THE DRAMA IN THE GARDEN

 

Friday, April 4, 2025

 

THE DRAMA IN THE GARDEN

 

Luke 22:39-44

39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

 

          Luke, the physician, recorded the physical details of the bloody sweat. Many have tried to explain it, but Luke records the phenomenon as a result of great stress. Jesus was about to ask one last time to be released from the horrors of the cross. It was not to be! Great sins had been committed. God had been greatly offended, and a great punishment was called for. So great was Jesus’ angst that an angel was dispatched to strengthen him.

 

          The apostles witnessed this drama and recorded it as seen through their own eyes. Matthew says that when the last supper was finished, they sung a hymn; and went out into the Mount of Olives. John pays attention to Jesus’ prayer and takes the entire 17th chapter to record it. Luke watches over Jesus as he might observe a dying patient. Reading all three we can almost feel the evening mist, hear the chirping of insects and smell the sweet fragrance of the garden. We can also sense the unexplained heaviness all about. We feel as if we are in a great cathedral and witnessing solemn worship. It was John who recorded the clamorous interruption.

 

John 18:1-3

18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

 

          “…And weapons!” Surely weapons would be needed to subdue a man with such power as to heal the sick and raise the dead. This man has such powers that even the hem of his garment, when touched, could heal. They came with weapons! We who know him and love him shake our head in bewilderment at such fear. They came with weapons!

 

          While the smoke of their torches rose and swirled like great spirits, Jesus thrusts himself to the front and boldly asks who they were looking for. This is courage that comes from great authority. Only John records the next event.

 

John 18:4-6

4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

 

None of the other evangelists mentions this very important circumstance. Our Lord chose to give them this proof of his infinite power, that they might know that their power could not prevail against him if he chose to exert his might, seeing that the very breath of his mouth confounded, drove back, and struck them down to the earth. Thus, by the blast of God they might have perished, and by the breath of his nostrils they might have been consumed: Job 4:9. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

 

          Jesus, having boldly identified himself, asked that his followers be released (John 18:8). This is consistent with his shepherd’s heart for the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. As one of his little lambs, I can’t keep from crying at this great fact. So, they bound with puny ropes the One who had just knocked them down with the power of his voice and led him away to be crucified.

 

Dear Jesus! In the garden you prayed for me. At the trial you were condemned for me. On the cross you died for me. You triumphantly rose for me and soon you will come for me. Even so come quickly. AMEN

 

GOD LOOKS AT THE HEART

 

Thursday, April 3, 2025

 

GOD LOOKS AT THE HEART

 

1 Sam 16:6-12

6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD's anointed is before him.

7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.

9 Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.

10 Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.

11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.

12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

 

          When the sons of Jesse passed in parade there were some pretty boys in the company. Eliab, the eldest was probably presented not only first but privately, ahead of the others. He must have been quite a specimen because Samuel concluded he must be the very chosen of God. But God doesn’t see as men.

 

          Dr. Mark Wessel observes this about God’s choices for His twelve apostles: “It was a strange group of men our Lord chose to be his disciples. Four of them were fishermen, one a hated tax collector, another a member of a radical and violent political party … all were laymen … Yet it was with these men that Jesus … disseminated his good news to the end of the earth.” (The Expositors Bible Commentary, volume 8, page 643)

 

          Tradition says that Paul was a short man with an oozing eye disease. Paul comments on his own appearance in the following verse in which the word tapeinos is rendered base and signifies lowly or short of stature.

 

2 Cor 10:1

10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

 

          Little, red faced, David was the last son that Jesse considered to be of kingly quality, but God did not look on his outward appearance. His heart was ready for a crown!

 

Dear Lord, I am neither tall nor handsome by most appraisals. Let me instead have a courageous heart and a beautiful spirit. Let me be pleasing in your sight. AMEN

 

JESUS CALMS THE STORM

 

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

 

JESUS CALMS THE STORM

 

Mark 4:35-41

35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

 

          I grew up in Ohio and throughout all my childhood days the month of March was a windy month. The old saying was: “March: in like a lion -- out like a lamb.” If the month began with strong winds then by the end of the month it would be fair and calm. March was a month of transition from winter to spring and in the Midwest the cold fingers of winter did not so easily release her icy grip. There would be a struggle either at the beginning or at the end of the month. You could count on it!

 

          Another thing you could count on was the beginning of spring and the calm that it brought. Even if March blew in with a gale the mind knew the struggle would be over soon. Red breasted robins would magically appear dancing their morning worm dance. They would run a bit and then cock their heads to listen for the wriggle of the worm. Forsythia and pussy-willow would stubbornly bloom along with Daffodils. Even as the wind whipped our faces, we knew spring was coming.

 

          Perhaps that is why Jesus could so easily sleep on a pillow while the winds caused seasoned fishermen to fear. He knew the wind wouldn’t last long. When he was awakened, he rebuked the wind for their sakes and there was a great calm. The sea stopped its churning, the sails fluttered in a gentle breeze and the boat stopped her fierce rocking. So, it is when Jesus speaks to our fears.

 

          So, remember: “In like a lion – out like a lamb!” If today begins with a rush Jesus can make it hush.

 

Dear Lord, please calm the fierce winds of my life today. AMEN

 

RESTORING THE LOST THINGS

 

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

 

RESTORING THE LOST THINGS

Jer 30:17

17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

 

Joel 2:25-27

25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. 27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

 

          I have been thinking about the word restoration for several days now. In our first verse the Hebrew word is ‘alah and it means “to rise up.” In the second verse the Hebrew is shalam and it means “to be safe in mind, body, or estate.”

 

Advancing years have stolen several things. Sleep, health, mobility, independence, and purpose have all diminished. Although grateful for what remains, I long for the restoration of certain lost things. Many of my peers are experiencing similar circumstances. Some are gone. I will see them again a bit later.

 

          Nationally, we find ourselves as Hanani found Jerusalem in Nehemiah chapter one. The walls were broken down and there was rubbish everywhere. The people despaired and courage had been stolen from them.

 

          The first thing to be restored was a broken heart caused by an honest evaluation of the situation. Next came courage and then resolve. It would not be easy to rebuild and there would be opponents to this restoration.

 

          Nehemiah could have prayerfully waited for God to act in mercy, but he would have missed understanding that God was already acting and was enlisting Nehemiah as a key player. Often, we are the answer to our own prayers.

 

Lord, let us say with the prodigal, “I will rise and go to my father.” Let us begin today to receive Your restoration. AMEN

 

HANGING TOUGH!

 

Monday, March 31, 2025

 

HANGING TOUGH!

 

Isa 40:29-31

29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

 

          Hanging tough! It’s a modern term with a very old history. In every age there have been those who have endured great trials and strength-sapping struggles. The temptation is to yield to the pressure and walk away with a participant’s trophy but those who hang tough sometimes win!

 

          We win when we know who we are! As a blood-bought child of God I am already on the winning side. The final chapter is not yet finished although it may be being written now. At the end of the struggle I shall stand in robes washed white and embrace my Savior on streets of gold!

 

          We win when we know our enemy! He is formidable but his defeat has already been recorded. His destiny is as sure as if it had already happened. Soon Jesus shall crush all his enemies under his feet (1 Cor. 15:25).

 

          We win when we don’t quit! Victory comes to those who stubbornly persevere. The hammer blows of great effort may require one final blow so just keep hammering.

 

Gal 6:9

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

 

Dear Lord, let me hang tough through struggle and trial. AMEN

 

WHAT REAL BALANCE LOOKS LIKE!

 

Sunday, March 30, 2025

 

WHAT REAL BALANCE LOOKS LIKE!

 

Reading: Philippians 4:4-8

 

Phil 4:4-5

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

 

          The word “balance” appears eight times in the Authorized Version, but it refers to an instrument that measures weight. It does not refer to a balanced attitude, opinion or demeanor. For that more modern meaning, we must look at the word “moderation” which shows up only once. That word is the Greek epieikes and it literally means “mild, gentle, moderate and patient.” One commentator has called it “sweet reasonableness.”

 

          We live in a world of aggravated extremes and contention. Each side, convinced that they and they alone are right, is determined to destroy the other opinion and practice. It has invaded all areas of our culture including the church. Its root is selfishness, and it is as old as Cain and Abel.

 

          Moderation acknowledges another way without feeling intimidated or threatened. It does not demand its own way. It is loving and accepting without excusing that which is clearly wrong. That which is clearly wrong can be measured by its product. Does a certain practice produce peace or is it divisive. “Sweet reasonableness” is not faring well in modern times!

 

          Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit – the Holy Spirit. Do not expect moderation from the unsaved. Also, do not expect reasonableness from those who are following the world or their flesh. These are incompatible. Oh, and don’t expect to assume moderation in yourself without a fight because “the flesh lusteth against [are opposed to] the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:17) Moderation does not reside in one who is willful and proud.

 

Dear Lord, in a world of angry extremes, let me own and display sweet reasonableness. AMEN

 

A GIFT OF PATIENT GRACE!

 

Saturday, March 29, 2025

 

A GIFT OF PATIENT GRACE!

 

Matt 18:23-35

23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

 

 

          The word “patient” in verses 26 and 29 is the word makrothumeo and means “to bear with; to suffer long or to patiently endure.” Certainly, I am not perfect and require many people throughout the day to patiently endure my faults. The story that Jesus told points this out and requires us to show the same kind of patient grace to others.

 

          We who are church people think we know the meaning of the word grace. Flippantly we will say it is God’s riches at Christ’s expense. This dismisses anyone who questions us without having to give an answer. Someone has said that grace is “the desire and ability to do God’s will.” However, Merriam-Webster has a lengthy definition of the word which includes: “a temporary respite.” Grace, then, can be a temporary pardon until a better pattern of behavior is learned. That is certainly what I need!

 

          Today you will need others to extend to you patient grace. I know this is true because you are human and imperfect. Today you will be given many opportunities to extend patient grace to others. When we are tempted to cut someone short because of their imperfections – let us remember our own.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for the patient grace that you extend to me so many times. Help me to be gracious to others. Let others see Jesus in me today. AMEN