Anguish
Wednesday, April 5
Anguish
Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. Luke 22:42
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary the word anguish is defined as ‘extreme pain or distress of body or mind’ and when we consider the events leading up to the crucifixion there was indeed some great pain that our Savior suffered. In the Garden of Gethsemane, on the night of His arrest, Jesus was in anguish. The Son of God was experiencing distress. Although He knew exactly what He had to do, in the weakness of human flesh His soul was deeply troubled and He asked for the cup to be removed. Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me” (Matthew 26:39). A cup so bitter that He didn’t know if He could take it or not. But the Father’s will was paramount. “Not as I will, but as you will”
The time had come. Six hours after being cruelly nailed to a wooden cross, Jesus knew the moment had arrived. The world would never be the same again. ‘Knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst …” They filled a sponge with sour wine … and put it to His mouth. When He had received (it) He said, “It is finished” (John 19:28-30). In that moment He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. It was done. All was accomplished.
Jesus had taken to Himself all the bitterness of mankind, and died. In his sinless humanity He’d done what He came to do. He drank the sour wine of sin and took it with Him to death.
Each year as we commemorate Holy Week the reality of what God the Son went through painfully comes alive. There is no sugar coating what happened that week as they lead Him to the cross.
Prayer for today: Lord Jesus, I’m humbled at the thought that You took everything impure which was within me, and died with it all. That You should do this for me is overwhelming. This week I remember all that was done and reaffirm my commitment to live for You in the freedom that You won for me. I submit myself to You afresh now, and ask You to be my Lord, as well as my Savior. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.