~ 3 Events in the Life of Christ Where
He Fought Alone On Our Behalf: The Garden of Gethsemane ~
The Situations
~ Jesus Christ stood alone
against the power of darkness on three distinct occasions. The first may be thought of as primarily
physical, the second mental, and the third spiritual. In each case it was a spiritual battle
against the unseen forces of evil (Ephesians 6:11-13). In each of these situations the “Light of the
World” waged war on our behalf against the unseen forces of evil. In conquering each situation He was tackling
basic problems of fallen mankind on earth.
The
Result ~ Jesus
Christ provided, and provides, the solutions to the sin problems which we
encounter today. “We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our
weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews
4:15-16).
The Second Event Was The Garden of
Gethsemane (mental) ~ “Coming out, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, as He was
accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. When He came to the place, He said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’ And He was withdrawn from them about a
stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is Your
will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be
done.’ Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more
earnestly. Then His sweat became like
great drops of blood falling down to the ground. When He rose up from
prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He said to them, ‘Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation’
(Luke 22:39-46).
Comments ~ (1)
In the previous chapter Dr. Luke tells us that we should pray continually (Luke
21:36). Besides the sweet communion we
have with God when we have constant prayer we are told here that such prayer
keeps us from falling for temptation (“Pray that you
may not enter into temptation”).
(2) In His
time of need Jesus Christ was strengthened by an angel. How much more important for us to not try to
go it alone!
Our
Responsibility
~ “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may
be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness
of this age, against spiritual hosts
of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians
6:11-13).
the key question:
“Who do you say that I am?”
(Matthew 16:15). This is the most
important question you will ever answer. If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly,
you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!
~ Robert
Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE
NOW
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