TUESDAY April 15, 2025
The Cross on the Horizon
Then He [Jesus] said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” … And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”
Mark 14:34, 36
Each day the time grew closer to Christ’s crucifixion. Jesus’ soul was extremely sorrowful. He knew the Cross was on the horizon. He voiced to His Disciples His deep sorrow and bid them to stay and watch. Jesus, knowing His hour had come, agonized in prayer. He asked His Father if this cup of suffering could be taken away. Did He have to die on the Cross, or was there some other way to pay the price for man’s redemption?
Knowing there was no other way, Jesus submitted Himself to the will of the Father. He set His face as flint knowing God would help Him: “For the Lord GOD will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed” (Isaiah 50:7). Jesus knew He would carry the weight of man’s sin on the Cross. He would fulfill the words of Isaiah the prophet: He [Jesus] was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities... (Isaiah 53:5).
Jesus also knew that Judas, who had walked with Him in ministry for 3½ years, would betray Him. As an innocent man, Jesus would stand trial before the Sanhedrin––a council of Pharisees and Sadducees, of which most hated Him. During the night’s interrogation, they would spit on Him, beat Him, and mock Him. Exhausted, the next morning He would stand before Pilate, be falsely accused, and condemned to death. The Cross was on the horizon, so He asked His sleeping disciples to watch and pray. They failed, but Jesus continued to pray, as His enemies were closing in.
Jesus knows what is on the horizon for each of our lives. He knows the pains and sorrows we shall face. He now sits at the right hand of the Father, ever watchful and interceding for each one of us.
Jesus Christ carries on intercession for us in heaven; the Holy Ghost carries on intercession in us on earth; and we the saints have to carry on intercession for all men.
~Oswald Chambers~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
