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This week we continue our discussion of chapter 22 of Luke’s Gospel. Please read verses 41-53 every day this week and, if possible, use a different translation each day, asking God to open your eyes to fresh revelation from His Word.
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Luke 22:41-44 (New International Version – NIV)
‘He 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.” 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.’
Many years ago, when I used to play rugby, the half-time interval lasted just a few minutes and there was no time to leave the field for a rest before coming back on the field to start the second half. That meant that all the players had to remain on the field during the ‘break’. Some of us used the time to sit down, some were too afraid of their muscles tightening up and so they continued to walk around. Others had their ‘wounds’ taken care of by the team physio or another teammate.
During this time, there was a common activity that we certainly don’t see any more and seemed to be unique to the game: someone would bring on to the field a tray of orange segments for us to eat. These days I would prefer chocolate oranges, but at the time, there was nothing better than to taste that orange at half time. I don’t really know why we did it, but I as I say, it was common and everyone seemed to be doing it. I guess there’s a scientific reason for it and it was supposed to replenish something that had been used during the first half and to give a little extra as a boost for the second half. Given the fact that we lost more games than we won, I don’t think the oranges worked for my team!
It’s clear that visits from angels were not common events and yet we read of many such instances throughout the scripture. I believe wholeheartedly in the existence of angels but do not think that, as is the belief of so many, that we ‘turn into angels’ after death. That belief is without any biblical support and is completely incorrect. The book of Hebrews tells us that ‘angels are only servants — spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.’
If you are saved, then I guarantee that angels are sent to care for you.
Jesus was at one of the lowest points of His life and was carrying the weight of our salvation on His shoulders. He was feeling the onslaught of all of the forces of hell and was about to be handed over to torture and death. I can’t even begin to imagine the pressure that He was under at this time. I want you to note the timing of the angelic visit. Jesus had just surrendered His will to that of the Father. This was a crucial moment and I firmly believe that He could have walked away at this point. Praise God He didn’t! This was a major victory and effectively sealed the path to our salvation. At this point of complete and utter surrender to God’s will, the angel appears to strengthen Jesus. I believe that the visit was for to provide peace, encouragement and strength. It was to renew strength that had been used in the previous battle and to empower and encourage Him for the battle that was still to come. We too have many battles to face, although nowhere near as tough as those that Jesus faced. We also can be assured of angelic visits to renew our strength and to equip us for the next battle.
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