Everybody says, “God loves you!” How often have you heard, “God is committed to you”? The “God loves you” statement might seem a bit superficial, but it does provide more encouragement than “God is committed to you.” What does that even mean? Well, if we think about God acting in human history, a whole lot!
The graphic above portrays the most powerful example of God’s commitment to humanity. On a dark night in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus Christ wrestled with two alternatives. He could get up, walk out of that garden and disappear, or he could face the cross which was waiting for him. The options couldn’t have been clearer to Jesus – look out for himself or look out for us.
In a moment of history, we humans will never be able to fully comprehend, Jesus, God the Son, wrestles with God the Father in prayer. He begs, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering from me! Yet not what I want, but what you want.” Jesus knew what it would take to fully satisfy divine justice for human evil, and it terrified him. But the terror which overwhelmed Jesus did not destroy his commitment to us. He did not walk away, he went to the cross – for us!
The next time you sense life is falling apart and you are ready to question God’s love and commitment to you, remember Gethsemane. Repeat Jesus’ words, “Yet not what I want, but what you want.” And then say to yourself, “God is committed to me!”
The commitment of God to humans is the story of the Bible. It’s your story. Hear that story again this Sunday!
Sunday Morning Worship Service – 10:00 am