Saturday, March 9, 2013
Matthew 26:39 "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."
LOVE AT GETHSEMANE (6)
In the Love at Gethsemane we see that God's will is always best. Jesus was dreading the suffering to come. He prayed three times that the cup of suffering be removed from Him. Yet He always prayed, "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." Jesus perfectly and complete submitted Himself to His Father's will. He trusted that His Father's will was the best.
So it was! Look at all the good and blessing that came from Jesus following through and doing His Father's will. Satan's power was crushed. Sins condemning power was removed. Death lost it's sting. Enemies of God are reconciled to Him. We are declared Holy and righteous by God. We have an abundant life with our Father and our Savior both here and in eternity. Can you imagine if Jesus had not submitted to His Father’s will? It's unthinkable. Doesn't that teach us something important about submitting to God's will?
God's will is always best. Therefore we learn to pray as Jesus did. "Father, please grant your healing, nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." "Lord keep us from harm and danger, Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." "Father, help me through this financial crisis, not as I will, but as You will." "Help me find a job ... Help me find a spouse, Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."
This is not only the way to pray but the most peaceful and joyful way to live. We pray God's will be done, so recognize the things that happen as God's will and know that it is always for our good. That sickness, that financial crisis, that loved one's death it's all for our good. The Father's will may be painful for the moment, but look at the good He works through it.
The Father's will for Jesus was more than painful, it was excruciating, but it worked an eternity of good. The Father's will for you may also be painful at the time, but you can be sure God is working something much better. "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 14:17-18). Jesus' love and sacrifice makes us sure of that.
