The Place of Authority

Scripture: He went a little farther and fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will." Mark 14:35-36

Observation: Jesus asks for the crucifixion to be passed from him. However, his request is prefaced by another fact. Jesus doesn't just simply ask "please remove this cup, but if not thy will be done". He first says "father, all tings are possible for you." In other words, before making any request, Jesus acknowledges the fact that God the Father is in supreme power, with absolute authority, and total control. He does not, therefore, make his request as a part of the trinity, nor does he make the request out of fear or selfishness. Instead, he makes the request from the very center of God's plan.

Even in asking God for the largest request in history - that the crucifixion not take place - his very first word is to acknowledge that God is in total control.

Application: Once again, I have been listening to "Stars" by Skillet. They came out with an acoustic version, and it's as good at the original. The song really speaks to me because it is about this same theme ... I can trust God, because I know that he is the ultimate authority of the entire universe.

This is something to be taken to heart over and over again. Jesus, in his greatest time of need, did not just ask for relief or favor or wisdom or salvation. Jesus acknowledged God's sovereign authority, and then asked that God's own will be done from the place of that authority.

So when I want to care for my family, or figure out how to guide people at work, I need to be less specific about my request, and more specific about God's nature. When I pray into God's will, I don't need to instruct him, or ask him for direction. His will is all-powerful, I just need to figure out how to join him in his work.

Prayer: My sovereign Lord, you are the one who holds the stars. You put all time and space in motion, and you formed me before I was even born. Therefore, you know what I can do today, and you control what can be done. I ask only that your will be done, and may I serve within your will today. Amen.