Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Preparation to face the
Cross
“….Three
days later he will rise.” (V: 34)
In the life of a Christian, Cross is the
most reminded form of Lord’s providence. Cross reminds struggle, prayer, salvation
and most importantly, Cross reminds eternal fellowship with Lord.
Jesus gives explicit hints about his
imminent trial in Gospels. By no means was it easy for Jesus. We learn in
scriptures, Jesus was heavy hearted about looming Cross- “Father, if you are
willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”(Luke
22:42). What’s remarkable here is, son of God’s firm determination to submit
for heavenly father’s will.
Preparing and facing the Cross was not
easy for son of God and nor it will be easy for we faithful. Jesus facing the
Cross has shown us how the will of God prevails and takes completion. Cross is
holistic and has many planes ranging from suffering to salvation, for today’s
mediation our focus will be verses above. Jesus submitting to the Cross, the
father’s will - teaches us many aspects to follow and practice.
Reflecting the Reality: Jesus reflects about his impending
death at least 5 times in Gospel. Reflection brings preparation, Jesus prayed
and prepared himself. His heart was heavy for many reasons; beyond the physical
pain he has to endure, he was indeed pained about his disciples, he was pained
about the Roman authorities, soldiers who were instigated by wicked preachers
who feared loss of value in society and many who joined the chorus to present
him the Cross. When we live in this earthly world, Jesus is reminding us to be
mindful of struggles. He also tells us how we should approach the Cross of
struggles. The Cross has to be approached in prayer. Reality check on struggle
in the right perspective is a good start, bringing it to the table of Lord
through prayer and finding peace in God’s will is supreme. Father God in his
might will decide whether one should face or be absolved; either has its
purpose determined. So prayer brings hope, power to endure and peace.
Obedience in Obstruction: Son of God could have revolted against
his father when faced with Cross, could have insisted loving father to avoid
the disgrace at Cross. Remember, we are living in a world of protocols; why God
the father wanted his only begotten son to go through this ignominy. Is it not
an insult to his ultimate authority? Answer is No. Jesus was sent and came to
this world determined to win us in multitude, win by fulfilling obedience to
father’s will. The true test of our obedience is when we are faced with
hindrance. An obstruction can make or break our obedience. Jesus chose to make
and win; what we intend to do in our life? When we are hindered by struggles,
let prayer to Almighty, obedience to truthful holiness and just be our
guidelines.
Patience in Perplex: Was Jesus troubled with elements of
uncertainty while praying at the garden of Gethsemane? To some extent yes; but
our Lord Jesus was patient in prayer which enabled son of God to remind himself
Almighty father’s plan. Jesus knew both, the trouble and triumph. This teaches
us an important aspect; we have to be patient and levelheaded when faced with
perplexing scenarios in our daily life. If situation demands, we should step
back for a moment and compile things rationally. When we are able to do so,
anger and less righteous decisions will be out of the frame and we will be able
to appreciate virtues in those situation and fellow brethren. This in turn will
help fellow beings to detect and appreciate the divine spark in us, which could
turn out to winning a life through our Cross for Jesus. Is not that experience
and excitement more gratifying?
Prayer: Heavenly
father, help us to pray, strengthen us to prepare and enable us to overcome
struggles in our lives for your will and glory. Amen.
Thought for the day:
Reflect the Cross, Obey the Lord & Pray Righteously.
Monish
K. John, Chicago MTC