Pathways Press.com

Written by Vickie Stone from the Village Church.

Did you ever wonder if Jesus felt in exile? Being in the human form, he certainly experienced all the human conditions, including being separated from his family, separated too perhaps from his heavenly Father.  Recall when Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, knowing what would soon tragically befall Him: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done”.

In Jesus’ time, every Jew awaited the day God would come to the world, born of a virgin, be in human form, be despised, and then rejected like the prophet Isaiah had written. Many believed Jesus was the Messiah however many others believed He was a liar. Jesus told them “My Father and I are one” and unbelievers cried, “That is blasphemy!”

Jesus told them “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by me.”  Whispers circulated and cynics cried out even more. Jesus preached to thousands and healed many through His miracles and proclaimed, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me shall never die.” Jesus was aware he was starting a movement and he knew this put him at great risk, yet he stayed true to his convictions. Jesus knew the truth and he did not sway from it. He drew his courage and his strength from God, his father. And he did it through prayer. At a time in His life when he knew prophecy had to be fulfilled, he was on his knees in prayer striving to stay close to his Father in heaven. How often do we pray? We know as followers of Jesus, staying close to him requires a relationship, it requires prayer so that we do not feel separated from him and instead rely on His guidance. When I struggle most, I realize it’s when I’ve let my life get too busy and I’ve exiled myself. I need to return to God In prayer.

Prayer:

Written by Tiffany Thibault, a contemporary writer and Bible Study leader.

Dear Lord, thank you for being gracious and merciful to me. Thank you for the promise that you will not turn your face from me if I return to you. Forgive me Lord for allowing other things to take priority and for taking my focus off you. Help me Lord to obey your commands, to choose your way every time. Let me Lord not be swayed by the choices of those around me, but to keep my eyes always on you. In your name I pray, Amen.