Fear and Uncertainty In The Garden

As we draw closer to Resurrection (Easter) Sunday, I want to continue to bring focus to the final days - the final hours - of Jesus' life before His crucifixion. This week I wanted to look at the arrest of Jesus. Jesus' arrest is recorded in each of the four Gospels, however each of the Gospel writers included descriptive details that add to the account. So, below is the account of Jesus' arrest as told by the four Gospel writers to give us the most vivid detail of what happened on that night in the Garden of Gethsemane. 

John 18:2-12

² Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.³ So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.(swords and clubs) ⁴ Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” ⁵ “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) ⁶ When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. ⁷ Again he asked them,  “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. ⁸ Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” ⁹ This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”

Mark 14:44-45

⁴⁴ Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” ⁴⁵ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 

Luke 22:48-49

⁴⁸ but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”⁴⁹ When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 

John 18:10-11

¹⁰ Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) ¹¹ Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

Luke 22:51

“No more of this!” And Jesus touched the man’s ear and healed him.

Matthew 26:52-54

⁵² “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. ⁵³ Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

John 18:12

¹² Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him

Mark 14:48-52a

⁴⁸ “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? ⁴⁹ Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me.

Luke:22:53b

But this is your hour – when darkness reigns

Matthew26:56a

But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled

Mark 14:50

⁵⁰ Then everyone deserted him and fled. ⁵¹ A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him,⁵² he fled naked, leaving his garment behind. (This is widely believed to have been John Mark)

After reading this account it is obvious that there was much fear. The soldiers and religious leaders were afraid of the crowds and/or a riot Peter was afraid of defeat. The disciples were afraid of embarrassment and/or persecution. But Jesus was confident in God’s will for Him and God’s plan for humanity.  

Likewise, there was an uncertainty in the air that night as Jesus was arrested and was led away by the Roman officials and the religious leaders of the day. This is what darkness - sin, evil, Satan - does, fear gives way to uncertainty and it drives a wedge between us and God. If we are not faithful to Him we find that we are running - scared and embarrassed - and we may find it difficult to return to The One who is able to comfort us, calm us, and saves us from our deepest fears and uncertainty. 

I Don't Want To Be A Disciple

Below is a portion of what I recently taught to a small group of mature believers at our church.

Matthew 26:36-46

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

Mark 14:32-42

They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch." Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

·        What does it take to pray “Your will be done”?

·        What does Jesus ask of His disciples?

o       Sit here

o       Stay awake

·        What does Jesus ask of the inner three?

o       Stay awake

o       Bear my sorrow

o       Watch with me

o       Pray for Me

We begin as disciples of Jesus’ and we are called to “sit here” (remain connected to Him) and to “stay awake” (don’t drift away from Him). But, as we progress in our relationship with Jesus and in our maturity in our faith we become a part of the “inner core”. As mature believers we are no longer given the simple instruction of “sit here” and “stay awake” – remaining with Jesus without drifting away become the most basic points of our commitment. As mature believers we are called to bear the burdens of Christ – when His heart breaks, our heart breaks – we are called to watch with Jesus – to recognize and confront evil and sin in the world around us – and we are called to pray for Him – as the front line soldiers in this battle with Satan we pray for Christ’s ultimate return and reign.

I don’t want to be a disciple. I want to be much, much more.

Words From A Father

It has been quite a week for our family! Early in the week I was drawn to a verse in the Bible - throughout the week this verse became my theme, my comfort, and so much more.

Our week began with a sick child on Sunday. Bennett started with the stomach flu on Sunday afternoon. He complained of a "sore tummy" as he was eating lunch and complained more as he laid down for his nap Sunday afternoon. By mid-afternoon Kim and I were aware that he was suffering from the stomach flu and that our weekend had become a little more trying than it was before. Throughout the afternoon, into the evening, and then throughout the night Bennett was making regular trips to the bathroom. Our poor 3 year-old boy was helpless and at times he was too weak to walk out of his room. I would carry him to the bathroom and support his little head as he sat on a tiny stool next to the toilet. As we sat next to the toilet, around 12:30 in the morning, with tears in his eyes, he cries, “my tummy won’t stop hurting”. It breaks my heart to see any child sick or in pain, but when it is my own child, my heart completely shatters - I hurt for him. At one point - he was so weak and so helpless – he looked up to me and cried, “I can’t stop getting sick”.

Bennett's fever presented itself around 1:00 in the morning – accompanied by cries; “ouch, my ear hurts”. I laid down next to his bed to comfort him. Every few minutes - throughout the night - he would stir awake and call out to make sure that I was still there as he reached for my hand. "Daddy, don't leave me, stay." All through the night – and into Monday morning – the trips to the bathroom continued.

A trip to the doctor on Monday morning confirmed that Bennett was dealing with the stomach flu...along with a double ear infection. And, as a bonus, bronchitis on the brink of pneumonia! All day Monday Kim and I held a helpless, very ill, little boy who just wanted to be taken care of and to know that everything was going to be alright.

Tuesday arrived with better health. Bennett was home but he seemed to have fully recovered from his stomach bug and his chest sounded much better. Kim had an appointment at the doctor and I enjoyed a morning at home playing board games with Bennett. Around 10:00 Kim called and said, "do you want to have a baby?" Her doctor was sending her to the hospital! After some comotion at home - getting bags in the car and working out childcare - we made the short trip to the hospital and we were in a room by 11:00. Tuesday evening at 7:53 we welcomed our second daughter – fourth child – and we named her Korah.

Korah was beautiful from the moment that she arrived and Kim and I were filled - once again - with the joy of being parents. The nurses took little Korah over to the other side of the room and began to gather her stats - length, weight, and more. Then they told Kim and I that they wanted to take her back to the nursery because her breathing was labored. "We'll bring her back in when we have her stable", the nurse told us.

So we waited as the nurses and doctor looked after her in the nursery. The feeling of joy never left, yet it was soon joined with a feeling of aprehension and uncertainty. "What is going on with our little girl?" and "When will they bring her back in?" were just a couple of the questions on our minds. We were anxious to see her and to hold her and yet we understood that she was being cared for. When Korah was not back to the room after an hour, I walked out and asked about her and was informed that she needed more care than the hospital in Robinson could offer, she was going to have to be transported to the Neonatal ICU in Champaign - two hours away.

Korah left around 2:00 in the morning on Wednesday and Kim and I followed up after her. Thoughout the remainder of the week we watched as she labored to breath, oxygen being supplied to her tiny nostrels, a feeding tube down her throat providing her with the nutrients she needs, wires measuring her every vital sign, and monitors telling us about her progress. We watched as X-rays were carried out, blood was drawn, and multiple tests were completed on our tiny newborn girl. All the while praying for her, talking to her, and singing over her.

"Everything is going to be alright". Countless times this past week I have spoken these words - to Bennett as he was laying in bed or sitting next to the toilet, to myself as I sat in prayer, to Kim and we embraced one another, and to little Korah as she lay in her bed. Countless times this past week I have spoken words of comfort and encouragement. Countless times this past week I have spoken passages of Scripture to bring encouragement. Yet no passage has spoken more to me than Zephaniah 3:17; "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

This week - as I sat next to the bed if my 3 year-old dealing with the stomach flu, as I sat at the hospital next to my wife in the midst of labor, as I sat in the NICU with my newborn daughter - I was reminded of God pressence - at all times and in all ways - and I was reminded that He is mighty to save. This week - as I rocked my son to sleep and as I watched my daughter sleep - I was reminded that God takes great delight in us as His children. This week - as I comforted Bennett and as I sung to Korah - I was reminded that God comforts us with His love and rejoices over us with singing.

Maybe you can identify with what it means to care for a helpless individual, assuring them that you aren’t going to leave them and that everything is going to be alright. Delighting in them as you pour your love down on them and share in a feeling of joy. Or maybe right now you are longing for someone to care for you - to know that you are dearly loved - to know that someone delights in you and rejoices when you are around.

Zephaniah 3:17; "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you in song."

Remember that God is with you - He will not leave you. Remember that God is mighty to save - when you are weak and helpless. Know that Everything is going to be alright - that God delights in you and that He will quiet and comfort you with His love - that God will rejoice over you in song.

Right now, I invite you to take a few minutes to allow God’s words to permeate your life- to pause before the Lord and allow His love to flood your soul - to kneel, bow, sit, or stand before God and know that everything is going to be alright - to know that He loves you and He delights in you - And to know that when He thinks about you, He breaks into song

Zephaniah 3:17; "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you in song."

Wishing For A Do-Over

Our family has been watching the Olympics quite a bit this past week. As I watch some of the Olympians take their runs down the slopes or on the ice the commentators are quick to point out an incorrect start or a small (or large) mistake that is made that separates them from the rest of the competitors and takes them out of the running for a medal in the games. As I watch I see the look of sorrow on the faces of these Olympians as they come to the realization that their dream has been lost - if only until 2018. I could not help thinking that some of these Olympians would do anything to have a "do-over". If only they could make that start again, take a corner a bit different, put just a little more into their performance, I am sure they would take their "do-over".

Last weekend all of these thoughts went though my head as I laid on the couch in our living room, not doing much of anything all day. Then, as the evening came upon me and I prepared to call it a day, it struck me just how unproductive I was with the day that I had been given. I was aware of how I may have wasted the day and was wishing for a "do-over" myself. I don't know if you have ever had a day like this, but it really bothers me when I do. 

Or perhaps a day in which you doing something out of character, you make a mistake, a wrong choice that results in someone being hurt or offended and you would do anything to take back your actions or your comments. You wish you could have a simple "do-over".

If there was ever a person - or a couple - that wished they could have a "do-over" I am sure it would be Adam and Eve. It was as if, just after they took a bite of the forbidden fruit, they were wishing for such a "do-over". Ashamed and naked, they went a hid among the shrubs and bushes of the garden - struggling to hide their shame and their sinfulness from the God that had created them and loved them. 

If they could have seen the repercussions of this simple act of theirs, they would have begged and pleaded for a "do-over" from God. Their act of sin brought a curse on all of humanity that we still struggle with today - a curse that drives a wedge between us and God. 

And yet, God offered a way for a "do-over" in the form of His Son Jesus Christ. Through Jesus we can be completely forgiven, and completely purified. The next time you wish you could have a "do-over" think of Adam and Eve, then think of Jesus and his offer to you that is always present - an offer for a "do-over". It may not get rid of the consequences of your actions or your words in this life, but it will get rid of your consequences for all of eternity.   

Fill The Dog Bowl

I do not like our dog. Those close to me know just how I feel about this dog that runs throughout our home. I refer to this dog as my wife's because it was her gift shortly after we were married and I have never had an affectionate (or even warm) feelings about this dog. 

The other day I noticed that the dog's water bowl was low and I thought twice about filling it for her. But, it struck me that if I did not fill her bowl my wife would have to. So I decided to fill the dog's water bowl not because I cared for her so much but because I love my wife. 

The same principle applies in the church. Often we hear people claim that they have "left the church" or that - due to disagreements or struggles - they are reluctant to serve the church. The reality is that these people are not so much hurting the leaders and others within the church as they are hurting God and the thing He cares about the most - that is His Church. 

The next time hardships or trials present themselves in your church or within your church family, make an effort to consider who will truly suffer from your reluctance to serve.

Made Stronger In Their Presence

I have gone to Spring Arbor, Michigan this week to participate in "Equipping for Excellence" and conference for the leadership of the Free Methodist Church. Sharing in fellowship and friendship with the various pastors and leaders at this conference has been wonderful, the leadership development instruction has been great, and the breakout group that I participated in this afternoon was been insightful. However, the portion of the conference that I have enjoyed the most so far has been the worship services.

It has been nice to listen to our Bishops bring teaching and insight from the Scripture. Likewise, the musical worship team has been inspirational and has led our group into the presence of the Almighty God in a new and powerful way during each service. The Spirit of God has been moving through this group of Pastors and leaders in a way that is transnational and life-changing. 

I am not a great singer, music has never been a gift of mine. I am unable to play any musical instrument and I often struggle to carry a tune. However this does not keep me from worshiping. This afternoon - as we praised God in song - I found myself positioned between two of my close friends and fellow pastors - Adam Strauser and Matt Schutter - both are excellent singers - I could listen to either one of them sing for hours. And, as I stood between these two friends , a thought occurred to me; "I am made stronger, I am made better because I am with them". Their presence, their support, and their voices, enabled me to stay on key and to sing in a more powerful way.

And, just as their presence made me stronger in song, the presence of Godly men and women - Godly friends and Godly influences in our lives - make us stronger and make us better because we are with them. As Proverbs 13:20 states "Walk with the wise and become wise".

I should add that both of these friends mentioned above are also very Godly men who support me in my spiritual walk and hold me accountable in various ways. I am thankful for close friends that help to support and guide me through their love, actions, presence, and even their voice.  

Hands-On Bible

I had a gift card to the Family Christian Bookstore that was given to me for Christmas in 2012. I actually forgot that I still had this gift card and that I had not used it up to this point. I found it tucked away in my wallet several weeks ago and considered what I might purchase with it.

Then, about two weeks ago, a friend of mine posted about the Hands-On Bible and told how much they enjoyed reading this Bible with their children and how involved their children were in this version of the Bible.

As I read the reviews of the Hands-On Bible online, my excitement grew. We own several Bibles but this one is different in that it gets children involved by giving experiments and activities as they relate to different passages and stories.

Without hesitation, I went online and placed the order and two-weeks later, our family's new Bible arrived in the mail.I have to say, I am quite disappointed! Stay with me and I'll tell you why.

Our children have not gained anything from this version of the Bible. Our children do not get involved, at all, in the Scripture passages or in the stories as was promised by the publisher. Our children are not drawn in to the Bible accounts as the reviews promised that they would. As a parent, I am frustrated. As a Pastor, I am disappointed.

I decided I had to write this post this morning, as I walked past my nightstand and saw the Hands-On Bible laying there, with its cardboard cover and protective plastic wrap collecting dust.

What do I need to do to get my children involved in this version of the Bible? Perhaps I need to take the packaging off, sit down, and read it with them. Perhaps, I need to take the time to open it up and get into the Scripture.

Although we have had this Bible in our home for almost a week, we have not yet opened it as a family. And, because of this, we have taken nothing out of it and nothing away from it. Perhaps this is the issue with so many of us - both children and adults. We are not sure why our relationship with God struggles, we are not sure why we lack the wisdom, encouragement, and answers for so many of our daily burdens, yet we allow our Bible to remain closed - collecting dust on the shelf.