I’m watching my two grandsons age two and three running around the room. They’re getting reckless and rougher. With great insight I proclaim: “Someone’s going to get hurt!” I’m ignored, and I’m right…bodies collide, and tears flow. I’m there to pick them, wipe away the snot, and explain why it all happened. Before you know it, they are laughing and playing again.
I thought of that today when I read of the disciples and Jesus in Matthew 26.
Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: "'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." Matthew 26:31-32 (New International Version)
Jesus told the disciples “you are going to fall and get hurt.” Peter and the disciples assured Jesus He doesn’t know how strong they are, that they are careful and know themselves better than that. They even got boastful…
Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same. Matthew 26:35
As the evening progress Jesus gave them the solution to keep themselves; pray to overcome temptation…
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Matthew 26:41
Jesus knows their intentions are great, they really want to stand by him, but the fact is they are not all they thought, and spiritually are weak. We know the story…they didn’t pray, they slept. Judas the and the mob arrive for Jesus and the disciples run. Peter denies Christ and everyone’s left crying and devastated.
But the words of Jesus, ring through their failure: “But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
Here’s what Jesus’ saying (my paraphrase) “You are going to fall even though I’ve given you the way to overcome. When it’s all over I’ll be waiting for you on the other side.
Here’s what I learned: God knows the temptations and trials I will face in the future, near and far in the distance. He has plans for me to overcome and win. Waiting on Him in prayer overcomes the weakness of my flesh. But I assume my good intentions, past victories, and strength will be enough to win the day. Sadly, that is not the case. Sometimes I ignore both His warnings and offer of help.
He also knows when I’m going to fail. He does not design failure for me, nor does He prevent it, I'm a free man. But He has plans for that also. He is going ahead of me and will meet me on the other side of my crash. He picks me up, wipes away the snot and explains why it all happened. Soon, I’m on my way, hopefully a better man who will heed what He says to me in the future. I serve a savior who does not give up on me!
One of the guys shared this in our Men’s LifeGroup today and I’ll close with it:
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. 21 You will increase my honor and comfort me once again. 22 I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness. Psalm 71:20-22b
I’d like to hear from you, how has Jesus picked you up after a fall? What did you learn from it?
This made me really think...Norman and I both have over a year clean and his Cancer is our chalenge. We are to over come this, and that may lead him to peace and leave me with all the temptations this world has, I know God will not lead me to fail. It is and always will be in the back of my head that I will fail when Norman goes. But I know that is not my Path and this is a trial to overcome. Thank you Pastor Todd, This is something that I didnt know i needed to hear but Felt like It was meant for me!
ReplyDeleteDella Petersen
Your righteousness reaches to the sky Oh God. You have done great things. You have restored my life again. You have restored my life from the ends of the earth.....LIKE!
ReplyDeleteI really liked reading this.
ReplyDeleteI called earlier about my little boy who needs brain surgery.
I really wanted to learn more about your church. I am a very strong believer in Christ. I went to church for years. But my religious grandfather drilled into my head that you have to pick the right church, of all the churches I've seen around here , I've always felt drawn to this one.
:-)