Sunday's Coming

Mark 14:53-65

God will walk with us in our time of trial and make us more like Jesus.

Jesus was arrested while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. The religious establishment sent an armed guard, led by Judas, at night and took him into custody. (Mark 14:43)

Jesus was betrayed by his friends. Not just Judas but by the rest of the disciples as well. Peter, James and John could not stay awake and pray with him. (Mark 14:37) They had promised to endure to the end but now they run in panic. (Mark 14:50)

Jesus was betrayed by society. The religious establishment was supposed to be on the lookout for messiah but did not recognize him when he came. Roman law was supposed to protect Jesus from corrupt local politicians but political expediency led Pilate to condemn a man he declared to be innocent. The crowd that once shouted Hosanna now shouted “Crucify him!”

Jesus was alone, abandoned and surrounded by his enemies but God promises to be with us even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. (Psalm 23:4) Jesus was arrested, tried and convicted. He was tortured to death and buried. But that was Friday and Sunday was coming. What Satan meant for evil God used to bring our Salvation and on the 3^rd day Jesus rose from the grave.

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused and imprisoned. (Genesis 37:26-27) That was his Friday but Sunday was coming. He rose to be 2^nd in command of Egypt. (Genesis 41:40) What his brothers meant for evil God used to save Israel.

Are you going through a valley? Are you experiencing a Friday? Well, Sunday's coming!

What others may see as evil, God can use for good. Every tear, every pain, every sorrow can be used to help you become more like Jesus. He will give you Gold for your Ashes.

Weeping may endure for a night

but joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5

Praying Under Pressure

Mark 14:32-42

Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane shows how to respond to anxiety and stay within God's will. Jesus was under great pressure. He said, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (Mark 14:34)

Have you ever experienced that level of stress; waiting for the results of a medical test or facing the aftermath of a life changing event? Physical symptoms include loss of sleep, weakness, and inability to concentrate. Stress can ruin your day.

Anticipation – even with an assured outcome – brings stress. Jesus was distressed even though he knew he would rise in 3 days. He turned to our heavenly Father in prayer.

This was not a casual chat with God about a concern or desire. It wasn’t a polished, formal prayer. It follows the pattern of laments in the Psalms when one would pour out emotions and complaints. It’s the prayer we pray when we’ve run out of options; with our lives turned upside down and headed in a bad direction.

Jesus cried out “Abba, Father...” (Mark 14:36)

This is an informal way of addressing one's father. It isn’t a sign of disrespect, but of trust that God hears and cares. Some might think it a little disrespectful to address Our Father Who Art in Heaven as “daddy” but, when we are in a Gethsemane-like experience, we need to pray as a child to a loving father.

We’re so used to “doing” things to solve our problems that prayer seems a waste of time. Praying doesn’t often look like its doing anything but we need to wait on God. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Jesus was strengthened by supernatural power. Three times Jesus asked the Father to find another way for Him to do His mission but he ended His prayer: “Yet, not what I will, but as You will." (Mark 14:36)

Jesus submits entirely to the Father’s will. Luke tells us that an angel from heaven strengthened Jesus. (Luke 22:43) For every Gethsemane there is an angel to come along side and strengthen us. God sent ravens to feed Elijah. He provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness. He will take care of you.

If you're going through a Gethsemane experience, you can still experience God's presence and comfort. Prayer will transform our pain into spiritual growth through supernatural strength.

Children Eating Garbage

San Antonio pastor, Dan Trevino, was surprised to find two boys in his church's dumpster. He had arrived at the church at dawn one Saturday to prepare breakfast for his men's group. The two boy's had sneaked out of their home before their parents awoke in search of something to eat. They were hungry and had no food in their home. Pastor Dan brought them inside to enjoy a hot and wholesome breakfast.

Children who live in poverty are able to get free breakfast and lunch at school but are on their own for the weekend. For many, these school meals are the only nutritious meals they are sure to receive. Some will go hungry over the weekend.

Baptist Temple's backpack program provides nutritious snacks to children at risk to be hungry over the weekend. Children identified selected by school staff, discreetly receive the snacks every Friday.

During the summer, we provide free lunch to children in our community, a large percentage of whom are on the free or reduced lunch program in their schools.

Texas is the second hungriest state in the US. One out of six people in San Antonio struggle to afford food.

Last year, Baptist Temple distributed more than 200,000 pounds of food; providing groceries to over 200 families per month in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank, the San Antonio Baptist Association and the Texas Hunger Offering.

Baptist Temple works with the Texas Hunger Initiative to seek a long-term solution to food insecurity in San Antonio.

Your contributions help Baptist Temple continue to fight hunger in our community.

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