Luke 22: 42-44 ESV
"Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
While reading in Luke one morning I came across this passage. I had always heard of Jesus praying for the Father to take the cup of suffering from him. I had heard of him sweating great drops of blood. But never had I actually seen the in between. An angel came and strengthened him. In the midst of agonizing suffering, Jesus was strengthened. This shows the heart of the Father. He knew what must be done. There was a plan and it could not be changed. So he sent an angel down to his only Son. An angel who ministered to him in a way that is not told to us. Did he give him a drink? Wrap him in his arms and hold him. Was his presence alone enough to strengthen Jesus. I do not know. I do know it did not take away the pain Jesus was feeling. After the visit from the angel, Jesus was in agony. He prayed even more. His sweat was like great drops of blood. Jesus had worked marvels. He had heaven's armies at his command. Yet, in submission to the Father he walked the path that was laid out for him. But not alone. Not forgotten.
I do not know what you are going through. The agony you feel as you come to the Father in faith. Praying for a miracle. Deliverance. Healing. Release. Perhaps you travail in prayer. Pain pulsing through your temples as you cry out to God. The burden of your suffering is more than you can bear. The Father will not leave you there. He will send his angel from heaven. A comforter. A friend. Look around. Is he taking the cup from you? No. Likely not. But turn you eyes to the blessings that flood your life. It may be hard at first to see the angels. To feel the strengthening. It will be there. In a friend. In the presence of the Holy Spirit within you. In your church family. In His Word. Do not give into temptation. Do not fall prey to the spirit of fear. Jesus went on and paid the price for us. He gained victory over death and the grave so we do not need to live in a spirit of fear. We will have to walk terrifying paths. We may not be delivered. But there will appear an angel to strengthen us as well. Look for it, friend.
Comments