November 2, 2011
Today's Photograph . . . . Chapel Built on the Rock, Sedona , AZ (Ron H) |
Matthew 26:39, 42, 44
Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will." He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done." So He left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. (NIV)
Thoughts
After reading this passage of scripture all my life, it occurred to me recently that Jesus had a choice. Just as God gave Adam and Eve a choice in the Garden of Eden, God gave Jesus a choice in Gethsemane. Jesus did not have to go through the horrific death He was facing. You see, Jesus was not only fully man, He was, also, fully God.
Sometimes we may overlook that He not only did not want to go through the crucifixion physically, but also spiritually. But still, Jesus set the greatest example of obedience to the Father that we could ever have. Jesus chose to obey; He chose to love, and He chose to die so that we might have Life.
When I think about what He chose to do for us, it gives me a renewed desire to be as obedient to the Father as Jesus was. I shudder to think of the consequences if Jesus had chosen disobedience.
Sometimes we may overlook that He not only did not want to go through the crucifixion physically, but also spiritually. But still, Jesus set the greatest example of obedience to the Father that we could ever have. Jesus chose to obey; He chose to love, and He chose to die so that we might have Life.
When I think about what He chose to do for us, it gives me a renewed desire to be as obedient to the Father as Jesus was. I shudder to think of the consequences if Jesus had chosen disobedience.
(Cliff S)
Action Point
We learned as youngsters that obedience to our earthly parents had rewards, as were there consequences for disobedience.
God has promised blessings to those who choose to be obedient to Him. Remember Samuel's words to King Saul, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams," I Samuel 15:22b (NIV).
God has promised blessings to those who choose to be obedient to Him. Remember Samuel's words to King Saul, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams," I Samuel 15:22b (NIV).
Sportsmen' Tip of the Day
Game laws are established for many reasons. A few are safety, conservation, and preservation of game species. It's better to obey the laws and add to the pleasure of your hunt rather than to have to suffer the consequences of disobedience.
