To know the events of that night
And still enjoy the present without
Fearing, worrying and wearying
Wearing ourselves out on what’s ahead;
To know God’s will is excruciating suffering:
Hated by those we love, rejected by those
We accept, betrayed by those we helped
Denied by those we raised, condemned by those
We sacrificed so much to save: to know these
Harsh realities and be content in our acceptance
Is to know peace and to live Christ in this life.
Relationships mean a lot to many of us. Some of us can bear anything for as long as our core relationships remain solid. Any wonder nothing hurts more than stabs of a loved one? We can handle all kinds of losses and will rebound given time and appropriate resources. Yet, nothing crushes like the blow dealt to us by loved ones. Today, as we reminisce the events that unfolded that night before Christ’s crucifixion, just imagine – sitting at a dinner table knowing that the person next to you is holding a sword to your back, waiting for an opportune moment to strike that deadly blow.
How do you know and still enjoy the dinner like you don’t know? How do you know without projecting disapproving emotions toward the traitor, and unenthusiastic reactions toward those around? How do you know and still allow the traitor go ahead thinking they are smart? How do you respond when they look you in the eyes and “innocently” ask like everyone else, “Master is it me?” How do you not blow up at that point and call them out before everyone else?
How do you sit peacefully, feasting and chatting with friends whom you know are just waiting for the first strike to desert you? Even as they are claiming they will stand by you and die for you – you know it’s all talk. How do you humble yourself and wash their dirty feet knowing those feet will soon turn their back on you? How do you affirm the very person you know will soon be swearing they don’t know you?
Yet on that night, 2000 years ago, Jesus set us an example that clearly stated the following;
- Expect the worst from those closest to you – it’s normal.
- Be prepared, not surprised, because it will come.
- Still don’t give up on those closest to you.
- I went through these before your eyes so that you know that there is nothing “unbearable” in life if you look to Me. Why?
Because the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God. Because God’s will must be fulfilled irrespective of whoever yields themselves to be used. Because nobody and nothing can hurt us except God endorses and if God approves it, then why fight something that is destined to work together for good? Because in all of life experiences, our focus should be living God’s will no matter the cost. May the lessons of Christ’s life, especially that night of sorrow, rest, abide and abound in us. Amen!
Blessings
Glory!