Let This Cup Pass From Me

David Sproule

The anguish of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane is one of the most moving scenes about which to read in the sacred text!  When He took His three close friends (Peter, James and John) with Him into the Garden, “He began to be troubled and deeply distressed” (Mark 14:33).  He told His friends, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death” (14:34).  Try to imagine (it’s hard, but try to get close) what Jesus was enduring.

Jesus went “a little further” from His friends and “fell to the ground” (Mark 14:35), “knelt down” (Luke 22:41) and eventually “fell on His face and prayed” (Matt. 26:39).  Why fall on His face?  Jesus prayed, “Let this cup pass from Me” (Matt. 26:39), using an imperative that means “to go forth away, to pass by without touching.”  Mark and Luke record part of the prayer with Jesus using another imperative, “Take this away, carry this away, remove it.”  Jesus’ anguish is building and will get worse (Luke 22:44).  What is “this cup”?

Not long before this time (perhaps even days), Jesus had talked with James and John about “the cup that I am about to drink” (Matt. 20:22), now He is praying in the Garden about “this cup,” and mere moments later He will say to Peter, “Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” (John 18:10-11).  Jesus is getting ready to fully experience something (He is going to “drink” it), which is causing Him intense agony in the Garden, as He considers it.

Mark helps to identify “this cup.”  After Mark tells us that Jesus “fell on the ground,” he shows us that Jesus “prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him” (14:35).  The hour?  Reading through the book of John, one is repeatedly told that Jesus’ “hour had not yet come” (2:4; 7:30; 8:20).  But when Jesus prays before leaving the upper room, He says, “Father, the hour has come” (John 17:1).  And after praying fervently in the Garden, He told His friends, “Behold, the hour is at hand” (Matt. 26:45).

The words “cup” and “hour” are used interchangeably to encompass all that Jesus was going to experience (and endure) in the closing moments of His life—not only the mental and physical agony of the cross, but the spiritual agony of bearing the sin of the world and suffering the separation from His Father that comes from sin.  That thought deeply troubled our Lord (in His human emotions), but His love for you and me and His desire to fulfill Jehovah’s eternal will triumphed on that day.  He arose from prayer and said, “Let us be going” (Mark 14:42).  He had a mission to fulfill and a people to save.

Our Friend “has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God” (Eph. 5:2).  He drank the cup!

It Is About Growth And Not Comparison

Wade Webster

For the next few weeks, we will be discussing some things that we have learned or can learn about worship from the gym. In the first lesson, we noticed that we usually feel better afterwards. In the second installment, we noticed that going helps us make better choices. In this third installment, we will notice that it is about growth and not comparison.

I am middle-aged. There, I said it. I’m not proud of it. It just is what it is. When I go to the gym, I drop the middle and just feel aged. Many of the people at the gym are younger than me. I see those who are younger than me doing things that I can no longer do. I see them running on the treadmill. I mean running like the six-million-dollar man. Lee Majors? Doesn’t ring a bell? I guess that reference proves that I’m old. I can’t run anymore. At least, not very fast, not for very long, and certainly not on successive days. My knees and my ankles (and, possibly my heart) can’t take it. They snap, crackle, and pop. They swell (and, not with pride). I have to take a longer, less-impactful approach to the treadmill. I have learned that slow and steady wins the race. Okay, it doesn’t win the race, but it keeps me in the race; and for me, that’s a win. I watch the younger guys do multiple sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups. Oh, what it would be like to be young again. Middle-aged guys like me still do sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups; however, they are usually reserved for getting out of bed, out of a chair, or up from the table. Don’t laugh. Your time is coming. In addition to those younger than me at the gym, I see those older than me. I see those who don’t even try to get on the treadmill anymore. Their cardio is getting from the car to the gym. Their strength training involves the lowest weight on the machine. They move the weight only a few inches and only a few times. Although they can’t do much, they are still doing what they can. Compared to them, I am doing well. Compared to the younger people, I am not doing so well. The better comparison is to those of my own age, and even there I don’t really distinguish myself. I remind myself not to get encouraged or discouraged by comparisons. I remind myself that I am not competing with others. I am just trying to improve myself from week to week.

The apostle Paul declared, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment. But “he who glories, let him glory in the LORD.” For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends” (2 Cor. 10:12-18). The Corinthians were unwisely comparing themselves to themselves. Sometimes, these comparisons produced envy, sometimes pride, and other times, false security. The fact that they were better than someone else didn’t mean they were okay. The fact that they were worse than someone didn’t mean they should throw in the towel. Rather than comparing themselves to each other, they should have been comparing themselves to Christ. After all, we are not told to be like other Christians, we are told to be like Christ. We are told to think like (Phil. 2:5), forgive like (Col. 3:12), love like (John 13:34-35), forbear like (Col. 3:12), and walk like Christ (1 John 2:6). Rather than comparing ourselves to others, we need to simply measure our own growth from week to week. Are we gaining stamina? Are we increasing in strength? If we are, then that is the growth that we are looking for in our lives.

As we get ready to worship this week, let’s not compare ourselves to other worshippers. Let’s push ourselves to be the best that we can be. Let’s push ourselves to grow a little each week in our relationship to God.

We Make Better Choices

Wade Webster

For the next few weeks, we will be discussing some things that we have learned or can learn about worship from the gym. In the first lesson, we noticed that we usually feel better afterwards. In this second installment, we will notice that We Make Better Choices.

I will admit it. I make better choices when I go to the gym. When I am putting in the work, I watch everything that I eat and drink. Sodas, sweet tea, bread, pizza, pasta, chips, crackers, candy, and desserts are on the naughty list. They just aren’t worth the work that it takes to burn them off. Do you know how many steps and how much sweat it takes to burn off a can of soda or a candy bar? If you know, then they are probably on your naughty list also. If you don’t know, then I suggest that you go to the gym, get on a treadmill, and watch how long it takes to burn 200 calories. It will probably surprise you. It may convince you to reconsider the choices that you make every day. I know that it has that effect on me. I know that nutrition and exercise go together. I know that if I eat the wrong things, they will nullify much, if not all, of the time and effort that I expend at the gym. I know that I will make little or no progress toward losing weight and getting into shape until I coordinate my eating with my exercise.

Like the gym, worship drives us to make better choices. In worship, we are required to examine ourselves. On a weekly basis, we are required to take a serious look at the shape of our souls. In connection with the Lord’s Supper, Paul wrote, “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (1 Cor. 11:28; cf. 2 Cor. 13:5). This examination is good for us. It makes us think back over the past week and the choices that we made. It makes us consider whether those choices worked for or against our souls. We know that it does little or no good for us to draw nigh to God in worship on Sunday, if we have been friends with the world the past week (Jam. 4:4). When we get serious about worship, it will affect every choice that we make. It will drive us to gird up the loins or the loose ends of our minds that we may be holy as God is holy. Peter wrote, “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Pet. 1:13-15). Fleshly lusts war against our souls. We must abstain from them (1 Pet. 2:11). Being in God’s holy presence in worship, compels us to be careful what we feed our hearts and minds during the week. Going to worship helps us to make better choices in our lives (Prov. 4:23). We know that we cannot feed our minds anything and everything during the week and benefit from worship on Sunday.

As we get ready to worship this week, let’s think of the choices that we made this last week. Were they consistent with those seeking to be in the presence of a holy God? How will going to worship affect the choices that we make in the upcoming week?

I Usually Feel Better Afterwards

Wade Webster

For the next few weeks, we will be discussing some things that we have learned or can learn about worship from the gym. As strange as that sounds on the surface, and I agree that it sounds strange, I pray that you will stay with me through the series. I am convinced that in just a short time, we will all be in better shape for worship. Although I am thinking outside of the box, I assure you that I am not thinking outside of the book. I promise that the podcasts will be filled with Scripture and Scriptural application. Let’s start with this lesson: I Usually Feel Better Afterwards

I will admit it. Some days it is hard to go to the gym. Days when I am tired. Days when I have a million other things calling for my time and attention. Days when I am still sore from the last time that I was there. Those days are hard. However, when I make myself go, I usually feel better afterwards. Let me give you three quick reasons why that is the case. First, I feel better after I go to the gym because my conscience is clear. I know that I need to exercise. I know that it is good for my health and my heart. I know that exercise impacts both the quality and the quantity of my life. Second, I feel better after I go to the gym because exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins are wonderful things. They are chemicals (hormones) that the body releases during exercise and other activities. It is believed that they reduce pain, increase pleasure, reduce stress/depression/anxiety, lessen inflammation, improve mood, boost self-esteem, support a healthy immune system, and improve memory and cognitive function. Third, I feel better after I go to the gym because exercise (perspiration) removes toxins from the body. As you likely know, we live in a toxic world. We pick up toxins in the things that we eat and drink, in the air that we breathe, and in the things that we touch. Exercise helps to cleanse our bodies of some of these toxins through perspiration. Now, you can see why I usually feel better after I go to the gym.

Let’s take this lesson that we learned at the gym and apply it to worship. Do you ever find it hard to go to worship? Likely, there are times that you do. Times when you are tired physically and emotionally. Times when your To Do list is longer than your arm. Times when you are treading water just to stay afloat. Although it is hard to get up and go to worship at times like these, we must push ourselves to go. Usually, when we do, we will leave feeling better. Burdens are lifted at Calvary and at worship. First, we leave worship feeling better because we have a clear conscience. The little prick of conscience that we feel when we miss the gym is nothing in comparison to the big prick that we feel when we miss worship. As much as we need the gym, we need worship more (Mt. 17:4; Heb. 10:25). The gym is good for us physically, but worship is good for us spiritually. It is good for our spiritual heart and health (1 Tim. 4:7-8). Second, spiritual endorphins are released during worship. Perhaps, you are thinking that you have never heard of spiritual endorphins. Well, you have now. I remind you that the New Testament routinely describes the church as a body. The church functions like the body in building itself up (1 Cor. 12:25-26; Eph. 4:16). Let me show you a Biblical context that speaks of the changes that take place within us as we worship - Psalm 73. You may recall that Asaph was very anxious and depressed when he came to the sanctuary. In fact, he was at the point of quitting (Psa. 73:2-15). However, time in the sanctuary changed all of that. Worship provided clarity of mind and focus. It reduced his stress and depression (Psalm 73:16-28). Asaph came weary, but he left recharged. He came confused, but he left with clarity of mind. He came weak, but he left strong. He came depressed, but he left with his spirit refreshed. Worship released some wonderful spiritual endorphins. Third, worship removes some horrible toxins. Although we are striving to stay pure from the world (Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 6:17), we still pick up toxic attitudes and behaviors sometimes. Isaiah clearly understood this. When he found himself in the presence of a holy God, he cried out, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts” (Isa. 6:5). Please note that Isaiah described himself as a man of unclean lips dwelling among people of unclean lips. It seems that Isaiah had picked up some of the toxic talk of his times. Likely, until he was in the perfect light of God’s holiness, he had not seen it. Now, he saw it, and it was bothering him. Thankfully, God sent an angel with a live coal to touch Isaiah’s lips and to purify them. The toxins were removed.

As we get ready to worship this week, we must not let anything keep us away. We need to be there. If we will push ourselves to go in spite of how tired or troubled we may be, I am confident that we will feel better afterwards.

Hear Ye Him!

David Sproule

Who are the most common people that we “listen to” today?  For some of us, it’s our mom and dad, or our grandfather or grandmother.  The wisdom of those generations is something we ought to cherish.  For some of us, we listen to what our friends have to say.  We care about what they think.  For some of us, we listen carefully to what a teacher says or what some scientist has discovered.  We respect those who are trained in certain fields.  For some of us, we listen to what police officers or judges say.  We hold up those individuals who have been charged with keeping and enforcing the law.  For some of us, we listen to what politicians say.  We expect our local, state and national leaders and representatives to look out for our best interests and communicate with us about what is happening.  For some of us, we listen to the media.  We look to those who have insight and access into matters that we do not and assume they will tell us the details of what we need to know.  For some of us, we listen to our inner voice.  We do those things that seem right to us in the moment.  There are certainly a lot of different “voices” that we listen to and pay attention to today.  However, are these the most trusted sources?  How can we be certain that we are not led astray down the wrong path?

In Luke 9, Jesus’ three close friends, Peter, James and John, were listening to Him and Moses and Elijah talk about Jesus’ impending death (9:31).  While listening to them, Peter apparently saw three equals in the conversation and suggested building three tabernacles for them to stay and continue talking, “not knowing what he said” (9:33).  The voice of God redirected Peter’s misstep and said, “This is my Son, my chosen; hear ye him” (9:35, ASV).  There were other great and powerful voices to hear that day (the voice of Israel’s lawgiver and the voice of the mighty prophet), but there was only one voice that mattered!  Hear ye JESUS!

There are many powerful voices out there that desire to be heard (and even demand to be heard, in some cases).  But, when it comes to those matters of ETERNAL consequence—such as holiness, righteousness, faith, salvation, baptism, the church, worship, morality, homosexuality, fornication, the sanctity of life, abortion, sin, etc.—the ONLY voice that matters is JESUS!  He has authority (Matt. 28:18)!  Hear ye Him!  His Word thoroughly equips us for all things (2 Tim. 3:16-17)!  Hear ye Him!  He is King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16)!  Hear ye Him!  He will judge all mankind, at the end of time, by the standard of His Word (Acts 17:30-31; John 12:48).  Hear ye Him!

Don’t get caught up listening to the wrong voice!  There are so many loud ones, it’s easy to do!  Hear ye Him!