Thought fir tge Day - Friday 14 May

Thought for Friday 14 May From Jenny Rankin, Wrangholm Hebrews 5:8 (TLB) And even though Jesus was God’s Son, he had to learn from experience what it was like to obey when obeying meant suffering. How many people complain about a prayer not being answered? I know I have. Often we forget that, even though we are going to get an answer, it may not be the one we hope for. It takes time for us to realise this and to watch for what comes in its place. Jesus prayed constantly about everything and everyone, and they were possibly all answered the way He expected because He knew God intimately and almost certainly prayed for what He knew God wanted anyway. However, the night Jesus was arrested in Gethsemane His prayer went unanswered. We see in Luke 22:43-45:- Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him, for he was in such agony of spirit that he broke into a sweat of blood, with great drops falling to the ground as he prayed more and more earnestly. At last, he stood up again and returned to the disciples—only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. Sweating blood is a real condition, called hematidrosis. Doctors don't know exactly what triggers this because it's so rare. They reckon it could be related to the body's "fight or flight" response. Sometimes it seems to be caused by extreme distress or fear, such as facing death, torture, or abuse. Not for Jesus the dubious privilege of nepotism. He knew what He was facing and who could blame Him if He was scared?. Son of God or not He was human too. Worse was to come when He received the scourging from the Roman legionnaire. Roman whips were not ordinary whips. Romans used things called flagellum, which had sharpened pieces of bone and/or metal woven into them so that when they struck the body they embedded and tore pieces of flesh away with every lash. Imagine going through that and then being nailed to a cross to suffocate to death. All so that you and I could be forgiven for our sins and, through His blood, be gifted a home in heaven. Yes, He knew He would rise from the grave, but He also knew what He would suffer before the grave. Again, I ask, who could blame Him for being scared? Precious Saviour We are so unworthy of the sacrifice you made for us. We are sorry that we still stray from Your path daily. Teach us obedience to the will of God so that we may live as one with You. Let the holy Spirit lead us in Your way each day. Amen.