Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, May 11, 2015

Based Upon Luke 22:39–46

-

The final and most difficult steps on Jesus’ road to Calvary were before Him. As He prepared Himself, He contemplated the fact that His own disciples would leave Him alone while the entire world’s destiny was hanging in the balance.

-

Jesus and His disciples went to Gethsemane, and of those disciples, Jesus called Peter, James, and John to come close to the place where He would pray. He asked them to pray also. The weight of Jesus’ mission began to press upon His soul, as He who knew no sin, was becoming sin for us. The burden of our guilt enfolded Him in bitter agony and seemingly impenetrable darkness. Could anyone relieve the Lord in His time of agony? He always worked for the relief of others’ burdens. Who would be there for Him?

-

He went to His disciples as a man needing the support of His best friends during the most difficult time He ever faced. Rather than finding a faithful few who would stand strong and intercede for Him, He found them sleeping. While the destiny of the entire world was hanging in the balance, His friends slept soundly.

-

Jesus, with the determination of love and the quiet zeal for our salvation, resolved once and for all time, to do His Father’s will and give His life for us at last.

-

Never has such love been demonstrated as when the Redeemer became my substitute while the world slept and our destiny was hanging in the balance. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13).--L. David Harris (www.davidwritesalot.com)