"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Mark 14:32-36

 April 13

"Then they went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with him, and became very troubled and distressed. He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, even to the point of death. Remain here and stay alert.” Going a little farther, he threw himself to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the hour would pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” -Mark 14:32-36 (NET)

After his Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples sang hymns and went to a Garden in Gethsemane near Jerusalem. Jesus wept tears of blood as he shared his true feelings in prayer to God as he prepared to complete his mission on earth. He didn't rebel against God's will but stated his desire to fulfill God's plan. His prayer shows deep awareness of the terrible suffering he faced as he prepared to take on the sins of humanity. The "cup" was the horror involved in fulfilling God's plan of salvation for the world. While praying, Jesus was aware of what fulfilling God's will would cost. He understood his forthcoming suffering and did not want to endure this horrible fate. Yet Jesus prayed, "Your will be done, not mine."

Anything worth having costs something. The greater the worth, the greater the price. Jesus gave all he had. There will come a time when we all have to ask, "What will my commitment to God cost"? We may not face death for our faith, but will face many problems causing fear and pain where we may be tempted to take the easy way out. In such times of great stress, we are vulnerable to temptation and compromise. Yet Jesus showed us at Gethsemane how to resist compromise and follow God's will: 

(1) Stay alert and watch; 

(2) Keep morally awake; 

(3) Pray honestly sharing real feelings; 

(4) Seek support of friends and family; 

(5) Focus on God's purpose and mission. 

In this way, we can do God's will and not our own.

Prayer: Jesus, Thank you for your faithfulness. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: God's will is the best way still today.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)