Years ago there was a comedy showing at the theater that was uproariously funny to most of the movie goers, yet I slid further and further down in my seat. All the hilarity and crazy antics were blanketed with impending doom. That was the day that I discovered that it doesn’t matter what the situation is, light-hearted, funny, or dark… I have an issue with impending doom.
Maybe you relate. I’m guessing that you have been in a spot where you were overwhelmed with dread. You had to face something that you absolutely did not want to face.
When we think about Jesus’ last moments on earth, we tend to think about his painful death on the cross.
Today I want us to step back a few hours before Jesus’ crucifixion….
36 Then Jesus went with the disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He said to them, “Stay here while I go over there and pray.”
37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons with him. He was beginning to feel deep anguish. 38 Then he said to them, “My anguish is so great that I feel as if I’m dying. Wait here, and stay awake with me.”
39 After walking a little farther, he quickly bowed with his face to the ground and prayed, “Father, if it’s possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. But let your will be done rather than mine.” Matthew 26:36-45
“My anguish is so great that I feel as if I’m dying.”
In my thinking, Jesus was overcome with impending doom.
Jesus knew how the story was supposed to end, but the getting there, knowing what was ahead in those next several hours, the pain, the agony, the distress, the grief, the anguish… all humanly too much.
In order for Jesus to allow Himself to be taken by the temple guards, stand before the Roman-appointed high priest Caiaphas and later the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate, be blasphemed by the jeering crowds, humiliated, tortured, crucified, and finally to pay the price for all the sins of the whole world…. He was overcome with impending doom and had to wrestle through it with the help of the Father.
In great anguish he prayed even more fervently; his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Luke 22:44
At this point, Jesus could have called it quits.
On Good Friday, tradition has us focusing on the cross and the seven last words of Jesus. But, today, I want us to remember that Jesus faced impending doom straight on. And though He may have been overcome by it for a portion of time…. Jesus is an OVERcomer. He overcame those debilitating feelings, the fear, and the dread so that…
He could demonstrate true, pure, authentic love.
A love by which we measure all love.
Jesus said, “Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Luke 22:44
Whatever it is you’re facing today….
Jesus knows.
Jesus cares.
If you’re going to chose to trust anyone. ever. Choose Jesus.
Jesus is the ONE you can trust with whatever it is you face.
He’s an overcomer and He will help you be an overcomer too.
We don’t have to live under the cloud of impending doom.
Jesus said… “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Luke 22:44
May this Good Friday truly be THE Friday you choose to live an overcomer’s life in the Name, the Power, and Strength of Jesus.
It’s Friday… but Sunday’s Coming!
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I love the Santa with the white house on his coat pictured with the happy camper trailer. Do you know who makes him? He looks possibly like a Hallmark ornament. Love the trees on cars theme! Thanks!
Thanks, Diane! YUP… Hallmark. Great guess!
What a beautiful message. As a pastor’s daughter I have known the message of Easter all my life or at least since I could understand. But the beautiful thing about God’s word is that each year it seems another verse speaks in a different way. The older I get the more His suffering strikes me. Not just the awful part on the cross, but the agony he went through those last days. How awful it would be if we knew what all was in our future. But thanks be to God we can live with the hope that God is near and we only have to trust in one day at a time or sometimes one moment at a time.
Thank you, Nancy, for your kind encouraging words. 🙂
YES! I agree! Isn’t that the beauty of God’s Word… it’s alive and new and fresh each time we go to it for inspiration.
I love that Jesus promised to never leave us or forsake us… what comfort that is. He is our constant source of hope.
Have a blessed Easter!! <3
What a blessing this post is today. Thank you. ?✝
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate knowing that Gwen!! {big hugs}
This is Simply … Beautiful! I am always enriched by your messages… much more than you could ever know! Blessings on your Easter.. with the Love of your life… Hugs, Judy
And Judy… I so very much appreciate your kind and so wonderfully encouraging words. Thank you! Sending Easter blessings, your way as well! XO
Wonderful message Diane! I found myself thinking yesterday Jesus being human, you know he had FEAR! He was and is an overcomer! I hope you have a wonderful Easter with your family and thank you for putting words to the way I felt yesterday! xoxoxo
True! Scripture tells us he experienced every emotion we have. Really… I do not think we even grasp what it was like for him to take on human flesh.
Thanks for your kind blessing Debbie! Happy Resurrection Sunday, too!! {hugs}
I’m so thankful for my Savior. He never gave up on me and I will never give up on believing He is Sovereign over all. Happy Easter Diane!
We have so much to be thankful for. Thanks sweet friend for your words of blessing. Hope you had a wonderful Easter! {hugs}
Thank you for your encouraging post on the Good Friday. I have been having a tough time and your words make me feel safe. My thoughts have been calmed down.
Dear Lucy, I’m so glad you found encouragement here. I love how God does that. Praying for you. xo