Daily Devotions
March 21st, 2016 by Pastor SolleyLuke 22:39-43 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41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,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.
KJV
The most important days and hours of human history are recorded for us in Luke chapters 22 through 24, from the Last Super to the empty tomb. Everything hangs in the balance as the cross looms before the Lord Jesus Christ. Satan was working hard. (Luke 22:1-3 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. 3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.) Jesus was prepared. (Luke 22:15-16 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.) Now as Jesus went to the garden to pray everything in all of God’s creation hangs in the balance. The weight of man’s sin began to settle upon our Lord. (Luke 22:41-44 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but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.)
I want to point out something this morning, something that is interesting to me. Note during this time what the disciples were concerned about. (Luke 22:24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.) Why when they should have been so in tune with Jesus were they so concerned with self? It tells us something about ourselves doesn’t it? It tells us something about human nature doesn’t it? It also tells us about the patience and love of God. Jesus is about to do something for them, give them the greatest gift possible, sacrifice His life and shed His blood for them, and they wanted to know which of them would be the greatest. How many times in our lives do we focus on self when we need to be focused on the Lord, are given to self when we need to be given to others? What is your focus today? Is it the Lord, is it for others, or is it self? Remember what JOY means. Jesus first, Others second, Self last, JOY.