Exceeding Sorrow
“He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And he said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will’.”
Mark 14:35-36
Jesus told his disciples that his soul was “exceedingly” full of sorrow. That means, extraordinarily full – beyond limits. Jesus knew that his painful sacrifice was going to play out just around the corner. He voiced his sorrow, told God he didn’t want to go through with it, and asked for that path to be taken from him.
Nevertheless, Jesus didn’t ultimately do what he wanted to do. He did what God wanted him to do. Sure, from eternity past the Father and the Son agreed to do this for humanity. But when it came time to walk it out, that difficulty was realized. Yet, the Son fulfilled his promise, the Father fulfill his promise, the the promised Holy Spirit has come to those who proclaim the Son!
How amazing is that reality! What fulfillment of promise, of word, of action. What an example! Helps to puts the size my problems in proportion. I am thankful for the Lord God and all he is: his holiness, goodness, faithfulness. I want to be like my Father.
Be blessed, Saints!