Raise!Sample

Raised Cups.

Jesus dined at many tables. He dined with his disciples, strangers, prostitutes, religious leaders and family. Imagine how many cups were raised by the hand of Jesus at the meals in which he partook.

In many cultures people raise cups at certain meals. A few examples of what a raised cup means are: in Dutch, ‘Op je gezondheid’ (to your health); in Polish, ‘Sto lat’ (one hundred years); in Korean ‘Geonbae’ (empty the glass); and in Hebrew, ‘L’chaim’ (to life). Raising our cup ‘to life’ we acknowledge the content of each person’s cup, and we affirm our life together, celebrating it as a gift from God.[1]

In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus prays that his cup be taken from him. He is aware that the content of his cup contains deep sorrow. He will bear the consequence of all sin and brokenness. Sweating drops of blood he agonises with his Abba Father saying, ‘If you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done’ (Luke 22:42, NIV). Have you ever prayed for the content of your cup to be removed?

Jesus drank his cup knowing that it was the will of his Father, and he was not alone. Jesus raised and entrusted the content to his Father because of the Father’s commitment to him. We read, ‘An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him’ (Luke 22:43 NIV).

His raising and drinking brought salvation, freedom, glory and wholeness, establishing a new covenant family. His drinking established a community that could commit to walk life together and raise their cups together.

The Christian community, found in Christ, is to be one that helps each other discover joy amid sorrow, blessing amid challenge, hope in despair.

Today, may we help one another raise our cups. ‘To life!’

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[1] Henri J.M. Nouwen, Can You Drink the Cup?, Ave Marie Press, Notre Dame, USA,1996.