Thought for Monday, 8 July 2024

 Mark 14: 35- 36

Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that, if possible, the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

 

"Our prayer will be most like the prayer of Christ if we do not ask God to show us what is going to be, or to make any particular thing happen, but only pray that we may be faithful in whatever happens."       (anonymous)

 

Not one of us knows how much Jesus suffered on that day but He knew His Father’s will would be done. Jesus also knew that He was the only one who could do this.

 

When I was looking for inspiration today, I read a piece by a guy (an unbeliever) who had gone to a Passion play with a friend. He had got drawn in, and when the audience walked behind the cross, he followed with his friend. He said he was surprised when ‘Jesus’ fell to his knees, not knowing that this was what had happened. Even more surprising was when one of the soldiers pointed at him and told him to carry the cross. That episode has stayed with him, as it should stay with all of us. We did not share the same experience as he did, but most of us have known this story since childhood. Has familiarity bred disregard, even in this love story?

 

Jesus knew, even before He was born in Bethlehem, what His future held but He also knew this was the only way He could pay the price of our sins. A debt that we owed but couldn’t pay, this sinless Son of the most high God made the payment, in full, for all time.

 

By our own merit, we do not deserve eternal life in the presence of Almighty God. But Jesus made it possible and didn’t even say, “It’s ok you can pay me back in weekly instalments”.

 

Are we making full use of this gift by telling the world about it? At least we should be telling those we come in contact with. Even those who are being persecuted are sharing with others, who could in turn be reporting the Christians to authorities. We don’t even have that excuse not to be telling others. So many evil things are happening in the world today, we need to prepare those we can reach for what is to come.

Prayer has got to be a large part of our mission. We need to pray without ceasing, that we can reach those who don’t yet know the Lord.

 

Prayer

 

Almighty Father, we come to You in appreciation for all You do for us. Your strength upholds us in our daily lives, when so many things happen throughout the world that cause fear and anxiety, Your presence gives us the security of knowing that You are in control of all things. You have told us not to be afraid, and in Your being with us we can be at peace. Please watch over all who are affected by the wars and conflict around the world, let the innocent be safe according to your plans. Our safety relies on You, Triune God, and we come to You in Jesus precious name, amen.