Never Nearer

He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. (Isaiah 53:3 NKJV)

The scene is very simple; you’ll recognize it quickly. A grove of twisted olive trees. Ground cluttered with large rocks. A low stone fence. A dark, dark night. See that solitary figure? Flat on the ground. Face stained with dirt and tears. Fists pounding the hard earth. Eyes wide with a stupor of fear. Hair matted with salty sweat. Is that blood on His forehead?

That’s Jesus. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

We see an agonizing, straining, and struggling Jesus. We see a “man of sorrows.” We see a man struggling with fear, wrestling with commitments, and yearning for relief.

We see Jesus in the fog of a broken heart. Jesus is in pain. Jesus is on the stage of fear. Jesus is cloaked, not in sainthood, but in humanity.

Seeing God like this does wonders for our own suffering. God was never more human than at this hour. God was never nearer to us than when He hurt. The Incarnation was never so fulfilled as in the garden.

The next time you are called to suffer, pay attention. Watch closely. It could very well be that the hand that extends itself to lead you out of the fog is a pierced one.

Jesus struggled with fear. Perhaps struggled isn’t quite the right word. More like wrestled or battled. When fear has you facedown in the dirt, does it help to know that He’s been there before you? That you’re not the first to do battle here? When worry limits your view to the dust of the ground, remember this:

“He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.” (Isaiah 42:3 NLT)

God’s Promise to Me: Jesus understands my sorrows and fears. He’s been where I’ve been. He will help me up and help me stand again.