12/22/2020
In the course of our faith we have contemplated our travail, tribulation, and the trouble they present us. Jesus thought on this same subject, and after having reached an understanding of their importance to faith He concluded that He would not ask God to save Him from it, but acknowledge God’s will in it. Are we courageous enough to face what lies ahead before us, and grasp, as Jesus did, the purpose God has for us in our suffering?
““Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.”
John 12:27 ESV
Jesus came to the conclusion that God’s glory was the purpose for the pain and suffering that was ahead for Him on Calvary. This is also the root of our own hardships and suffering, and is the reason God either lets us face it, or delivers us from it. His will, and the glory it brings Him, will lead us to the same place it led Christ... obedience.
“Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.””
John 12:28 ESV
Sometimes we are healed, and at other times we are left to suffer, even unto death, but God will be glorified in either case, and through our willing obedience we will be rewarded with the peace of Christ, and joy that God gives us by participating in accomplishing His will. These good rewards come to us as we do His will, and are magnified by being in His presence.
If we ask for our own will to be done then we will always ask that we be healed, and our enemies defeated. Our own will does not, by its nature, include suffering, or the thought of being scattered as a people among the nations, but always leans towards the easy way through life, even if by enduring tribulation many souls would be saved, our Faith strengthened, and the Lord glorified in the process.
“for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”
John 12:43 ESV
Willingly following the Lord’s path, a road that might lead us through hardship and pain is not an easy choice to make, but if we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and desire to do His will, then our reward will be great, and His glory brilliant... for all to see.
So, are we caught up in our own will by praying “Father, save me from this hour”, or have we turned to His perfect will, and agreed to face whatever lies ahead as it is done, and His glorification realized?
“And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.””
Luke 22:41-42 ESV
Prayer:
Father thank you for saving us from our enemies, and healing our bodies, when we ask you in conformance with your will to do so. Thank you for working to complete the plan you have laid out before us. We thank you also for those times when we face defeat, and death, at the hands of the world, so that your greater good can be accomplished, and you glorified all the more by it. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who works all things together for good to those who love you. Praised be your name as your Will is done, and you are glorified in it. Great are you who gives us the courage to obey your will readily as we face the hard road that stretches out before us. Merciful are you who heals, protects, and provides for us, and hears our prayers as we reach out to you from our places of prayer. Amazing is your grace that flows through Jesus Christ, as He leads us to you... even though we are undeserving on our own, and saved only by His willing sacrifice through which our belief in Him redeemed us. Lift us up Father, and see us as righteous as we stand by Jesus on the day of judgement. Smile on us, and open your heavenly door to us as you welcome us to your table forevermore.
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Hebrews 13:20-21 ESV
Rich Forbes