April 8-9 – Precious days

"Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him — even those who pierced Him. And the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen. 8“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come—the Almighty.…Revelation 1:7.8

At some time in our own lives we have faced those “last hours” with our loved ones – that last meal with time running out, running away from us. I well remember the wrench of seeing my parents standing at the gate, fade into the distance as I drove away. There was so much we too wanted to say to those we were leaving behind. The desperation to tell them how much they were loved – how we would miss them – the reason for us having to leave – to care for each other until the day we would return - reassurance that they would remain in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers – that we had made provision for their care and future, they would never be alone....

Just one week left, and so much to do, so many miracles yet to be performed, so many loved ones to see, so many faithful followers to receive words of affirmation, and urgent advice to be left behind – advice that would ensure the future spread of God's Word. Perhaps of most importance is the reassurance that the coming events of the next days had been agreed between J esus and His Father before Creation. God knew the choice Adam and Eve would make that day in the Garden of Eden when tempted by the devil. Events of the week ahead would be the fulfilment of prophecy. It was also vital that it would be on record that it was all His own choice – He didn't have to die. At any time He could have backed out, but if He had, we would have had no hope – no forgiveness, no future, no eternal life....just death.

The humanity of Jesus is revealed in His need to be with family and friends. Precious hours spent in the Bethany home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus – Lazarus who had been resurrected by Jesus – proof positive that Jesus has the Power and is the Resurrection and Life. As Mary anointed the feet of Jesus and they talked over their meal, did they fully understand the meaning of the events of the next few days....so very few days?

Did Mary, mother of Jesus, recall that the baby she gave birth to was the Son of God and this was His destiny.... ”The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” – John 12:12-15.

Imagine the anguish in Christ's heart as He looked at His family and friends. Passover Day would be His last opportunity to spend time alone with them, to share a meal and instill in their minds that His death would not be the end, just the beginning. that after three days He would live again.

Certainly the disciples didn't understand, despite the fact that Jesus said “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” - John 12:27,28. “Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end....” - John 13:1

What was the comfort Christ endeavoured to get through to His family and friends at that Passover meal? I will be betrayed (John 13) The betrayal is all the more horrendous coming after the footwashing in which the depth of Jesus' divine LOVE is revealed. Once again we see Jesus deeply agitated as he bears witness: I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me (v. 21). He has been agitated with anger at death (11:33) and in anguish over his own coming death, which will mean separation from his Father for the first time (12:27). In both cases LOVE causes the disturbance--the LOVE for his friends at Lazarus's tomb and the LOVE for his Father. Here also his anguish is caused by great LOVE--the LOVE he has for his disciples, including his betrayer. (BibleGateway)

Throughout our lives, one way or another, we all will have 'gethsemene moments. Times and events when we feel we can no longer face the future, but, as Christ told His family and friends that Passover night....

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” - John 14:1-4

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” - John 14:6.

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever”....John 14:16

“My command is this: 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” - John 15:12.13

Gethsemene and Golgotha are a breath away.

My Life is in your Hand [ lyrics ]By Kathy Troccoli is Bryn's music selection today. Click on the picture to listen.