Living 4 Him

“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” Matthew 26:38

As we conclude this series of devotions dedicated to the prayers of Jesus we look at one of his final recorded prayers on the Mount of Olives the night before his death.

Jesus taught, healed, performed miracles, interacted with judgmental Pharisees, calmed storms, delighted children, and fed the masses both literally and spiritually.  Only one task remains; death by crucifixion. 

In his earthly journey, Jesus leaned on God for support and wisdom. Now, as the supreme sacrifice becomes reality, he needs God more than ever.  He leads his disciples to the Mount of Olives, finds a quiet garden and empties out the burdens of his soul.  On the ground, with drops of blood sweating his brow, he asks to have this cup removed from him. 

“Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39 (Christian Standard Bible)

The Message Bible reveals his emotions in another way; yet the underlying meaning breaks through. “My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?”  Matthew 26:39

To better comprehend the importance of this prayer, let’s examine how Jesus unloaded his burden.  First, he was honest.  He let the true feelings of his soul be known.  This cup was one he was not accepting easily, but telling God his concerns helped to release fears and he could make room for God’s wisdom.  He remembered with great reverence the One he was addressing, yielding to God’s perfect knowledge of the outcome.

Next, Jesus did not move quickly through his prayer.  He came back to his prayer three times in Matthew.  Each time, gaining more faith, more freedom, more strength.  He would have kept praying, I’m sure, but Judas came and events began to spiral. 

When sorrows or frustrations or confusions build up in our souls we can choose the same channel.  Unload the burden with honesty, while remembering the magnificence and THE LOVE we are addressing. And pursue the prayer with confidence.

I still remember the details of a camping trip over 30 years ago.  Colorado in late spring can be drizzly and wet . . . and it was.  Our surroundings were beautiful, so we persevered, and on the third day when we awoke the clouds had lifted with bright sunshine beaming.  What surprised us most were the faraway mountaintops on full display.  The landscape, hidden before by thick clouds, suddenly revealed gorgeous peaks in the distance.

This scene describes our souls. Burdens cloud the landscapes of our souls, but when we unload these burdens to our capable and ever-loving God, the clouds lift, revealing all we are meant to see: God’s love, God’s peace, God’s goodness, God’s hope.  We have more room inside for God and his righteousness; his right way of thinking, his right way of acting, his right way of working in our lives. 

Unload your burdens and make room for God.  When God has his way, there are no limits to what he can do. 

Reaching in (allowing God’s Word to work in your lives): Read Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46) and experience the lifting of Jesus’ burden.

Reaching out (taking God’s Word into the world):  What burden is clouding your soul?  Take it to God in prayer as many times as needed.