Luke 22 Part 3
is about the first, and the last thing that Jesus said to His disciples when He wept in the Garden of Gethsemane. This happened right before Judas entered into the garden to betray Jesus with the kiss of death. It kind of reminds me of what happened in Genesis 3 when the serpent entered the Garden of Eden to tempt Adam and Eve. Jesus said, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” It's true, these are the words that came out of Jesus’s mouth, twice, before the prince of demons entered in. Just listen to this ... “Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” Luke 22:40 “Jesus withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:41-42 Just then ... “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Luke 22:43-44 Can you imagine being so distraught that your body would produce blood instead of sweat? We don’t even see that with the worst kind of panic attack! Yet, scripture tells us that Jesus did just that - He dripped blood instead of sweat. Now that I'm thinking of it, it's just a taste of the blood that He poured out. It's hard to believe an angel was near, to encourage Jesus to endure with faith over fear. What a great reminder of the strength of God - whose patient endurance and long suffering is more than we could ever ask or imagine. “When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow." “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Luke 22:39-46 NIV When I asked the Lord why He said this, He whispered in my ear, “It’s about having discernment.” Just then, God opened my eyes, to the mystery of why these are the words that Jesus had to say. He gave them warning to pray to God, because only God's Word could protect them from falling into temptation. Isn't this what Deuteronomy 4:2 says, "You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you." Jesus knew that Satan was ready to pounce, if their faith did not outweigh their doubt. And if you read just a little more, you will see exactly how Satan shows himself. Judas Iscariot, known as the traitor, walked right up to Jesus and gave Him a kiss. And all of this, was done because Judas himself had left an opening for temptation to come in. His love for money surpassed his love for God, He left an opening for Satan to come in. And it's in this moment, that Satan sees an opportunity to attack Jesus, which is truly all that He wants. And he does this, not with a gun, but rather, through an adulterous kiss. Adultery - it's the ultimate betrayal of marriage, and it's the opposite of unfailing love and faithfulness. And in this scene, we see a faithful servant of Jesus, betraying Him. Truly, it's the whole story of the Israelites told throughout the Old Testament; and it's the whole reason why God shows himself to be more faithful than us. On the outside, a kiss of betrayal can look harmless; but to the receiver it's obvious - there is nothing healthy about it. “The Kiss of Death” we know the expression well, it’s a term that helps us to know a betrayal has happened and that we should run like hell! So I believe that this is why Jesus tells the ones that He loves, to pray and not fall into temptation. It’s a warning of love. Jesus gave the command to pray because because He knew that Satan was coming soon. He wanted them to prepare their minds and their hearts, for what was about to ensue. And I believe we should take heed too, because while Satan rules this world, the Jezebel spirit is currently possessing America. The gates have been opened, and God has given warning to his prophets, but no one wants to listen to them. Every day I pray for discernment; more than anything else, I desire the ability to judge various spiritual agents for their moral influence. Our world is turned inside out and upside down, and nothing makes sense anymore. I used to make excuses, and I rationalized my liberalism. I decided what was right or wrong, and I based my decision off my thoughts and feelings. But I have learned to fear God. I have learned to trust Him. I have experienced the truth in love, and that my friend, that has made all the difference. So as I get ready to end this poem, let us take heed and believe what God says, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” Remember this ... God knows best. He is full of knowledge and wisdom. Be careful when emotion drives your behavior, and be careful not to let circumstances drive your faith. Do not trip over your thoughts. Do not be anxious and do not worry. Be careful not to become weary. Because Satan is eagerly waiting, for an opening to come in.
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