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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion February 10, 2006 “Not what I want, Father, but what you want.” |
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Frontline Devotion for Friday, February 10, 2006 by Mike Martine Mark 14: 32-40
Jesus shows two things in the garden. One is his humanity. The humanity we tend to minimize and forget in our misguided notion that “human” has to be the opposite of “holy.” Jesus does not want to suffer. Jesus does not want to lose his friends. He longs for another way.
He then shows us that he has overcome any weakness. He can do the will of the father, even if it is not, completely, his own will.
The disciples, on the other hand, are a different matter. They can’t even keep their eyes open. They know their master is upset. They know bad times are ahead. But like children who can’t listen they keep doing the opposite of God’s will—they keep falling asleep.
As a Christian, I’ve come to understand that salvation is the easy part. It’s the gift that’s freely been given. Doing the will of the father is a different matter.
But the ability to do that will, for me at least, comes from recognizing that the biggest battle is won. I am God’s and always will be. I am safe in the arms of Christ. I know that, even if I fall asleep in the garden, Jesus will wake me up, shake his head and say, “Come on, let’s try again.”
And so, I keep trying.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your son, who won every battle for our salvation. Help us to be aware of your will, and help us to do it. Through the power of his love, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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