Crushed

Garden of Gethsemane, Israel

Olive trees are harvested for food, oil for light, healing and anointing. Before the olives are useful, most of the time they have to be crushed. During the time Jesus was in Israel, the olive presses were in the Garden of Gethsemane, located at the base of the Mount of Olives. It is also the place He was crushed for our transgressions–our self-centeredness, selfishness, self-indulgence; the choices we make for ourselves and not for God. Our selfish pride takes us away from God, away from His presence and fellowship. Outside of God’s presence, we are left on our own to struggle and strive. We choose stress instead of God’s peace. We are not alone. Many take this path to loneliness, despair, anxiety, anger and fear, not aware that they are on a highway to hell unless they find a place to turn around.

God never gives up on His pursuit of us. He continually stands at the door of our hearts waiting for us to receive Him. Some may think their heart is not a place for God–that it is too dark, too messed up, that they are not worthy. They are right. No one is worthy, but in His mercy God offers forgiveness and new life through His Son Jesus. We don’t have to stay stuck in our self-indulgence. Wrapped in the arms of Jesus, we will have peace that passes understanding, abundant life, and new blessings every day from the hand of God.

For this to happen, Jesus had to be crushed. He knew the day was at hand and took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He said, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me” (Matthew 26:38). He went a little farther to pray. When He returned to His friends, He found them sleeping. These were fishermen, and they often worked all night for a catch. Not this night. They slept.

Jesus was arrested in the garden and led through six fake trials and finally to the place of His crucifixion. “He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:1-5). When you believe He did this for you, admit your need of His amazing love, and confess Him as Lord before others, you will receive nourishment for your soul, healing for your sickness; comfort and counsel in times of trouble. You will have His peace in place of anger or anxiety.

Then you will be His light in this world. He rose from the grave, but before He did, He said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put in on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for Jesus. Help us to live in the light of our salvation. Empower us to shine your light of love and compassion to those who need it in our midst. In Jesus’ name, Amen.