Last night at our
Bible study we discussed the word “let”, and in what several contexts it appears
in the Bible. The verse that stood out the most to me was Matthew 26:39. “And he
went a little farther, 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” (KJV).
In the garden the
night before His crucifixion Jesus faced what He had come into the world to
do....to carry the weight of our sin to the cross so that we might be freed from
its destruction. He, who had no sin, was called to become sin so that we might
know the greatest forgiveness and grace ever promised. There Jesus was in such
agony of what was to come that he sweated blood. Even though he cried out and
asked God to release Him from the burden of our sin, and the pain of separation
at the cross, He surrendered to the pain that was ahead for Him. He let go of
His own desire for that of His father. He said yes, and took our sin to the
cross. And there is was forever crucified and buried so that we might be raised
with Him to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). He let go of everything for
us.
Our Bible study and
Matthew 26:39 came together this morning as I thought of my mother, and one year
ago today. On Monday, January 28, 2013, my mother let go of her struggle to make
it through each day. Mama retired to her bed, and never got out of it again. She
died on February 3rd a few days later. Mama had a strong faith in
God, and knew it was time to let go. She had tried so hard all of her life to
reach her family and hold us strongly together. She had given all she had for
each one of us. She had faithfully prayed for years for each one of us. As my
sister declared at Mama's service “mama loved fiercely.” She loved with all she
had to give.
Jesus loved us with
all He had to give. There is no greater love that when a man lays down his life
for another. Mama's life was changed by Christ, and her love was deep and it was
fierce. It was a result of what Jesus had accomplished in her life. I have known
His love through her. And I know it within me because of her influence in my
life.
Daddy let me have a
discipleship study book from years ago and there in her own writing this
morning, I discovered something I have never known before.....her precious words
written for only me....her only words about what she witnessed in my life. It is
a gift I never expected. Mama let go, and I have discovered a part of her heart
where I never knew I brought her joy. Jesus let go for me and He let go for you.
We can all discover a part of His heart and understand His love that brings
great joy.
Perhaps this
devotional is a little disjointed this morning. But I know that Mama let go in
order to be with the Savior who let go for her. It is just a matter of letting
go and letting Him. It is just a matter of heart, mercy, grace, and the greatest
love ever known.
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