21. The Concern of Love
Monday 11th March
(for more details see here)
Pause:
A prayer from author Jane Austin:
Give us grace to endeavor after a truly Christian spirit to seek to attain that temper of forebearance and patience of which our Blessed Saviour has set us the highest example; and which, while it prepares us for the spiritual happiness of the life to come, will secure to us the best enjoyment of what this world can give.
Incline us, O God, to think humbly ourselves, to be severe only in the examination of our own conduct, to consider our fellow-creatures with kindness, and to judge of all they say and do with that charity which we would desire from them ourselves.
We thank Thee with all our hearts for every gracious dispensation, for all the blessings that have attended to our lives, for every hour of safety, healthy, and peace, of domestic comfort and innocent enjoyment.
We feel that we have been blessed far beyond any thing that we have deserved; and though we cannot but pray for a continuance of all these mercies, we acknowledge our unworthiness of them and implore Thee to pardon the presumption of our desires.
May Thy mercy be extended over all mankind, bringing the ignorant to the knowledge of Thy truth, awakening the impenitent, touching the hardened.
Look with compassion upon the afflicted of every condition, assuage the pangs of disease, comfort the broken in spirit.
More particularly do we pray for the safety and welfare of our own family and friends wheresoever dispersed, beseeching Thee to avert from them all material and lasting evil of body or mind; and may we by the assistance of Thy Holy Spirit so conduct ourselves on earth as to secure an eternity of happiness with each other in Thy Heavenly Kingdom.
Grant this most Merciful Father, for the sake of our Blessed Saviour in whose holy name and words we further address Thee.
JANE AUSTIN
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The warmth of the evening had given way the chill of the night. Under the bright moonlight, Gethsemane's olive trees surround us like ghostly figures haunting our steps, hiding friends from view.
Jesus' weeping and praying is carrying on the breeze of the night, but the only other sound is the heavy breathing of those leaning on the trees, sound asleep. He is crying out to a heaven who, on this night, is silent. He is wrestling with a will beyond His own.
"Not my will, but Yours be done."
And with those words, it is decided.
With that surrender, it is won.
Another sound.
Approaching footsteps.
Flaming torches.
Raised voices.
Weapons drawn.
This is it.
Through the maze of the leafy sentinels they make their way towards the dozey disciples - now rudely awoken. Their peace suddenly pierced by panic.
Jesus, steps forward.
In the light of their torches the blood on His forehead blazes like crimson rivers.
He has sweat drops of blood.
He will shed more.
Much more.
He knows the answer but asks anyway:
"Who is it you want?"
Judas is with them, he has led them here, but now drops his gaze and slips back from the front of the mob...
"Jesus of Nazareth" barked one of the guards.
"I am He."
As soon as He spoken a spiritual shockwave erupts through the soliders.
The Ancient Name of God - "I Am."
The identity of Jesus fully revealed.
With a word He has brought the kingdoms of the world to their knees.
He could have left at this point. Like so many times before He could have escaped without baring a scratch...
But this is it.
This is His time.
He is in complete control.
He asks again:
"Who is it you want?"
"Jesus of Nazareth"
More nervous this time.
“I told you that I am He. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”
This happened so that the words He had spoken would be fulfilled:
“I have not lost one of those you gave me.”
Reflection: The Concern of Love
Still focused on finishing His work.
Still thinking of others.
Still concerned with their needs.
Still loving others before Himself.
Even in Gethsemane.
Even outnumbered.
Even facing the cross.
Even now.
What a Person.
What a Friend.
What a Saviour.
What a love.
If you ever doubt Jesus' concern for your situation, your safety, your escape, your rescue - come stand here once more in the garden. Look long into His blood stained face and watch Him make good on His promise: "I have lost none."
He didn't.
He hasn't.
He won't.
He's not about to start now.
He had loved His own, and He shows them again and again the full extent of His love.
Question for today:
-
Lord Jesus, how I can demonstrate the concern of love today?
Prayer:
King of my life I crown Thee now -
Thine shall the glory be
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow
Lead me to Calvary
Lest I forget Gethsemane
Lest I forget Thine agony
Lest I forget Thy love for me
Lead me to Calvary
JENNIE EVELYN HUSSEY
I prayed this.
My prayer for today: (if you would like to, please feel free to add your own prayer here):