Let Go and Let God
Rev. Tse Amable | October 3 2024 | John 18:1-11
KEY VERSE:
“When Jesus said, “I am he,” THEY DREW BACK AND FELL TO THE GROUND.” John 18:6 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
The life of Jesus Christ is one big example of gentleness and meekness to us. Being God, he had so much power in him, but he never used it to his advantage against the will of the Father. St. Luke recorded that on one occasion, Jesus Christ was taken to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way (see Luke 4:29-30). Here in the Garden of Gethsemane, His presence alone caused the soldiers who had gone to arrest him to fall on the ground. He could have commanded bears to come out and maul them as Prophet Elisha did to the youth who were mocking him (see 2 Kings 2:23-24). Or he could have smitten them with blindness and led them away to another place to be killed just as Prophet Elisha did to the men sent to arrest him (see 2 Kings 6:18-20)
But Jesus Christ did not do any of those things. He surrendered himself and allowed the soldiers to arrest him and took him to be tried and condemned to death. HE LET GO AND LET GOD HAVE HIS WAY.
That is not how some people behave. If they face a hostile group and believe they can match them pound-for-pound and boot-for-boot, they will not go without a fight. Or if they are connected to the powers that be (a top Government official or a top police or military officer), they will use their connection to show their adversaries where power lies.
Jesus Christ, in the story of his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, teaches us that when the “storm” coming at us is sanctioned by the Lord, we should “LET GO AND LET GOD”. In other words, yield control and let the Lord have his way.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
How do you react when you come unjustifiably under attack? Do you fight back to demonstrate your prowess, or do you surrender, knowing that the Lord knows what is happening and permits it?
PRAYER:
Father, I bring my difficult situations to you. I am tempted to fight in my own strength but that will not make me the winner that I am supposed to be. Help me as I surrender to you and let you fight my battles. Amen!
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: FELL
The word "fell" comes from the Greek term piptō (πίπτω), which means to fall, collapse, or descend. It conveys an involuntary loss of control or power, often in the presence of something or someone greater.
The word "fell" underscores the overwhelming presence of Jesus’ divine authority. Even as He surrendered to His arrest, His power was so undeniable that the soldiers fell before Him. It is a reminder that, although we may face situations where we feel powerless, God's presence has the ultimate authority. We can let go and trust in His power, knowing that nothing happens outside of His control.
Reflections:
How do you respond when faced with challenges that seem out of your control? Do you recognize the authority of Christ in those moments and trust that He holds ultimate power?
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