loves with such tender-hearted love. Help us to see the needs of those around us and be softened. Help us to pray for those on our screens protesting right now, seeing their needs for which they cry and praying for their greater need of Christ their only Hope. Help us to see our law enforcement officers fulfilling their duty with the tender heart of Christ. Their service in these days is crucial, and we pray You would grant our believing brothers and sisters in the police force and military with tender hearts for those in front of them. 

God, grant that we as a church would have tender hearts toward one another. Make us like You.

In the name of Jesus, Amen. 

Daily Dose of Faith (6/10/2020) – Sympathy and Brotherly Love

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Today’s prayer comes from Jeff Wiggs, husband, father, member of West Park and servant leader on the West Park Prayer Leadership Team.

1 Peter 3:8 – Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (ESV)

As we are spending time with Peter in this passage from his letters to the church, I am struck by how powerful his advice to them is. The church was growing and was persecuted. There were many things vying for their attention and their allegiance. They needed to find their true identity in one place: the person of Jesus Christ.

This doesn’t lessen the other parts of who we are, it prioritizes who we are. We are aliens and foreigners to this world. We are His people, His nation, His priesthood to this world. We must have a unity in our minds around Christ. The outflow of this is sympathy and brotherly love because we see people for who they are and ourselves for the redeemed sinners we are.
This is an encouragement to me and gives me hope in the beauty of the community of Christ.
 

Let us pray together…

Our Loving and Faithful Heavenly Father, You are just and mighty. You are a strong tower that we run to for shelter in the midst of the storms of this life. How it is storming right now. We have brothers and sisters who are sick and need comfort; who are sin-sick and need a word from You; who feel mute because no one seems to listen to their pleas for justice, for a change; who are desperate for a reprieve from the isolation and separation that is their lot right now. I pray that your Spirit would help us see those around us, sheltering in the base of your tower, weeping at the foot of the cross, and that we would sympathize with them. I pray that  we would remember what it is like to be there and have compassion on those we see hurting. 

You have sent us as your royal ambassadors, messengers of the King to this world we are traveling in. You had a plan for us before this world began. You knew we would turn away but you set it in motion because you loved us still. This plan involves a great mission, to show your kingdom to those who would hear and to bring the message of your good news to the poor and hungry of this world. We bring a message of freedom to the captives and a promise of hope to those blinded by this sin-sick world. Help our words to pour out from our brotherly love. Help us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to judge those around us. To be sympathetic to the frustrations and needs of our brothers and sisters. We are one race, one people, you are making of us one nation. Let the differences we see be beautiful in our eyes and the love that you have for us filter our vision of each other.

Knit us together in unity of mind that we may be effective in this mission you have before us. Teach us to repent: to turn from our sins and to follow hard after you. Teach us to forgive: to not hold a grudge, but to offer a meal, an ear, and a helping hand to all who are in need. Let us fight for the dignity of our brothers and sisters and to surrender our pride as we look to represent you on this earth. We pray this in the name of the one who unites us, who loves us, and who sent us. We pray this in Jesus’ name.

And so let it be. Amen.

Daily Dose of Faith (6/9/2020) – Unity of Mind

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1 Peter 3:8–12

[8] Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. [9] Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. [10] For

“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
[11] let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
[12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (ESV)

 

I wish I had answers that could solve all the turmoil I see around the country right now. The kind of answers that would quickly end the suffering, stamp down the pride, and see people of all walks of life prosper and thrive.

But if we want to see change happen in society, it must first happen within the Household of God.

Peter wrote back in the 1st Century a message that is still needed today because the counsel is God’s timeless Word. While I can’t come up with quick answers to change people’s hearts, God can. Today through Friday let’s turn to 1 Peter 3:8-12, seeking God’s plan for how we should respond at all times to our fellow believers in the church and towards those outside the church. Join me in prayer today for unity of mind (3:8).

Most Holy Father,

We turn to You because You are the Truth. You have established Your Word and it stands firm. No matter the course of human history, no matter how buffeted we are on this earth, no matter how shifting the tides of culture may be, You change not. We read in the Bible that Your steadfast love never ceases, therefore we are not consumed. How great is Your faithfulness!

Yet, Father, we are confronted by images on our screens, devices and newsfeeds of the turmoil in our country. How far we have fallen from the unified goal of being Your image-bearers. Instead we have succumbed to the darker strains of our fallen natures, preferring one over another, giving priority to some and not others, placing distinctions on the human race and, even worse, within the church. Forgive us, Father.

Lord Jesus, You always walked through life looking for who You could encourage, who You could listen to whether that be children, women, or the worst sinners you could find. You did all so You could rescue those trapped and fallen far from God’s glory. You took on full humanity so You could identify with us all. You did this so You could truly be our substitute to endure the wrath of God. We confess again our trust in You. Of all potential saviors in this world, You alone are exalted as worthy and able to save. We need You, Jesus.

Holy Spirit, help us to have unity of mind. Help us to remember who we are as the image-bearers of God and as the redeemed family of Jesus. Help us to prioritize the unity that we have in Christ and apply it in our discussions with one another. Help us to respond to those who differ with the love and patience of Christ. Please do this to glorify our Father God and to produce good in our lives. May You be pleased to do this work in us. And may You be pleased to transform us so that our unity would shine out brightly to a dark world, showing them the glory and majesty of King Jesus.

In His name we pray, amen.

 

Abide: Patience

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Some things are worth waiting for.

The original chicken sandwich and waffle fries after waiting in a long drive thru

Seeing your child’s face after 9 months of pregnancy

Opening presents on Christmas morning

Patience is required to really enjoy the current time even while we wait for something better to come. For over two months now we’ve been separated from one another in the church, worshipping online yet knowing it’s not at all an ideal substitute. Our wait is almost done, and I’m thankful that we’ll get back together soon, for that’s what God wills and what we need.

Yet right now there’s a different kind of patience that is needed and will always be needed no matter what. It’s the patience that is in the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22.

Why do we need this? Let me illustrate with an… illustration. Recently a friend of mine pastoring a church in another state put up this chart on social media:

As you can see, that pastor is dealing with a frenzy of varied opinions coming at him, or at least he’s speaking with a bit of hyperbole about what is really going on. I can identify with him to a degree and not even as a fellow pastor. Just looking around social media these days I see each of those sentiments in one form or another. I know when we do get back together as a church, we will be dealing with competing ideas that come at us and in some ways will be so different from our ideas as to be offensive. Just because we’ll all be together again doesn’t mean we’ll all be united in how we’re thinking and feeling.

When those opinions ring out, think about the need for patience. Patience is the Spirit-produced quality in the life of the believer that enables him or her to bear difficulties without lashing out at others. What seems impossible to personally cook up is totally possible by the power of the Spirit within each of us who believe. What better power than the Spirit’s power do we need displayed right now? I can’t think of any.

Consider the source of patience in this passage today:

Colossians 1:11-12 – May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

One, we already know patience to bear difficulties without lashing out comes only from God. How often have you snapped at someone when pressure was heavy on you? Likewise when did you refrain from snapping when you otherwise would have? The Lord does that restraining by His Spirit.

But another thing to note: we must pursue this patience by seeking the Lord. Paul prays that the Colossian believers would be patient in trials, endure hard times. Please seek the Lord in prayer, asking Him to strengthen you with all power, according to his glorious might to be patient with other people in the days ahead.

I also can’t escape that patience is connected to joy. You can see that in Paul’s prayer – please strengthen these believers for patience with joy. I recall from this that the Fruit of the Spirit is singular in Galatians 5:22. It’s not that the Spirit has all kinds of fruits that appear. The fact that it’s one fruit means that as we grow in patience we will likewise grow in joy and love and peace, etc.

Friends, before we come back together in the new season of transitioning back to Sunday morning worship, please prepare to be patient with one another.

  • Think of one another as precious to God, fellow heirs of Christ, qualified by God to share that inheritance.
  • Think of another’s needs before your own. When someone is particularly passionate about a point, don’t take time to argue how they may be wrong. Seek to understand what drives them to that point. Ask what they’ve been going through. Seek to know them better so you can love them well.

Ultimately we won’t be done with patience anytime soon. We wait for that time in eternity future when we will be with the Lord, when all these hard days are behind us. That is a time, for sure, worth waiting for.

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control

The True Paradigm of Perfect Peace

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Louis Armstrong sings a popular secular holiday song with a peaceful soothing melody and the words “And I say to myself, it’s a wonderful world.” Yet the majority of people on any given day would probably not agree with that wonderful world sentiment. With the current health crisis, political divisiveness, economic unrest and acts of terror nationally and globally, many would say the peaceful world implied in this song is a pipe dream. Yet counselees often come for counseling hoping that someone can help them make this peace filled pipe dream a reality.

When a person comes to me with a desire for peace in life, together, we first have to uncover their peace paradigm. How do they define peace? Unbelievers and believers alike often think of peace as the absence of war. No trouble or conflict. Everybody loves Raymond, right? It’s a peace paradigm based on circumstances, experiences and situations. Yet, if we look at Jesus’ life, the circumstances, experiences and situations that the Prince of Peace found Himself in do not fit the false peace paradigm that is promoted by many today.

Jesus himself said, “Do not think I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father… and a man’s enemies will be members of his household” (Matt 10:34-36). Jesus came to save man from the penalty of sin, not circumstances. The unsaved around us are His enemies and thus ours; even in our own households. Thus, in this world of sin, there will be no lasting earthly peace. He told the disciples before His crucifixion, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Jesus is saying earthly peace with man and the eternal peace of God are two different concepts, and He wants to gift us with the latter. Earthly peace is transient, here today, gone tomorrow. Eternal peace, God’s gift to us, is an everlasting part of our new spiritual DNA.

Jesus’ peace requires a paradigm shift. He did not come to merely alleviate our circumstances resulting from sin, or to end all wars, global or familial; though he can certainly do these things. He came to save our sinful souls. It is in the saving of our souls that we find eternal peace so that our hearts are not troubled or afraid in any earthly environment or predicament because we trust the one who holds our future in His hands. We know that upon salvation we receive the Holy Spirit and peace is an integral part of the fruit of the Spirit. This fruit is within every believer, and matures within each one of us as we are progressively conformed to the image of Christ through consistent prayer, study, and application of God’s Word.

Scripture does tell us in Romans 12:18 we are to live peaceably with all men as much as possible so that we can point them to the source of true peace. So men, if in your quest for peace you bought her that 24 carat round brilliant cut diamond ring, don’t take it back! But the next time you forget a birthday, or your anniversary or the eggs on your quarantine grocery store list…don’t be surprised if you’re back on the couch. Ladies, if he bought that Yamaha motorcycle instead of a family vacation, it is okay; let it goooo♫. He’ll figure it out. Statistics don’t lie. EBAY awaits. And girlfriend, if you are at war with yourself over that triple layer slice of double chocolate cake you just peacefully ate, then, you definitely know how fleeting earthly peace can be.

So are you looking for temporary earthly peace or eternal perfect peace? Will you trust God and ask him to mature eternal peace in your life regardless of your circumstances? The true peace paradigm for believers is not based on feelings; it is based on the presence of the Holy Spirit and His peace. So get busy, and in everything through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving  make this request for peace known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus (from Phil 4:6,7).

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isa 26:3

Terri Cage (4.27.20)

Local Perspectives on Coronavirus – Pt 6

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Today’s perspective comes from Lauren Kappel who describes herself as a mom, wife, daughter, and one who is immunosuppressed. This article helps those especially affected by Covid-19 due to their own immunosuppression, but the main point is applicable to us all.

____________________________________________

 

This past year has provided many opportunities for growth in my life which has also prepared my heart for these days of the pandemic and quarantine. Early in 2019, I was struggling to deal with the realities of my dad’s stage IV cancer prognosis followed by his complications with heart disease.  In the midst of dealing with the fragility of my Dad’s life, I began to have my own medical issues. While trying to sift through all of my symptoms, two different physicians prepared me to deal with the fact that I too may have cancer. Needless to say, this was a lot to take in at one time. My mind raced and I quickly imagined going through cancer treatments along with my dad and I wondered God’s plan in that for us. Fear and dread also weighed heavily as I thought about this possibility.

Thankfully, after further tests, I found out that I did NOT have cancer but, rather, ulcerative colitis. This diagnosis came as a relief; we rejoiced that I didn’t have cancer, but, in time, we realized that this diagnosis does dictate a new way of life for me and my family. I had to face the realities of being immunosuppressed.  This means that my immune system is not working properly. It is easier to catch illnesses and when I do, it takes longer than usual to heal. It could also easily lead into other infections. Last year, I was on a medicine that suppressed my immune system further and also made my ulcerative colitis worse. I had to stop volunteering in children’s church and Awana during the flu season which was not easy as I knew there was a great need for volunteers and I enjoyed being with the children. Along with my own issues, I also did not want to pass on any germs to my dad that could affect him when we visited from time to time. While I was learning all the implications of living with ulcerative colitis and also struggling with the fact that my dad was dealing with cancer, the daily struggles with fatigue and stress weighed heavily.

Before my Dad and I got sick, death wasn’t as much of a weight upon my heart. I knew that when I do die, by the grace of the Lord, I would be with Him and being with Him was my greatest desire. However, after feeling the pain of my illness, seeing my Dad’s suffering from cancer, the sudden nearness and the reality of death left me gripped with fear. The fatigue, stress, grief, and fear were more than I could handle. In my day to day life, I was weary, more easily annoyed, and impatient, with those I love most. While dealing with all of this in my own heart, I continued to homeschool our kids and sought the Lord during this “new normal,” but I lacked the joy that comes with a life fully surrendered to the Lord.

Now fast forward to the COVID19 crisis and quarantine. Needless to say, all of the talks about the virus attacking those who are immunosuppressed didn’t help my problems with anxiety. I had already been dealing with the fears that come with cold and flu season. My kids and I had been sick for a couple of weeks leading up to the quarantine, so the thought of a deadly virus made things worse. I knew I had to prepare my body and home life in any way I could. I began a restrictive diet in hopes to help my body heal and have been learning what types of food can affect me in the wrong way.

I also signed up for an online “30 day de-clutter challenge” put on by a lady that has raised and homeschooled 8 children. I knew she would provide me with the perspective I needed to help me clean up areas in our home that had been neglected far too long. To my surprise, her first area to address was “decluttering your heart.” She wrote a list of things that can fill our hearts with clutter: pride, discontentment, anger, unforgiveness, selfishness, bitterness, worry, negative thoughts, grudges, and past hurts. She advised us to ask God to reveal the sin in our hearts, ask His forgiveness, get rid of wrong thinking and replace it with truth, and to give God our expectations. I quickly went through the list, was thankful that I was doing okay in these areas. I think I did ask God to search my heart but then skipped quickly to step #2 of the decluttering challenge…I was ready to gain some control and clean up our home!

It was a week later, while glancing at the list again, that the Lord lovingly convicted me. The Lord showed me that I had been excusing sin again and again and called it: “being annoyed, weary, sick, and in a hard circumstance.” As the Lord revealed this to me, I began to search my heart and write out my list of sins. I then wrote out scripture I can meditate on instead of the negative things that I had been playing over and over in my mind. I asked the Lord’s forgiveness, and also asked Him to continue to search my heart. After this, I found myself rejoicing in the grace and forgiveness of the Lord. Now, when I’m faced with the temptation of discontentment, I know I must run to the Lord for His truth instead of giving into the pattern of thinking and sin that entangled me before. When I am impatient or angry, I know I can’t just blame it on feeling weary! When I am fearful, I know I must not give in just a little bit as it is a thief to my joy in Christ. The joy of the fellowship of the Lord has been such a blessing to me when I do repent and turn to Him.

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24, ESV)

I have been praying for those that are considered to be in the “high risk category” in our congregation or are caring for someone who may be. I know that many of you are in different seasons of life and have your own struggles in the midst of the COVID19 crisis. I pray that you know you are needed and valued among the body of Christ, specifically here at West Park. As the quarantine mandate will be lifted, I know that you are seeking to learn from the Lord what that means for you specifically. You may wonder what life should look practically for you. The Lord will give you wisdom as you seek Him. My prayer at this unique time is that you will know the riches of God’s fellowship and peace.  I pray that you will allow the Lord to search your heart, and show you the areas where you can easily excuse sin in the midst of this hard time. I pray that you will surrender to Him and know that obedience to the Lord refreshes the body of Christ. Even in the struggles of life, your decision to seek after the Lord despite your feelings matters to so many. Your fear of the Lord brings honor, peace, hope, and happiness. Your testimony for your love of the Lord points us to the glorious riches we have in Christ. Your hunger of the Word is so much sweeter as you turn from sin and to the One who loves you so. Your prayers are the means of God working in our lives. You are known, you are precious, you are loved immensely, you are not alone, and you are desperately needed in the body of Christ. May He be glorified as we turn from our sin and walk in the Truth of God’s Word. We don’t want to miss the fellowship of the Lord and of His glory in the midst of this trial.

So whether we we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him. 2 Corinthians 5:9

Those who look to Him are radiant and their faces shall never be ashamed. Psalm 34:5

Following Jesus Through Holy Week – Thursday

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So much is contained in these passages from Thursday. Teaching, fellowship around a table, food, blessing, agony and betrayal.

At the center of it all is Christ Jesus our Lord.

Here’s an outline of what happened on Thursday1:

  • Preparation for the Passover (Matt. 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22:7-13)
  • Passover meal / Last Supper (Matt. 26:20-35; Mark 14:17-26; Luke 22:14-30)
  • Upper Room Discourse (John 13:1-17:26)
  • Jesus prays in Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46)

Let’s read today from Matthew 26:26-46

[26] Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” [27] And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, [28] for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. [29] I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

[30] And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. [31] Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ [32] But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” [33] Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” [34] Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” [35] Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.

[36] Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” [37] And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. [38] Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” [39] And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” [40] And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? [41] Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” [42] Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” [43] And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. [44] So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. [45] Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. [46] Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” (ESV)

What can we learn from this text?

The Passover Feast celebrated God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Preparations for the feast involved sacrificing a lamb in the Temple and roasting it for the supper. At sundown on Thursday evening Jesus and His disciples reclined at a table to share the Passover together and what has become known to us as the Last Supper. Twenty-four hours from this time, Jesus would hang dead on a cross.

Hope prevails even on this dark night, for Jesus remains in control and living out all righteousness for His beloved people.

Consider that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, a celebration with bread and the cup of His sacrifice. He would soon be dead, but the Lord still led His disciples, ministered to them, and turned the darkest time of His life into a time of life-giving hope for all of us.

Consider also that the disciples all fled from Jesus at His hour of greatest need. He predicted this (26:31), and it happened (26:56). Yet Jesus did not choose these men for what they could contribute to Him or do to benefit Him. He tells them, “after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee” (26:32), a word of hope to wayward disciples that He would still love them and restore them.

Consider finally the solitary figure of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, submitting Himself to the Father’s will. Feeling absolutely drained physically, He fell on His face before His Father, praying to the point of sweating great drops of blood. He prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me” (26:39), the second time He mentioned a cup, and this “cup” being the full wrath of God for the sin of mankind. It was the Lord’s greatest hour of temptation, yet in great agony and with perfect love toward God He submitted to the Father’s will.

Application: 

  • As we prepare for Good Friday, meditate on what Jesus said His broken body and shed blood would signify: the forgiveness of your sins. Are you encouraged that Jesus, who knew all your sins, went willingly to the cross to die in your place? Think on that truth, for He wants us to.
  • Have you ever abandoned the Lord Jesus? Maybe you should have spoken up about the Lord but remained quiet. Perhaps you should have gone to Him for help but instead gave into temptation like His disciples. Whatever you have done, remember this: Jesus resisted all temptations and sins for when you could not. Trust in His substitutionary life and love for you.

Prayer:

Our Lord Jesus, we thank You for including us in the feast at Your table. We confess that we do not deserve to be included in the accomplishments of Your body and blood, but You submitted to the breaking and bloodshed for us. Jesus, thank You. We praise You too for Your obedience even to death, which is our ground of hope when we know we have not obeyed You with our lives. We love You and remember You today. Amen.

Worship:

Jesus, Thank You

There is a Fountain Filled With Blood

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