This week is a very special week. It is the most important week on the entire Christian calendar and within this week we remember the events that changed our world forever. I always try to do something extra special this week of the year, and this year I have chosen to journey with you through a book by Adam Hamilton. 24 Hours that Changed the World is a great book with only 7 chapters. So Each Day - Yesterday to Easter Sunday - I will review a chapter from the book. I very much recommend that you click the link here and overnight yourself a copy so that you can join in the discussions of each chapter in the comments below.
Chapter 2 - The Garden of Gethsemane
We start off by being reminded that there was quite a walk from the meal to the place of prayer that night.
So for today's devotion, I want to encourage you to find a place outdoors, possibly in a park or even a church prayer garden to reflect on some of the things that Hamilton brings up in this chapter.
The garden is pointed out to be a bit of a parallel in the gospel of John to remind us of another thing that happened in the garden as Adam and Eve choose not to be obedient to God when they ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge. Christ is clearly sad about the things that he knows are going to happen. Through all the events that take place in that 24-hour window this is where he shows the most emotion. He takes the time to be alone, keeping his friends nearby and throws himself on the ground crying out to God even to the point of sweat like blood. I want you to think about the things that we know looking back that he knew looking forward. I want you to think about how he told God what he wanted, but in the end, he submits himself by saying "not my will but your's God." I want you to know that it is okay to cry to God in times of pain or even anger, God surely is big enough to handle you being upset with him. I encourage you also then to move forward from your feelings in obedience to God.
I want you to put yourself in the place of the disciples that fell asleep, trying so hard and knowing that you keep letting him down. (Yet remember he still loved them enough to bear the cross and rise again)
I want you to put yourself in the place of Jesus, knowing that everyone whom you trust will let you down at one point or another yet we should still choose to love and serve them.
Stay for a while in whatever place you have chosen to pray and as you leave that place pray "just as the disciples left you there alone in the hands of your accusers, I too am leaving this place for my own selfishness. Forgive me, and never leave me" Then trust that He will and He Won't! (He will forgive you, he will never leave you)
Well said and very thought provoking.
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