Background
Much like yesterday's passage, we see the words of a manwho no longer sees death as something in the distance, but rather areal and present possibility. While Jesus denies Peter's assertionthat this is something to be avoided, Hezekiah of Judah is muchmore convinced that staying alive is the best thing to do. While Ican see why Jesus says that he must die, and it is not to beavoided, I find it easier to agree with Hezekiah; I too, would tryand avoid death should it confront me, as it has done here in thispassage.
These verses contain the cry of a desperate man; an appeal toGod when things become intolerable. This is so often true of ourinteractions with God. We often hear sermons about how we must notonly pray when we are in times of trouble, or when we feeldowntrodden and hopeless. And it is surely a factor and a mark of'true religion' (to use the old-fashioned term) that prayer is partof everyday existence. However, today's passage tells us somethingelse - that there is value and use in crying out to God. "God isour refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm46:1) has always been a great comfort to me, to know that Goddwells with us at all times, including those that are of the veryworst kind. We don't begrudge our friends' presence when we maybehaven't seen in a long time, but who then reappear when things havegotten tough for them. How much more then, does the almighty,all-loving God not begrudge us the prayer in the middle of thenight, or the sorrow that we throw upon God in our darkestmoments?
Jesus says to the crowds "Come to me, all you that are weary andare carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest… and you willfind rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29). The old hymn also tells of "what peace we oftenforfeit" and "what needless pain we bear" because we don't sharethose problems with our Lord and Saviour. A friend of mine worksfor the Samaritans, answering the phone and speaking to people whoshe has never met, because she knows of the value for those folksof having someone to talk to. It's such a huge gift in ourChristian faith to know that we can speak to God, who is in allthings, and we can know not only that he understands, but thatJesus himself felt these things too. He was rejected, he was leftalone, and he felt the worst kinds of pain, just like Hezekiah feltwhen he spoke these words. He understands and is with us throughall the worst sufferings, whether we've have remembered him in thebetter times or not. Therefore, we can realise what a friend wehave in Jesus.
To Ponder
- When things get too much, what can you do to maintain yourfaith?
- What markings of 'true religion' might help us?