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 