Facing our Fears with Faith
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 23, 2024 | John 12:27-30
KEY VERSE:
27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” John 12:27-28 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
In John 12:27-30, Jesus expresses the deep emotional turmoil He feels as He anticipates His crucifixion. He acknowledges His troubled soul but refrains from asking to be saved from this hour because He understands that this moment is part of His divine mission. This demonstrates the human aspect of Jesus and shows us that it is normal to feel fear and anxiety in the face of daunting challenges. In the midst of His anguish, Jesus' primary concern is to glorify God's name. He prays, "Father, glorify your name!" (vrs.28). In response, a voice from heaven affirms Jesus' mission, stating that God's name has been glorified and will be glorified again (vrs.29-30). This emphasizes the importance of aligning our desires with God's will, especially during difficult times.
We need to face our fears with faith, and there are some important lessons we can glean from Jesus’ experience in this passage: When we face overwhelming situations, it's important to acknowledge our emotions rather than suppress them. Recognizing our fears is the first step toward confronting them with faith, just as Jesus did. Again, in our struggles, we should strive to glorify God through our actions and attitudes. By keeping our focus on God's glory rather than our discomfort, we can find purpose and strength to persevere. Finally, we learn that God often provides reassurance and encouragement when we need it most. It's crucial to be open to His affirmations and to recognize them as signs of His presence and support. In our lives, we often face situations that cause us distress and discomfort. It's crucial to remember that obedience to God sometimes involves enduring hardships.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
In challenging times, our focus should be on glorifying God through our responses and actions. By keeping our eyes on Him and seeking to honour His name, we can find strength and purpose even in the midst of suffering.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of Jesus, who faced His fears with faith and sought to glorify your name in all things. Help me to acknowledge my fears and turn to you for strength and guidance. May I seek to glorify you in my actions and attitudes, trusting in your plan and recognizing your presence in my life. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: TROUBLED
The Greek word ταράσσω (tarassō), translated as "troubled," means to stir up, agitate, or disturb.
In this context of our key verse for today's devotional, it reflects the deep emotional distress and inner conflict Jesus experiences as He faces the reality of His sacrificial death. Jesus' humanity and His willingness to embrace His divine mission despite the intense emotional struggle is revealed in this passage.
Despite the anguish, He resolves to fulfil His mission, seeking the glorification of the Father's name above His own desire for deliverance from suffering. This serves as an example for believers to prioritise the Father's glory over their comfort and safety.
Reflections:
Are you able to seek God’s glory and purpose even in the midst of your struggles? Consider how Jesus' example of submitting to God's will, despite His distress, can inspire you to trust and glorify God in your own challenging situations. How can you align your desires with God's purpose, even when facing difficulties?
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