Pilgrim Songs--Psalm 130 and Mark 14:32-42 (Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46)

Comprehension and Interpretation--The psalmist is calling from the deepest part of himself, begging to be heard by the only One who can extend much needed mercy.  He knows that if God marks something wrong, it is wrong.  If God marks someone guilty, they are guilty.  But he also, even in the depths, knows that there is forgiveness from the same God who calls sin, sin.  He expectantly waits for an answer from God, and he KNOWS it will come as surely as the night watchman knows that the night won't last forever.  The sun finally rises!!  He calls on his fellow countrymen to have this same expectant hope in the Lord. He knows on God's side is unwavering love and "plentiful redemption".  God will pay the ransom for all of the guilt Israel has heaped on itself.  

*Christ Connection*--Jesus goes into Gethsemane garden to pray.  He takes 3 of His disciples farther into the garden than the rest, and asks them to watch and pray while He goes off alone.  He is very sad, anxious, and tormented.   I wonder if Jesus heard the worshipers coming into Jerusalem, singing and asking for compassionate pity, and pleaded  the same for Himself.   Much like the Psalm, His prayer is a cry from the deepest part of Himself.  He waits for the Lord, He hopes in His Word,  knowing nothing is impossible for God. (Isaiah 46:8-10) And just like the Pilgrims' Song, He finds that God is more reliable than anyone He asks to watch and pray for Him.   He knew that the world was under the burden of sin, unable to stand.  He knew that the world needed rescued by a stubborn, unwavering love .  So, while He prayed 3 times for the cup to pass, He also prayed 3 times "Yet not what I will, but what YOU will." And He walked into the hour for which He came.   

A--First step--cry out to God.  Why is it more likely I'll leave that option for the last resort?  I tend to look to myself and/or those around me.  And when they are not willing or not able to extend mercy, I'm hurt.  But it's God who both marks guilt and offers a solution!!  Call to Him, read His Word, wait for Him, hope in Him...repeat.  Remind yourself that with God there is no gray area.  But there is RED!  The blood of Christ Jesus, poured out so plentifully, is more than enough to fulfill the ransom our sin demands. The price of sin is death, but the price to buy us back was not too high for God.  Accept the gift of redemption and lead those around you to do the same.