Matthew 26:42-44
‘He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass away unless I drink from it, Your will be done.” Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.’
What a hero Jesus was. This was the moment all the members of the trinity knew would come. Jesus, the Son of God would die for the sins of the world. Upon creation they knew this time would come. Yet, they still went through with the plan to make us humans. They knew we would fall and need saving. Thank You God.
What I want to focus on is that Jesus submitted to the will of God, no matter how difficult. We are to do the same. Fortunately, the things that God will ask of us are very managable with His help. However at the time it will be challenging for us.
Jesus says in Matthew 16:24, ‘Then Jesus said His to disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”‘ This is part of the christian life. I can recall doing this as a young christian. At times it was challenging. It feels easier now. Back then I did what I wanted to do. Submitting to God was new. It wasn’t completely foreign as I had to obey my parents, teachers and boss. Outside of that I did what I wanted.
I can recall listening to a music tape. I felt the sense that I should turn it off. I attempted to ignore it. I was actually on a road trip driving to see my sister in Santa Cruz. I got lost. I spent the next 30 minutes attempting to find my way. I began to pray, but I knew what this was about. I had to obey if He was to help. I threw the tape out the window. Shortly there after I found my way. I made that experience far more difficult than it had to be. However, that was one of my first steps of obedience to the Spirit’s voice. I had a clenched fist and wouldn’t release it.
God still asks me to deny myself on occasion. The difference now is that I am more acquainted with His love. I know He is a good God. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” I know He rewards me.
Many of the things He asked me to give up would have a negative effect. So, He is helping me be better. I didn’t know that as a young believer. That’s why it was more difficult.
Thy will be done is to be one of the themes of our lives. Jesus embodied it. His entire three year ministry was this. His first 30 years He had to learn that. He had to learn to live in dependence on God. He was good at it at 30. He says in John 6:38, “For I have come down from heaven, not that I should do My will, but the will of the One having sent Me.”
We are to also have the mindset that we are to do His will. The Lord’s Prayer says, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.” That is to be our prayer and our heart.
Thank You, Lord, for Your will and You work that in us. Help us to do as Jesus did and yield to it.