BIRTH

BIRTH

Written by:  Jenny Calvert

Jesus and his followers went to a place named Gethsemane. He said to them, “Sit here while I pray.”  But he told Peter, James, and John to come with him. He began to be very distressed and troubled, and he said to them, “My heart is so heavy with grief, I feel as if I am dying. Wait here and stay awake.” Jesus went on a little farther away from them, fell to the ground, and prayed. He asked that, if possible, he would not have this time of suffering.  He said, “Abba, Father! You can do all things. Don’t make me drink from this cup. But do what you want, not what I want.” Then he went back to his followers and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, why are you sleeping? Could you not stay awake with me for one hour? Stay awake and pray for strength against temptation. Your spirit wants to do what is right, but your body is weak.” Again Jesus went away and prayed the same thing.  Then he went back to the followers and again found them sleeping. They could not stay awake. They did not know what they should say to him. After Jesus prayed a third time, he went back to his followers. He said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? That’s enough! The time has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to the control of sinful men. Stand up! We must go. Here comes the man who is handing me over to them.”  Mark 14:32-42 (ERV)

I asked my daughter-in-law, Kelly, who is several months into her pregnancy if she was nervous about the birthing process.  This is her third child so she is well aware of the pain involved.  She told me yes she was dreading that time of suffering but she also realizes that she is in the middle of a mission to give birth and there is no turning back.  Kelly also knows that as the baby gets larger and she grows more uncomfortable, she will reach a time where the delivery will be a welcomed relief.

Jesus knew from the very beginning His mission in life.  He knew that His purpose was suffering, a cross and death. He also knew that there was no turning back.  He prayed earnestly to His father three times that he could pass on this path of suffering , however He always ended His prayer in submission, knowing full well that He was going to have to drink of this cup. He was willing to do His Father’s work but He was human and did not look forward to the physical pain He must endure to complete His goal. His death would not be easy.

Giving birth is not an easy task.  There is much pain involved.  Kelly knows that with this suffering comes a beautiful new life she will hold and kiss and say, “Welcome to the world my precious one.”  Jesus’ sacrifice was a road of horrible torture but because of His love for us He took that road.  He suffered much.  He died.  But the best part is, at the end of all that suffering He came back to life bringing the birth of new life in us. One day He will hold us in His loving arms, kiss us and say, “Welcome home my precious child.”   Praise be to God!

Dearest Jesus,

I can’t thank-you or praise you enough for taking that road of pain, death and resurrection.  Because you took that path you gave me a new life through your sacrifice.  Hallowed is your name!   You are the kingdom and the power and the glory forever!

Amen