Tag: God's will

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Crushed

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Image by Thomas from Pixabay

Some “through the Bible” thoughts from Isaiah 53.

There’s so much in Isaiah 53. I’ve read it so many times. I could write a whole series of devotions on just this chapter. And some day I will. This time I paused at these words

“It was the will of the Lord to crush him” (Isaiah 53:10).

Did those prophetic words echo in Jesus’s mind in Gethsemane when he prayed, “Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42)? Absolutely. He knew his task was to fulfill scripture. He knew the Father’s will. He knew the plan.

Jesus knew he would be crushed for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5).

I wonder what Isaiah thought about this description of God’s servant? A servant of God should be honored and celebrated. In Jesus’s parables, faithful servants are rewarded. Yet the ultimate servant, the Christ, will be stricken, smitten, afflicted, pierced, and crushed for our sin (Isaiah 53:4,5). For my sin.

I underestimate what Jesus suffered for me. I take it for granted. God forgives me; it’s all good. I just leave out the crushed part. Crushed like those who didn’t make it out of the World Trade Center on September 11. Crushed like someone in a mineshaft that collapsed. Crushed like someone who rolled their car into a ditch. Horrible way to die, right?

Can you imagine what it would be like to be Jesus and read Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.” Do you think Jesus would want to see those words on a cake, t-shirt, or coffee mug?

Posted in holy week

Thoughts on Thursday of Holy Week: the hardest prayer?

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Thursday is a busy day. After he eats the Passover and institutes the Lord’s Supper, Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.

“And going a little farther [Jesus] fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as you will.’” (Matthew 26:39)

Sorrowful and troubled, Jesus prays one of the hardest prayers anyone could speak: “Father…your will be done.” (Matthew 6:9,10)

We pray those words without hesitation or struggle anytime we speak the Lord’s Prayer. Do we consider the gravity of those words? Is that what we really want? Are we willing to set aside our desires and let God map out our future? Are we willing to let the Lord fill up our calendars?

It depends. Do you trust him? Do you trust that he cares about you and will take care of you? If so, then go for it. Pray these words boldly.

If not, then consider Jesus’s prayer that night. He yields to his father’s will because of his great love for you. There is no greater expression of love than Jesus giving up his life for us. Yes, he cares.

Just pause before you pray, “Your will be done.” Think about Jesus’s words. Think about how much he cares. Think about how much he wants you to live.