ESOCS Devotional 2 May 2022
TEXT: MARK 14:32-52
MEMORY VERSE: “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
Following the baptism of Jesus (Matt. 3:16), the Spirit, straightway, led Him into the wilderness (Matt. 4:1). This was the preparatory stage of His earthly ministry. This also called for some tests, to equip and strengthen Him for the task ahead. In His response, He embarked on prayers for forty days and forty nights. Through these exercise, He was able toovercome the devil and his tricks (Matt. 4:3-11).
Towards the end of His ministry, when the hour had come to fulfill the eternal plan of human redemption (Eph. 3:11),He also prayed fervently. At this point, He took Peter, James and John to Gethsemane, where He urged them to watch and pray with Him. The impending task ahead was heavy and tedious for His human flesh, though the spirit was willing.
Were the prayer sessions helpful? Yes, of course. He overcame the devil in the wilderness temptation (Matt. 4:11). On the cross, Satan was crushed by the sacrifice of the Son of God, though His heel was bruised (Gen. 3:15, John 19:30). “It is finished.” The sacrifice for remission of sins and human redemption. Without this ultimate sacrifice, all hope would have been lost.
As believers, it is important we follow the footsteps of the Master. How disappointing it is for some believers to jumpout of bed every morning without praying. They enter the road without committing the day into God’s hands. How often too, they return in the evening with tales of woe.
It is most important to pray before starting any project. It is also important to pray before closing, no matter the day’s outcome or result. Jesus started with prayer, He also ended (successfully) with prayer. Prayer is the key – THE MASTER KEY. (Phil. 4:6-7).
- Some believers only resort to prayers in the middle of a crisis. What advice do you have for such misguided Christians?
- Lord Jesus, you overcame with prayers; grant me the grace to do same.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: 2 Samuel 23:1-7; Jeremiah 38:1-13; James 4:1-12
Thank you for reading the ESOCS Devotional today. Please share and follow us on all our platforms to contribute to the spread of the Gospel.
ESOCS Devotional 2 May 2022
