Introduction: A non-negotiable, irreversible principle in the Bible is the CUP must come before the CROSS! What do we mean? Take the life and death of Jesus Christ first in order to see this fleshed out. Then will you ask the question, how does this apply to CHRISTians (me)?
1. First, our will must submit to God’s will! (Matt. 26:39) – “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.”
Get the picture. Jesus had just finished the Passover meal with His disciples, with one who was a devil, and while explaining His death—which they were oblivious to—the events concerning the “cup” would transpire in just a few hours. Nonetheless, after washing their feet, He rises from the table and makes His way to a garden—not any old garden, but the one called Gethsemane.
By the way, the word Gethsemane is the Hebrew equivalent גת שמנא (gath shemanim), which directly translates to “oil press.” What a graphic description of God the Son’s will being pressed out. Do you think our will needs to follow His?
Have you prayed lately—not my will but Yours, oh Lord?
2. Secondly, our purpose will fulfill God’s purpose! (John 6:38–40) – “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Did you know our Father has a purpose for you? In other words, we are not on earth just to take up space! Instead, our purpose is to be made more like Him. Why? In order for those who do not know Him, that they will not only come to know Him, but will also love Him, and then in turn, serve Him.
Do you love Him? Are you serving Him? Have you discovered life’s secret treasure found in a love relationship with Jesus Christ?
3. Thirdly, God is glorified! (John 17:1–5) – “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.”
While those who do not know the God of the Bible are running day after day in their own world, eternity is the destination of every human being. Sadly, some will miss heaven. Blinded by the god of this world, many are chasing their own dreams, pursuing their own desires, and living only for the present and forgetting eternity.
However, according to the Bible, a rude awakening is ahead for those who do not have time to make things right with God, or do not have any concern for the things of God.
Does your life reflect God’s glory? Are you intentionally encouraging people to prepare to meet God?
Conclusion: A brief review of the subject—The CUP before the CROSS—reveals God the Father’s plan for not only His Son, Jesus Christ, but also His Church.
Are you a part of the family of God? If so, remember, we have a “CUP” to drink from before our CROSS we are to carry.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
