August 19 Soothing the Suffering

Luke 22:43-44 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
 
JESUS has just declared
Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” The Son of God has submitted to the anguished suffering that awaits.
    Bodily torment and spiritual agony will flood through Jesus within hours. Wrenching grief for his people’s sins will pierce his heart while the iron nails pierce his hands. The Living Word will become the words of Psalms 22:6-8 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: 8 “He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.”
    What is the Suffering Servant to do? How will he face his appointed purpose while confronting the Jews’ scorn?
    Jesus prays, doesn’t he? Just as he has done throughout his ministry, Jesus sought the Father’s wisdom, strength and peace. His words reached heaven, and heaven responded. An angel ministered to the Son. He was strengthened to prepare for the enemy walking toward him.
    His sweat could have been blood. Sometimes blood will rise to the surface of the skin in times of great distress. But it is likely his sweat kept dripping from him as if he were bleeding. A steady stream of anguish poured from Jesus. He considered the torment of the whips, the torture of unquenchable thirst and the burden to take up his cross. Even worse, he felt the heartbreak of his own creation mocking him as “God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
    As fully man, Jesus needed the same things we all do. He needed help. He needed strength. He needed assurance. He needed peace. As fully God he intimately knew  his suffering was for the Father’s glory. Deeper than the suffering was the depth of Jesus’ love for the Father and for all mankind. The Lord Jesus spoke to his LORD, the Father, and the Father gently answered him.
    Are you seeking God’s soothing touch amid anguish, anxiety, fear, grief or doubt? Know your Lord Jesus has experienced these emotions to the very depths of his eternal heart. He understands your need. Speak to him. Let him hear from you, and you will hear from heaven.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Lord God, for hearing my prayers. I pray I listen well to know your soothing, strengthening touch. I pray my heart and soul are at peace with you. Amen.