restorer of lost voices

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane,
And said to His Disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”
Matthew 26:36 (NASB) 

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the entire city was stirred; many lay down their cloaks and palm branches.  Still others in the crowds did not understand and asked, “Who is this?” The excitement grew as they learned their Messiah had come.  And Jesus entered the temple and He drove out the money handlers, and those that were selling doves.  His House would be called a House of prayer, not a Robber’s Den!  The blind and the lame came to Him and He healed them of their physical infirmities.  Much would change within a week from His humble ride on a donkey and triumphal entry to His Crucifixion!  Matthew 21 (NASB)

The time was near and Jesus drew away to pray with His disciples in one of His frequent get-away places…the oil press! It was an olive grove where He found comfort, rest, and shade.  Underneath the branches and gnarled trunks of the ancient trees outside of Jerusalem, our Savior chose to slip away and pray in His final hours. In this place set apart, the messy; beating, stomping, and bruising…an oil press…His purpose would unfold!  Our Savior knelt, His soul deeply grieved and to the point of death, and prayed for courage. 

“My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death;
Remain here and keep watch with Me.” Matthew 26: 38 (NASB)

Keep watch!  That was all Jesus requested of them and overcome by their fatigue, they fell asleep!  Abandoned by those he was closest to, He goes a little further and bends low.  Face to the ground, Jesus prays and cries out to His Father! If it be possible…let this pass. 

“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; Yet not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39 (NASB)

Jesus spent the long night alone, forgotten by those He loved.  The smallest request for help was denied as His disciples struggled to keep their heavy eyes awake.  Three times Jesus asked His disciples for prayer, and He found them sleeping.   He was in anguish for what was to come.  He would bear the sins of the world and it would begin in the “oil press”…The Garden of Gethsemane. 

God calls us to be watchful servants and to be diligent in prayer!  We are to be ready and willing to fulfill His calling and serve. Our purpose can also be found in the oil press; in the messy places where we feel bruised, beaten down, and stomped on.  When we feel betrayed and left behind, God is on the move.  He will not fail us!  He provides healing and purpose for what has been painful and redeems what appeared useless.  We must not be caught off guard, sleeping and resting. Instead, we get up and get going; as our purpose unfolds, His faithfulness abounds!

Remember the Garden of Gethsemane this week…and the price He paid for our eternal security. In your lonely, messy places slip away and pray! He will meet you at the oil press…

Lily Mae