He prayed for us!

I went to church this past Sunday, but I have no idea what the preacher said.  Now, before you judge me let me explain.  I was at church but I was in the nursery - loving on babies, changing diapers, picking up toys and wiping runny noses.  So therefore, I missed what I am sure was a very good message and I heard through the grapevine that I missed some good music too (I really hate I missed some good ole hymns!)  However, the Sunday before I heard a message that really got me thinking.  Since this blog is supposed to be about my “daily thought” I feel compelled to write about a subject that has caused me to “think” every day since the sermon.   Our pastor, in preparing for Easter, has been preaching on the weeks and days before Jesus was crucified and resurrected.    I know I’ve heard a similar message before, I had even taken notes in my bible – but I had FORGOT that Jesus prayed for us in the garden.  How I could forget such a wonderful fact is beyond me – but I didn’t remember. 

In John Chapter 17 you can read the whole prayer.  There Jesus was, praying, knowing for sure that he is about to be killed.  He prays for his disciples who he knows will be left behind when he is gone, but literally asks God to be with “not just these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word”.  That means that as a born-again believer, he was praying for me and you.   Now I won’t even pretend to understand this all, a theologian I am not – but the realization that Jesus prayed for me and you, blows my mind.  Here’s why – it doesn’t take a rocket scientist theologian to know this – if Jesus prayed and asked God for something, it’s gonna be answered.  I mean after all, he is Jesus and he is praying to his Father.  It's so extremely complex and yet so true.

We all know that God does answer our prayers, but sometimes the answer may not be what we want.  That’s because we may ask for something that is just not in God’s will.  Maybe God says “wait” or maybe he says “no” altogether.  But if Jesus prays and asks God something, it has to be God’s will - because he is God.  He knew no sin; his heart was pure and perfect.  I don’t understand it all, but I believe it. 

I love Easter.  I love the colors, the eggs, the bunnies, all of it.  For the past few years Easter has kind of pierced my heart because I missed my mama so bad.  She loved Easter too, and made it so pretty and special.  However, this message, on an average Sunday morning has made Easter even more special to me.  Not only does Easter remind me that Jesus did indeed die on the cross for my sins, but even before he died, he was praying and asking God to be with me and protect me from the “evil one” (satan) and much, much more.  You’ll just have to get your bible out and read it yourself.  It’s good stuff.  So, my hope is that you are encouraged to know how very much Jesus loves you and me, so much that he prayed for us.  If ever a prayer was answered, we can rest assured this one was.  Happy Easter.