07/19/2022
When the Lord our God gives us a bitter cup, and tells us to drink, what is our response? When we are told to face the death of a loved one, or perhaps our own death, do we walk dutifully into it, or do we resist it with all our might? What was Abraham’s response when he was asked to sacrifice his only son Isaac; did he hesitate to obey? In similar fashion, Jesus didn’t want to die, but more than that, He didn’t want to disobey the will of His Father. So He healed the ear that Peter had cut from the soldier’s head as he tried to rescue Jesus, and then our savior told him to put up his sword. Jesus didn’t just obey, but he helped to facilitate God’s will. Do we do this when we come to know God’s will for us? Is it in us to not only obey, but to contribute to God’s will for us?
“So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?””
John 18:11 ESV
There will come a day in each of our lives when we will be faced with our death, or the death of a loved one, and in that moment we will need to make a decision; will we concede to God’s will and let go of life gently? Will we drink from the cup of our loved one without so much as a tear, and yield lovingly to God? Or, will we fight tooth and nail for life with swords and violent resistance? Will we fight for their lives with every weapon at our disposal, and will we stand face to face with our Father in defiance of His will?
“But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?””
Romans 9:20 ESV
I pray that each of us will drink from the cup that is offered us, and not only by taking a sip from it, but by swallowing fully as each and every one of us drinks of it’s contents. I pray that we will not only obey our Father, but stand firmly against all of those, even our friends, who would come to our defense in opposition to God’s will for us.
“And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.”
Matthew 26:27-28 NLT
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your will for us, and every cup of it we are offered by you, the sweet, and the bitter alike. Thank you for your Son Jesus who started His ministry by making the good wine, and then ended it with a bitter cup, and sour wine. Thank you for all things that, despite their appearance, work together for our good. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whose will is perfect, and far above us. Praised be your name for the rams we find caught in the bushes, and the tombs that are found mercifully empty. Merciful are you who surrounds us with holy ground, and blesses our feet with its touch. Your grace is our hope, and your will the strength of our faith, and the proof of our belief. By our obedience to your will for us we find joy, and peace in eternity with you. Wash us clean Father in the blood of Jesus, and lead us by your Holy Spirit, and the example of Christ as we pick up our crosses, and follow Him to you. Seat us at your table Father, and feed us forevermore with the eternal manna of your Word, and the sweetness of your love.
Rich Forbes