Good day church family in Black Creek and beyond,

 

 This week someone threw me a comment that I think elicited a different-than-expected response.

It went something like this, "I don't know, Pastor Pete, it seems like the devil is winning these days." 

My smile and reply, "Funny how the devil thought the same thing when Jesus was in the Garden (of Gethsemane).  Check out a picture of the Garden here

 

We live in a time when it might be easy to think that evil is getting ahead....

But God.....

- Is in the business of redeeming the impossible.

- Does 'end runs' when there is no time left on the clock.

- Brings life where there is decay and destruction.

- Has a plan that includes every person who will believe and follow Him.

 

After Jesus' temptation at the beginning of His ministry Luke records:

4:13  And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Hebrews 2:18  tells us part of the Father's plan.

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

 

 The Garden was a place where Jesus counted the cost.

 

I believe the devil played what he thought was a clever 'checkmate maneuver' on Jesus.

If Jesus didn't go through with it - He would be disobedient to the Father and His calling to die for the sins of the world.

If Jesus did go through with it - He would die.... end of story.

 

Fortunately for us, the Garden was a place where Jesus trusted the Father 

to release us from the hold of death by His blood

and that He too would triumph over the grave. 

 

Luke 22:41  And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, 

and knelt down and prayed,
42  saying,  Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. 

Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.
43  And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, 

strengthening him.
44  And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; 

and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 

 

 Good Friday Service is at our church 

 March 29th at 10:30   

A time of worship, reflection and communion 

 

Blessings as you live in this time of tension 

between God's and our enemy's plans,

Peter Jackson

Part of your Team

Black Creek Community Church

peterj@blackcreekchurch.ca