The Garden, Golgotha, and Glory!
From the Garden, to Golgotha and then to Glory!!! Each of these events play a critical role in our lives. As we approach the biggest and most important celebration of our faith, let us reflect on the ONE who made it ALL POSSIBLE! Over two thousand years ago, it was all about us; now folks, it is ALL ABOUT HIM!!! So let us take a look at each of these experiences, from the Garden, to Golgotha and then to Glory!!!
THE GARDEN: “And HE withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and HE knelt down and began to pray, saying, “FATHER, if YOU are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not MY will, but YOURS be done.” (Luke 22: 41-42) JESUS was in HIS deepest need as a man, yet HE was going after man’s deepest need for life. HIS disciples, HIS most committed followers had fallen asleep, and an angel would visit- but what was going to take place, both HE and the FATHER did not want to bear- was separation from each other… and it was coming and THEY knew it. Recorded in this same chapter of Luke, verse forty-four, it states, “and being in agony HE was praying very fervently; and HIS sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.” The Garden is where it started - it was determined and the will of God was completed, when JESUS said, “not MY will, but YOURS be done!”
GOLGOTHA: “They took JESUS, therefore, and HE went out, bearing HIS own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified HIM, and with HIM two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between!” (Jn 19:17-18). There HE was, suspended between Heaven and earth, beaten beyond recognition, HE was unrecognizable! HIS flesh was TORN, HE was BRUISED, SMITTED and STRICKEN, and HE had the sin of all mankind upon HIM. HE was now gasping for air… and then HE does what only a LORD from an unconditional loving heart could do: HE states boldly, “FATHER, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing!” (Lk. 23:34) And then HE cried out, “IT IS FINISHED!” (Jn 19:30) Three words that declared victory - that nothing more was needed! It was finished!!!
GLORY: “Go quickly and tell HIS disciples that HE has risen from the dead; and behold, HE is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see HIM!” (Matt. 28:7) Then JESUS said to HIS disciples, “Was it not necessary for the CHRIST to suffer these things and to enter into HIS GLORY?!” (Luke 24:26) Glory, by definition, is magnificence; a source of honor; great praise; to exult with triumph!!! What a great triumph, that JESUS defeated death, hell and the grave - and ALL for US!!! Beloved, it was necessary - and because of JESUS’ declaration in the Garden, and HIS sacrifice on Golgotha, and the Glory of HIS resurrection, we have victory… FOREVER - For HE is ALIVE!!!
To make JESUS famous always, Pastor Tim and Cindy Sheldon