“And they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it. And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take.
Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Memory verse: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning?” Psalms 22:1.
Have you met anyone who truly loves to go through pains? Without doubt, there are quite a lot of fetish in today’s world, but focusing on people with a neutrally right state of mind, it will be quite difficult to see anyone in deep love with agony. If we had an option on what path to take in life, it’s natural to desire attaining a top level without going through the labor involved, mostly when it’s obvious that the path to achieving such greatness is not smooth. Often to attain certain heights, a lot of huddles must be passed successfully with no option to press fast forward.
Some people try to bypass the sufferings of life and usually there are two options, they either eventually have no choice than to endure and be stronger in the end or they succeed at taking short cuts and end up having no understanding of why that phase was put in place.
Christ’s crucifixion on the cross is a reminder that Jesus has conquered it all. He has subjugated sin, death, grave and all other challenges and tribulations that we may be faced with in this world. His final statements in John 16:33 tells us plainly “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
We can continue to look unto Jesus and His words at every season of our lives mostly when it’s impossible to press a fast forward button, knowing that all of those humiliation he went through was so that we could be completely saved from the bondage of sin. If the Lord has set us free through dying on the cross to bring us everlasting life, then nothing in this world should be capable of putting us back in bondage. John 8:36 says “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
We may not be able to fast forward the pains we encounter in life but as we go through this phase, which may clearly be a unbearable, we should remember that Jesus took His last breath on the cross so that we can be victorious. With that in mind, we know that everything we go through is only but temporary, Yes! Even the pain.
PRAYERS
- Father I thank you for your sacrifice on the cross for me, to gift me everlasting life
- Thank you for your love, for all you have done for me and have given me in gifts, talents and grace
- Thank you for giving me dominion and power to conquer
- Father increase me in all areas of my life as I decrease Lord, let it be all of you and none of me
- Help me to see that which you have given me, teach me how to use them for your wonderful works of wonders
- Help me to occupy my mind with things of the kingdom. Help me rid all idleness
- Help me to prioritize the things of the kingdom and not procrastinate spiritually and physically
- Use me Lord as a ready vessel unto honor, I am ready for your use Lord, use me
- Help me to win souls to your kingdom, make the right choices and live my life for you
- Help me Lord to run the race till the end and not lose my crown.
- Forgive me Lord of all my iniquities, bless me abundantly and make me a blessing unto others, in Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen
