Misery to Music--Hello! Is it me you're looking for?

Matthew 26:39, 42

Matthew 28:1-9

Mark 16:19

Acts 1:9-11

Hebrews 1:3,8

Hebrews 5:1-10

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 19:16

We learned in week 2 day 4 So I lay my head back down that Jesus lamented over Jerusalem, the Holy City.  The temple had been the dwelling place for the Presence of God, but Israel missed the point--they missed Jesus.  Jesus also lamented from the cross, crying out the words from Psalm 22 "Why have you forsaken me?"  But it was the prayer of lament by Jesus in the garden before His crucifixion that we focused on in week 2.  He came to reconcile us to God by buying us back from the slavery of sin.  That was the plan from the beginning of time, plan A with no need for a plan B.  Yet, as death is right around the corner, Jesus is grieved to the point of death, full of sorrow and misery.  He lamented, and then He lamented again.  

This won't come as a big surprise to anyone, but the cup did NOT pass by Him.  It was the Father's will that Jesus do this, and Jesus Wanted the Father's will. So how was His lament resolved? Jesus died--not murdered on the cross, but willingly laying His life down.  But He didn't stay dead.  And He's not dead now.  He's alive!  God provided a resolution--not by giving Jesus a free pass, but by completing what He started.  After spending 40 days with His disciples and others after His resurrection, Jesus was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God--it was finished.    

The book of Hebrews describes Jesus as the exact expression of the nature of God and His glory.   He is over all.  He is our great High Priest.  Like the Old Testament Priests--Jesus makes the sacrifice.  Unlike the Old Testament priests--Jesus IS the sacrifice. He is King of kings, Lord of lords--a title that will be written on His robe and thigh when He returns in victory!  

 You wouldn't know that if you just picture Him as a 33-year old man--praying in an ancient garden with only a few close friends, asking for a last minute reprieve from a death sentence that hadn't even been handed down yet. You would consider Him abandoned, alone, full of regret. But you'd be wrong.  Being sad wasn't a sin;  Jesus was learning and teaching obedience through suffering.    Hebrews 5:7-8 says Jesus cried and lamented to God, the only One who was able to save Him from death.  Teaching us to do the same.   But even though He was the Son, Jesus was not exempt from misery, grief, sorrow, regret.  And neither are we.  

 

If God had answered Jesus's lament with a passed cup, and Jesus had not died for our sins, we would all be lost.  For now and forever. Lionel Richie may not have a clue how to win our hearts, but Jesus sure does.  

Hello! Is it me you're looking for?  He tells us He loves us, He shows us He loves us, and then He turns our minor keys into a happy major ending.