Jesus at the Mount of Olives
Luke 22:42, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”“
Jesus, knowing He is about to go die on a cross and suffer for the sins of the world asks for a wayout but ultimately says, but not My will, but God’s. What a lesson to learn. What an example to follow. On a much smaller scale, we can relate right now. For many of you there will be no Prom, no graduation, no end to your senior year (college and high school). For all people we can’t go on our vacations, can’t spend time with friends, can’t escape the repetitive cycle of our new normal. And looking to this week, we can’t practice our traditions and celebrate Easter.
We can’t go to church and be in community during the celebration of our risen Savior. I want to encourage you to step into a place of trust and obedience and do what you have to do this Easter season to be true to your emotion while also still finding a place to show reverence for God as we prepare for Easter.
Jesus knew all that was going to happen; suffering, death, and resurrection. He knew it would end well but still had pain in the journey. So, follow that example. Don’t be discouraged when you feel upset or angry about our situation, but take that to God and say, “not my will but Yours.” Not my graduation, not my perfect end to the year, not my vacation, not my Easter celebration, but Yours. We stand before the same God in our online church as we do sitting in a pew on Sunday, so treat it that way. Don’t let your attitude ruin your reverence but do allow your emotion to inform your walk this season in prayer. Trust that this is God’s plan for you, canceled plans and all, and look for the good and join in our worldwide celebration that even though we are suffering, there is a promise of restoration to come. For not our plans God, but Yours. Not our version, but Yours. Not our will God, but Yours.