Are you tired? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you wish you could just drop everything and go live on an island with nothing to do? I do!

There are times when the thought of taking a whole month off and traveling with no other concern sounds like heaven! And usually when I think that, it’s because I’m tired. And if you are like me – loaded with responsibilities and recurring work schedule, then you are tired too and desperately longing for respite.

Jesus got tired, too. I have never seen this in this light before, but when Jesus said, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak,” (Mark 14:38) I had always assumed that He was talking about Peter because He was addressing Peter when He said that. But Jesus Himself had been praying all night that God will remove the cup (of wrath) from Him. He didn’t want to go through with it. Even though His spirit was willing, for that is why He came, but His flesh was weak and didn’t want to go through with it. I believe Jesus was describing His own state of mind as much as Peter’s. And this thought consoles me a great deal. Jesus knows! He had experienced it Himself. He knows what it’s like to feel tired – overburdened with responsibilities and joyless work! He, too, had to do something He didn’t like. The bearing of the cross and the sins of the world on His shoulders. This, He didn’t want to do, although He knew He had to do it.

I don’t know why but when I think about that, even though my circumstances did not change – I still have to do what I have to do – strangely I get strengthened and encouraged. When I hear that my Messiah knows what it’s like to face something He dreaded, but did it anyway for our sake, that gives me strength and hope. Now, I feel I have enough energy to carry on even though I’m still tired. How true it is “…the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thess 3:3) 

Celebrate Jesus with your fellow brothers/sisters this Sunday!

PH