Life can be tough

Posted

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

As I sit down to write this, my mind is all over the place. I am trying to stay focused on this time and do what I need to do. For some reason it just doesn’t seem like anything is helping me stay on track. Then I remembered something. We call it life.

No matter how hard we try to keep everything running smoothly, it seems that something always comes up. This time is no different for me. Things just seem to be out of order. Life seems to be rising up and seeking to throw me off course.

If something isn’t going on at home, then something comes up with someone in the family or at the church. It has been so crazy that I almost want to bury my head in a pillow and sleep through it all. Yet that’s just not going to happen.

Then I began to wonder how Jesus felt as the time of His passion drew near. It all started off pretty good as Jesus entered into Jerusalem amidst the excitement. The people were waving palm branches and crying out – “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” (Mt. 21:9).

Jesus then did some ‘cleaning’ in the temple as He dealt with those who were seeking to make a profit. Even the chief priests were upset with Him because those who were being healed were praising Jesus, calling Him ‘Son of David’. Jesus took this time to teach some things that the people needed to hear.

Then Jesus spent some time in prayer in Gethsemane. He asked His disciples to watch and pray, but they drifted off to sleep. His heart was heavy so He asked them to watch and pray again. Yet they were asleep when He came back. He gave them another opportunity, but they fell asleep the third time. (Mt. 26:36-46)

Then it got worse. Judas told the chief priests and elders that the one whom he kissed was the one they needed to arrest, then he kissed Jesus. Judas felt remorse for what he had done and even tried to give the thirty pieces of silver back. But it was more than he could handle. He went away and hanged himself. (Mt. 26:47-49)

Then Peter was confronted about Jesus. He denied knowing Jesus each of the three times he was confronted. He said that they didn’t know what they were talking about. The last time he even swore that he didn’t know Jesus. But when the cock crowed, he knew what he had done and wept. (Mt. 26:69-75)

Jesus’ struggle wasn’t over. He was questioned by Pilate. Pilate didn’t find anything Jesus was guilty of, but the people came on strong calling for the release of Barabbas. Pilate finally washed his hands saying he was innocent of Jesus blood. So Barabbas was set free and Jesus headed for Calvary. (Mt. 27:11-26)

The crown of thorns was placed on His head. He was mocked, spit on and beaten on His head. Then it was time for Calvary. Jesus was called to carry His cross, and they even called for Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross to Calvary. (Lk. 23:26)

At Calvary Jesus surrendered to the Father. He allowed them to nail Him to the cross and even cast more insults on Him. The day was growing extremely difficult, but Jesus stayed the course and fulfilled what the Father had sent Him to do. He gave Himself on the cross for the sins of all mankind.

He lived His life and died so that we might have life in Him. He dealt with all the struggles and trials in His life so that He could be – ‘the Way, the Truth and the Life’. (John 14:6)

Life can be tough for us at times, but don’t forget what Jesus said in John 10:10 – ‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly”.

JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, there IS something about that name!!

Christ only, always,

Bro. Paul

Brother Paul Nachtigall is the preacher at Highland Baptist Church. He can be reached at bropaul@centramedia.net.