Sermon Central
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The Gethsemane Experience.
Contributed by Olorunnisola Oni on Mar 15, 2008 (message contributor)
Summary: It then reminds us that at one time or the other believers and non belivers alike are going to experience their Gethsemane. It then encourages us to go through it the same way Christ went through it.
Introduction:
Today is the Palm Sunday; the day Jesus rode a colt triumphantly into Jerusalem. It also marks the week of His crucifixion. One of the incidences that happened during this week is his travail or struggle in Gethsemane. This Gethsemane experience like every other events of His ministry is important to us as Christians, in the sense that through it the Lord wants us to learn some lessons.
What and where is Gethsemane?
Gethsemane is described as a garden on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. In Aramaic it is called Gathshemani Oil press. It is said to be a small farm situated across the brook Kedron at the foot of Mount Olive about one and half to one and three quarters of a mile to the walls of Jerusalem. It is here that Jesus went to have his prayers before He faces crucifixion.
To us Christians, what and where is our Gethsemane?
It is a place of travail; It is only you and you alone that knows the extent and gravity of what you are going through in life. People around you may only perceive it.
It is a place of distress and trouble, Mark 14:33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
It is a place of aloneness with God, Mark 14:35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
It is Peniel near Ford Jabbok for Jacob,
It is a place of encounter with your creator,
It is a place of struggle with death, Mark 14:34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
It is a place of earnest prayer, Lk 22: 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
It is a place of surrender to the will of the Father, Mark 14: 36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
It is a place of receipt of strength to face death, Lk 22: 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
It is a place of receipt of boldness and victory over the enemy, Mark 14: 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
It could be a place of receipt of disappointment from loved ones and that is why you don’t go there with anyone, Mark 14: 37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?
There is always a Gethsemane in the life of every man and woman.
As believers at one time or the other we are going to come to our Gethsemane.
How then do you face your Gethsemane?
You face your Gethsemane with boldness
You face your Gethsemane with courage; Ester said if I perish, I perish. Ester 4: 16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
You face your Gethsemane with expectation of blessing. Be of good cheer, He has overcome for you, John 16: 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
When do you go to your Gethsemane and how long do you remain there?
Whether you like it or not your Gethsemane will come
It may come at hour you do not expect, 1Pet 5: 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
You need to be prepared for it,
You remain there until you get answer to your problem; Gen 32: 24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
Jacob remained there till day break; Jesus remained there until re received boldness
You remain there until you have peace within you.
You remain there for as long as He is ready to remain with you.
You remain there until you are strengthened from heaven, LK 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
