Devotion:
Read Matthew 26:36-44.
Tomorrow in our worship services at Christ Church, we will focus on the initial time of testing Jesus faced as he began his ministry. Our passage today finds us near the end of his earthly ministry among us. The stress of his testing has gone to a whole new level. He knows that if he continues to stay around Jerusalem, he will soon be facing tremendous physical pain and finally death by crucifixion. It is the “ultimate test”: whether he will give his life to fulfill his mission.
You and I may not be asked to give our physical life for the cause of Christ. However, in order to experience the new life that God offers us through Jesus, we are called to “die to self”, to give up focusing on our own well-being so that we are willing to serve and sacrifice for the good of others. Furthermore, the mission and teachings of Jesus constantly pushed against the ways of this world, so to be his follower is to be one that will find themselves regularly in tension with those who love and live the ways of this world. So, there will often come those times of testing, when we may have to give up being admired by others because we must reject their ways.
If you are a follower of Christ, what have been those times of testing for you? If you had your own “Garden of Gethsemane” time right now, what would your prayer be about?
Personal Worship Option:
Consider writing that prayer. Ask the Lord for strength and courage to face whatever situation of testing you are facing.
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