Last night many many people stayed awake past the midnight hours. Millions celebrated the year that was 2016 and all the New Year of 2017 holds. And why not? A new year brings new opportunities -- new hope -- new chances.
For the Christian a new year means much the same thing as it does for the rest of the world. We look forward to new chances, too. Everyone likes the idea of a new start. Hopefully the difference for us is looking forward to those new opportunities and using them as a way to serve Christ ... to bring glory to God.
Staying awake past the midnight hour can be a very good thing. We can use the night as a time to reflect on all the blessings God as given us throughout the year. We can be thankful for giving us the strength to get through the tough times and for being with us in our times of rejoicing. New Year's Eve is the last chance of the year to praise Him.
Yet this morning as I thought about how late I was awake last night, I suddenly remembered another late night. It was one of the darkest nights in human history. I'm talking about the night before our Savior's crucifixion. It was the night Jesus begged the Father to "let this cup pass" from Him. It was the night his disciples promised never to forsake Him and then fell asleep in the garden while He prayed.
We cannot begin to imagine the agony and sorrow of Christ that night. Not only was He fully aware of the physical pain He would suffer, He understood the humiliation He would endure. And He did not want to go through this. Our Christ - our Redeemer was 100% God. Believers know that. But he was also 100% man and He begged God for another way.
Matthew and Mark record Christ saying, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even to death." (Matthew 26:38; Mark 14:34). Our Lord almost did not have the physical strength to face the cross. And yet every time He prayed --EVERY TIME -- He said, "Not my will; but Yours be done." He submitted to the Father's will. He completed His mission.
I think sometimes about the fact that Jesus did not have to go to the cross. He did not have to go through that horrible death. He endured the cross "despising the shame" for us. (Hebrews 12:2) He begged for it not to happen; but He didn't refuse it. Jesus could have gotten up and walked away from that garden and never looked back. But He didn't.
Sometimes when I read and meditate on the cross, I get all caught up with the crowds who cried out for Him to be crucified. I think of how the Pharisees and scribes hated Him and literally wanted to see Him dead. To them, He was just a man. They didn't know and more importantly they didn't care to know - the man called Jesus was truly the Christ- -Immanuel - -the Son of God.
I think too about the Roman soldiers - how they mocked Him and scourged Him. I read about how they stripped Him of His raiment and divided it among them. This man who had done no wrong was crucified and prayed to the Father to forgive those who were responsible.
When I think about these things -- when I read the scriptures -- I get caught up in blaming those who were there for being so cruel to Jesus. And I forget my sins put Him there too. Sometimes it takes me a long time to get back around to that. When I do the realization is heart wrenching.
I'm so thankful the story doesn't end there! An angel came and strengthened our Savior (Luke 22:42). So He did not get up and walk away that night!!
Instead of that night being the end .... it was the beginning.... somehow joy was set before Christ. He still despised the shame ... but He endured the cross anyway. And He is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. He defeated death. Christ arose!! Our Christ arose!
Those dark midnight moments Christ faced alone led to the potential for a beautiful beginning for us ... for me.. for anyone who loves Him enough to follow Him. By accepting His grace and following His commandments, I can live a life in heaven with Him.
This is why I celebrate the New Year. Christ gave Himself for me. How can I help but be thankful for 2016? How can I help but rejoice in the chance to serve Him in 2017?
"And He who was seated on the throne said, Behold I am making all things new" (Revelation 21:5a)
Happy New Year.
Christ above all things,
Robin
