Tonight, the Thursday before Easter, we remember the Last Supper and the heart-wrenching scene in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was there Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done”(1).
In a matter of hours from that moment, Jesus would face unimaginable pain and suffering. Yet his prayers were not only for himself that night. He prayed for his disciples, and he even prayed for us—those who would believe in him in the future. His desire was that God’s love and his presence would be in us (2). I marvel at such selflessness in the midst of supreme crisis, don’t you?
As a result of his death on the cross and resurrection from the grave, Jesus made possible the fulfillment of that prayer. Our crucified, resurrected, and ascended Christ indwells every believer (3).
Think of it. The all-powerful, all-wise Lord of the universe lives within us! But just what does that mean?
I like Sarah Young’s explanation: We are intertwined with him in an intimacy involving every fiber of our beings (4).
It means that God makes available to us everything we need:
- Power to handle life’s challenges (2 Corinthians 12:9)
- Wisdom to determine right actions from wrong (James 1:5)
- Access to talk to him at any time (Hebrews 4:16)
- Personalized purpose, to fulfill a God-ordained plan (Jeremiah 29:11)
- Hope that can never be disappointed (Isaiah 40:31)
- Resources that can never be exhausted (Philippians 4:19)
It means that in Christ we have:
- Complete forgiveness (Hebrews 8:12)
- Everlasting life (John 3:16)
- Overflowing joy (Psalm 16:11)
- Deep peace (John 14:27)
- Attentive care (1 Peter 5:7)
Sometimes I act like the Israelites on their trek to the Promised Land. Remember the manna God provided so they wouldn’t go hungry? It tasted like wafers made with honey (5).
Yet they became so accustomed to the provision, they began to complain. Manna wasn’t good enough after a while. “Yes, Lord,” they may have said. “You’ve been very gracious to provide manna, but we need meat!”
These blessings of Christ in us listed above are more precious even than miraculous manna. How could I take such astounding blessings for granted? Add to that the incredible price Jesus paid so I could enjoy those blessings. How dare I think, Yes, Lord, you’ve been very gracious, but I need more!
* * * * * * * * * *
Dearest Jesus, as I contemplate your deep distress in the Garden of Gethsemane, your suffering at the hands of Roman soldiers, and the unfathomable pain you endured on the cross, my petty wants become inconsequential.
Forgive me for allowing familiarity to dull my senses of awe and gratitude for the sacrifice you made. Willingly. Lovingly.
“Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all” (6).
So be it.
Notes:
- Luke 22:42
- John 17:26
- Colossians 1:27
- Jesus Calling, 332.
- Exodus 16:31
- From the hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Art credit: www.free bible images.org.
(Revised and reblogged from April 17, 2014, while we enjoy a week-long visit from our daughter and family.)
From the Inside Out 
A few years ago our Maundy Thursday service was delivered in a “garden”. Our sanctuary was bathed in dark green light and a few trees and shrubs decorated the altar. Along with the relevant readings and communion, there were several moments of contemplative silence (and no music). It was one of the most powerful services I’ve ever been witness to. I think our pastors realized we need to be fully immersed in the Garden to have any sense of Christ’s predicament all those years ago.
That sounds highly meaningful, Dave. I’ve also attended Maundy Thursday services with low lighting and numerous candles. As the service proceeded, a few candles at a time were extinguished. The heaviness of darkness mirrored the heaviness of Jesus’ heart that night.
As I think of the physical pain that Christ suffered on the cross I also am reminded of the unimaginable emotional pain he carried as He was separated from His Father. To have taken upon Himself the inconceivable behavior and sins that mankind has and continues to immerse itself in is an illustration of His Love and Grace. The song ‘I Am Not Worthy’ comes to mind. Thank you, Nancy, for the reminder that in Him we have everything!
He paid a horrific price for what we enjoy. “I Am Not Worhty” indeed! (That was one of the songs my mother sang. I can still hear her in my head!)
I too love Sarah Young’s explanation. Your list is like a huge electrical grid that supplies infinite power…”It means that God makes available to us everything we need:
Power to handle life’s challenges (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Wisdom to determine right actions from wrong (James 1:5)
Access to talk to him at any time (Hebrews 4:16)
Personalized purpose, to fulfill a God-ordained plan (Jeremiah 29:11)
Hope that can never be disappointed (Isaiah 40:31)
Resources that can never be exhausted (Philippians 4:19)”
My problem is my human default is to bypass God’s grid and try to have my own little power supply (thinking it’s enough), and I wonder why I fall so short in so many areas
Oh Gary. Your honesty and humility put you in the right place to access that power grid. (Great analogy, btw!) As I read your blogs, I see a man seeking God and his ways. He loves you for that (Proverbs 8:17).
AMEN!
Blessings and love at Easter, Janet
Thank you, Janet. We enjoyed a delightful Easter with family. I picture you surrounded by yours as well. I pray everyone was able to gather!
Your post spurred me to go look up and study some of those verses you referenced…His words bring healing—so much better than what any doctor can prescribe for our hardships.
Oh yes–God’s Word IS like medicine for our souls. I pray the passages highlighted in this post do provide comfort and encouragement for you, Alicia.
❤️
Hi Nancy,
What wondrous hope. I have had some challenging times these past few months. So these blogs are convicting.
Thanks,
Gary
I’m so sorry, Gary, you’ve had to deal with challenging times for several months. I pray you find encouragement here, too, and may the end of this dark valley be in sight!