Let This Cup Pass From Me!
Matthew 26
KJV
39+ And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
This is the title of one of my favorite songs I believe was composed by the Sekyere Odumasi Gospel Singers (I may be wrong and stand to be corrected!)
I feel greatly touched when it is sung before partaking of the Lord’s Supper. I’ve always taught and advocated that songs /hymns /readings etc must match events! Hmmmm
It would seem the word “ Cup” was commonly used in the time of Jesus to represent “suffering, inconvenience “ and is understood by all. This was not the first time He used it.
Read it
Matthew 20
KJV
22+ But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.
Beloved, life presents us with many and diverse “ cups” to drink from; some large, medium others small sizes Whatever size it is, it is a “ cup” that can not be avoided
Some of these “ cups” are emotional distress, illnesses, business challenges, financial difficulties, home and marital, relational incompatibilities, betrayals, disloyalties etc.
None of these “cups” tastes sweet but bitter, like Jesus we all pray either audibly or silently “ let this cup pass from me “. As we read he concluded by saying “
nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
Beloved, some “ cups” we can drink, others we can not. There are some difficulties and challenges we can either overcome or endure others we can not.
It gets to a point in life where you just have to resign your will and accept the inevitable. by preparing the mind to live with it.
Jesus prayed 3 times for the “ cup” to pass from Him but it was not to be, so he gave up to accept the inevitable There comes a time when you must also resign and give in.
It is easier said than done , here is where the difficulty lies. How do we know we have come to the end of the road? How do we know it is time to give in?
Beloved there is no easy formula except to discern through prayer and observation, the signs of the times For example Jesus gave in when he observed the attitude of those He thought he could rely on. Please pay attention to these as I trace from the events in the garden
Read the developments
Matthew 26:38
NIV
[38] Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
He took with Him trusted , and loyal friends to the garden. He had earlier told them about the “ Cup”.and for which reason He brought them to the garden. So they knew why they were there with him. To lend support.
He then asked them to “ Stay here and keep watch with me.”! Unfortunately, this was not to be. Read the next discouraging experience, the first sign, you should watch ;
Matthew 26:40
NIV
[40] Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn't you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter.
This was a rhetorical question of disappointment! As if this was the end to the disappointment; it occurred again ;
Matthew 26:43
NIV
[43] When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy.
Yes, when those you thought you could rely on become occupied with their own interests, as indicated above by these words “ their eyes were heavy “ then know the “cup” was meant for you
He left them went and came back again hoping to find them on their knees only to be sadly disappointed again Read it
Matthew 26:45
NIV
[45] Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.
Yes, they were not only “ sleeping” but also “ resting “ which words paint pictures of different scenarios! To sleep is one thing to rest is another.
They were simply chatting discussing probably their own affairs which had nothing to do with Jesus and why they were in the garden.
Yes, when you see these attitudes among those you think will rally behind you, then know it is a “ cup” that you must drink! Resign your will and accept the inevitable. This is exactly what Jesus did!
So, yes while you may pray “ let this cup pass from me “ also add “ nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” and preiare your spirit and mind to endure the discomfort.
You’ll know it is His will that you drink of the “ cup” when friends and family desert you!
An experience to share with you! A word to the wise!