Tag: #dewdropsofmanna

Cast Your Cares

Have you ever experienced those restless nights, tangled in worries and uncertainties? Perhaps it is anxiety about your health, family or finances. My family and I have experienced our share of these challenges firsthand. But the Word of God gives us a solution for it: Cast it and rest.

1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Casting Your Load
The English term “casting” doesn’t quite capture the full impact of Peter’s message. In Greek, “casting” is translated as “epiripto,” derived from “epi” (meaning “on top of”) and “ripto” (to hurl, throw, or cast with force). This word conveys a powerful and forceful action, suggesting a vigorous and decisive throwing or flinging of something to be free from its burden. In our daily lives, it’s like tossing heavy luggage into the trunk of a car after carrying it a long way.

Casting to the Carer
The word for “he cares” in Greek is “melei”, which means to bestow careful thought upon, to give painful attention to, or to be earnestly interested in. Peter’s message to us is this: We have a God who gives utmost attention to the details of your anxieties, and is able and willing to help you when you unload your burdens on to Him. David tells us in Psalms 55:22 – “Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”

Casting With Both Hands
The imagery of this verse vividly portrays using both hands to lift a heavy burden off our shoulders. Similarly, we can use our hands of prayer and promises in God’s Word to cast our burdens.

Casting Helpers
Knowing that we are not able to bear the burdens ourselves, God has promised us helpers for our time of need:

  • Holy Spirit: When your head is spinning with the seemingly unending worries, and your heart is wounded with the taunting attacks of the enemy, there is a helper who is always by your side: the Holy Spirit of God. Romans 8:26 says: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
  • Jesus our High Priest: Jesus who tasted the pains and sufferings of mankind, is now glorified and sitting at the right hand of God, is our advocate in heaven. Hebrews 4:15–16 (ESV) says “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Casting Example
A perfect example of someone who truly trusted the Lord during his trial is Peter himself, the writer this verse! Acts 12:6 says “The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate.”
Herod had imprisoned Peter and his life was in danger but knowing that his life was secure in God’s hands, Peter slept well that night.

Life Application
Life often brings burdens that feel overwhelmingly heavy. But in the original Greek version, we’re encouraged to fling these worries and anxieties onto the Lord. Let Him carry them, for He genuinely cares about every part of our lives and our well-being. Hebrews 13:5 assures us that Jesus said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” When the enemy’s roar seems deafening, step forward and roar back with the voice of Jesus – the Lion of Judah ! Proclaim His promises over your pain, and you’ll find the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.

Spanish version: ​https://dewdropsofmanna.com/spanish-pages-list/echa-tus-preocupaciones/

​Hindi version:​ ​https://bit.ly/3K5XmFr

Mom’s Miracle Moment

While we celebrate famous inventors like those behind electricity, telephones, cars, light bulbs, and airplanes, we are in awe of their inventions. Their names are etched into the Hall of Fame for the impact of their contributions. But the Bible introduces us to a seemingly ordinary woman, Jochebed, who invented a remarkable waterproof, crocodile-proof product.

Exodus 2:3: But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.

Extraordinary steps in excruciating times.
In the years following Joseph’s death, Israel resided in Egypt under Pharaoh’s rule. Pharaoh issued a decree ordering the killing of all male Hebrew infants under the age of two to curb the growth of the Israelite population. In this oppressive environment, Amram and Jochebed, a devout couple, anticipated the birth of their third child. When Pharaoh’s command to the midwives to kill Hebrew boys was disobeyed, he mandated that all Hebrew male infants be thrown into the River Nile.

By faith, not fate
Hebrews 11:23- By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.
Moses’ parents noticed that their child was special and believed in God’s purpose for him. They chose to hide him for three months, taking a courageous stand for their faith in God. They did not rely on fate or check the daily horoscope to ensure the safety of their baby.

Preparing for a Miracle
Moses’ mother Jochebed did not have a smartphone to search for a solution for their crisis. But she had one thing: the word of God hidden in her heart.
There are few important lessons we can learn from Jochebed:

  • Remember past miracles: The Hebrew word for the basket she made is tēḇâ (tay-baw) which means “ark”. The only other place this word is used is in reference to Noah’s ark. She believed that just as God had a plan for Noah’s life and rescued him from the flood, He could also save her family from Pharaoh’s oppression. In this corrupt time, as lawlessness threatens our children, let’s reflect on God’s past deeds and find hope.
  • Remember to prepare: Jochebed coated the basket with tar and pitch, showing her faith combined with practical preparation for the miracle. Despite limited resources, she did her best! The tar and pitch symbolize reliance on the Word of God and prayer. In a world full of dangers, like crocodiles waiting to devour us, let’s remember to carefully prepare our own baskets.
  • Remember to rest: After taking every possible step, she placed her baby in a basket and entrusted him to God, and waited for the miracle. Jochebed didn’t anxiously pursue the basket using the latest GPS trackers. Rather she used the other GPS (God’s Protection System) that has sustained her all through her life. She even posted Miriam to be ready to approach Pharaoh’s daughter at the right time.

Extraordinary reward for extraordinary faith
In his divine plan, God orchestrated a reward for Jochebed that no one had ever seen before or even after this incident. Jochebed became the only mother in whole world, who was paid from the king’s palace, to nurse her own child! What a beautiful Mother’s Day gift for this godly mother!

Rewards multiplied
Not only did Jochebed get paid to take care of her child, she also got the opportunity to instill godly values in him as a little child. This paid off in a greater measure when Moses became older.
Hebrews 11:24-25 says “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.”
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 22 that if we train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it.

Life Application
Jochebed’s life is a powerful example of trusting God through trials. Despite the heart-wrenching act of placing her precious three-month-old baby in a basket in River Nile, she surrendered her fears to God, knowing He would take care of what she couldn’t handle. Her story demonstrates how God rewards those who wholeheartedly commit to Him. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of this world and are tempted to give up, take courage from Jochebed’s faith. Remember, God is always in control of our lives. So take heart in His unending love and protection—you are never alone.

Spanish version: https://dewdropsofmanna.com/spanish-pages-list/el-momento-milagroso-de-mama/
Hindi version: bit.ly/44Db2Bh

Tasting In Testing

Have you ever experienced a dangerous situation, where you felt the weight of danger lift off your shoulders at the last possible moment? Perhaps it was deliverance in a car accident, or maybe a medical breakthrough for your sickness. These moments of narrowly escaping disaster often leads us to thanking God for divine providence. The Bible tells us of many such events, but one person who has experienced this many times is: David.

Psalm 34:1,8 – I will praise the LORD at all times; my mouth will continually praise him. O taste and see that the LORD is good, blessed is the man who trusts in Him.

Some of the most beautiful and reassuring verses in the Bible were not
penned by men of God in peaceful settings; rather, they emerged from their
crucibles of sufferings. Psalms 34 and 56, for instance, were born out of David’s moments of extreme trouble, facing threats from all sides with no way out. The experiences described in 1 Samuel 21 provide the backdrop for these powerful psalms.


Proud Moments to Peril
Not long before this, David had triumphed over the giant Goliath. However, his newfound fame led King Saul to pursue him relentlessly, deploying all his military and intelligence assets to capture and kill David. David found himself in danger, feeling betrayed by the very Israelites he had saved from Goliath.
In desperation David runs into the land of Gath. Gath was the hometown of Goliath. Perhaps he went there because he felt that would be one place that Saul would not come looking for him. But the people of Gath captured him and brought him to their King Achish.

Songs from David’s Soul
During this desperate and life-threatening moments, David’s soul turned to God in songs from his heart. Psalm 56 outlines the pain and his prayer: “Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack.”


Tasting God in the “I Scream” moments
In these perilous times, David captures the goodness of God in Psalm 34:8 with these words: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” David emphasizes that God’s goodness isn’t merely heard about, seen in others, or found online on social media—it must be experienced firsthand. Just as tasting a favorite food brings a unique satisfaction beyond words, encountering God’s goodness brings a depth of sweetness beyond description.

Despite his circumstances, David’s heart is steadfast and focused on the provision of God. God gave him a rescue plan that was unique and never again repeated in the Bible: pretend to be a madman in front of the hostile king!

The process of tasting God’s goodness isn’t like walking into an ice cream store and asking for samples. Rather these came in the “I SCREAM” moments of life. In this taste test, we may go through the most desperate, debilitating, discouraging, and downward spirals of life. When everything seems like it has hit rock-bottom, we will see the everlasting hands of Jesus our Rock of ages.

Personal story
In this first week of May, my wife and I celebrate 24 years of God’s faithfulness. Our journey is filled with stories of God turning impossibilities into blessings. After years of praying for a child and enduring pregnancy losses, we experienced the miracles of having 3 beautiful children. Through painful trials of sickness and even near-death situations, we have tasted His goodness firsthand. Our story is a testament to what only God can do.

Life Application
Amid life’s ups and downs, we experience joy, trials, and everything in between. Despite varying challenges, we find peace in knowing God orchestrates every detail. As Luke 12:7 reminds us, God’s intimate care extends even to the hairs on our heads. David closes Psalm 34 with a reassurance: “The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.” So take heart and let’s boldly counter confusion with confidence, proclaiming victory through Jesus in every circumstance.

Spanish: https://dewdropsofmanna.com/spanish-pages-list/degustacion-en-pruebas/
Hindi: https://tinyurl.com/3w2uap8e

Rivers of Grace

Some moments are truly unforgettable, filling us with awe and wonder. From dazzling fireworks on Independence Day to thrilling rocket launches into space, these spectacular events inspire us with their sheer magnificence. In the Bible, we see many such events but one that stands out is: water gushing from a rock .

Numbers 20:8- Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals.

Wonders in Wilderness
Exodus 17:6 – Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel.

In Exodus Chapter 17, during the early stages of the Israelites’ journey, the people were thirsty and complained. Moses was instructed to strike a rock, and miraculously, water gushed forth from this dry rock in the hot desert. This remarkable event provided much-needed relief and sustenance to the thirsty travelers.

Different Generation, Same Aggravation
Later in their journey, after about 37 years, the Israelites encounter the second instance of water from a rock. Biblical scholars say that by this time most of the older generation has passed away, but the grumbling and complaining have persisted among the new generation. What one generation demonstrates, the next generation often adopts. Decades later, they are still lamenting the few pomegranates and figs they had in Egypt. An ungrateful heart can obscure our ability to appreciate God’s goodness and lead us to desire even the old, spoiled figs.

Mistakes, Miracle and Mighty Grace
Numbers 20: 10-11 And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.

In a remarkable display of divine grace, God provided water from a rock despite Moses’ disobedience. Had this miracle not occurred, the people might have stoned Moses and abandoned their journey to the Promised Land.

Punishment for disobedience
Numbers 20:12- But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”

When God’s grace was evident to the people, He also disciplined his faithful servant Moses for a specific error. Surprisingly, this single mistake led to Moses missing the opportunity to enter the Promised Land. Let’s explore why God administered what might seem like a severe punishment for this one misstep.

  • Disobedience – Disobedience often led to immediate punishment in those days.
  • Distrust– Moses trusted in his own past experience than the power of God to do something new.
  • Distortion – By asking “must we bring water from the rock”, Moses claimed credit for the first water miracle.

Identity of the ROCK
1 Corinthians 10:4 – and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.

Paul clarifies that the rock Moses struck symbolized Jesus, as Old Testament events often foreshadow those in the New Testament. In the first instance. the striking of rock and water from the rock represented the hits Jesus endured during his crucifixion. In contrast, when Moses was instructed to speak to the rock, it symbolized the grace and love we can receive from Jesus by just asking Him. There’s no need to strike Him again, as the penalty for our sins has already been paid. Here a significant foreshadowing opportunity was missed.

Solace in Grace
We can find comfort and solace knowing that all is not lost for Moses. While it is true that he did not enter the Promised Land, we see him in the New Testament on the mount of transfiguration:

Luke 9:28–31 – Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray….And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

God in his infinite grace and mercy does not cast away his chosen ones for their mistakes.

Life Application
Today, the unwavering promises of God and His grace remain accessible to us. In times of desperation, disappointment, illness, worry, temptation, and even in moments of spiritual struggle, turn to the Rock. His streams of healing, comfort, grace, and mercy will overflow abundantly! When the enemy tries to convince you that there is no water in this desert and that death is inevitable, point to the Rock split on the cross of Calvary and proclaim victory in the name of Jesus. You too can discover solace and grace in your hour of need.

Spanish version: https://dewdropsofmanna.com/spanish-pages-list/rios-de-gracia/
Hindi version: https://tinyurl.com/y339uv2v

Fearless Fervent Faith

In our society we are constantly in a pursuit to remain young. From banishing gray hairs to erasing wrinkles with creams, everyone seems to be on a mission to look and feel young. But the Bible talks about one man who was not afraid to admit his age and was in fact stronger than most young men of his time: Caleb.

Joshua 14:10–12 – “… and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.” (NKJV)

Facts versus Faith
In Numbers 13, Moses sent twelve spies, including Joshua and Caleb, to scout Canaan. Ten returned with a discouraging report, fearing the giants there were unbeatable. However, Joshua and Caleb trusted God’s promise and believed they could conquer the land with His help.

Age-old Promises, Age-less God.
As Joshua prepares to allocate the land among the tribes of Israel, an 85-year-old man named Caleb makes a unique request. Caleb asks for the land of Hebron, which means “fellowship.” This area holds significance because it’s where Abraham once built an altar and received God’s promise of becoming a father of nations. Despite his age, Caleb holds onto God’s timeless promises and chooses to claim this land based on God’s enduring word.

Problems before Promises.
Caleb was fully aware of the challenges ahead, not blind to the giants still present in the land. While others saw these giants with fear, Caleb, trusting in God, believed differently. He knew that with God on their side, these giants were no match for His power.

U.S. soldiers with the Army Mountain Warfare Basic Mountaineering and Advanced Instructor courses climb Smugglers’ Notch in Cambridge, Vt., Feb. 20, 2014. This is the final tasking of the students prior to graduation the following day. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah Mattison)

Promises Perfected, Prize Presented.
Joshua 14:13-15: Then Joshua blessed him, and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord, the God of Israel.

Joshua presented this faithful warrior the land that he asked for. But the story would’ve had an incomplete ending if Caleb could not accomplish what he said he could.

Joshua 15:14-15: From Hebron Caleb drove out the three Anakites—Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai, the sons of Anak. From there he marched against the people living in Debir (formerly called Kiriath Sepher).

While the world around him would have chosen the safer lands, the greener territories, and perhaps a beach-front home, eighty-five year old Caleb and his family was determined to claim the best that God had for them.

Different Spirit, Different Results
God’s testimony about Caleb is seen in Numbers 14:24: But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it.

Here are some things we can learn from Caleb:

  • Confidence amongst negativity: In Numbers 13, Caleb bravely encouraged the Israelites, saying, “Let’s go and take the land because we can do it.” He stood apart from the fearful majority who doubted. Despite facing opposition, even threats of stoning from the entire congregation, Caleb remained steadfast in his belief.
  • Confidence in God’s promises: Joshua and Caleb firmly declared their trust in God, affirming that if the Lord delights in us, He will surely bring us into this promised land, a land abounding in blessings like flowing milk and honey.
  • Confident, long whole-hearted service: Despite losing all his friends and peers in the wilderness in the 40 year journey, Caleb remained committed to serving God wholeheartedly.

Life Application
In our daily lives, when it feels like God’s promises are taking longer to come to fruition, it’s important to keep trusting Him. Perhaps you’re encountering unforeseen health issues, disappointing exam results, or financial struggles. All these challenges can certainly feel overwhelming. Looking at Caleb’s life, we learn to see obstacles through the lens of faith. When doubts and worries arise, let’s stand firm on God’s Word and anchor ourselves on Jesus Christ, the unmovable Rock. Then we can confidently declare that if God promised us victory, nothing can overpower us.

Spanish version: https://dewdropsofmanna.com/spanish-pages-list/fe-ferviente-e-intrepida/

Hindi version: https://tinyurl.com/39pb24b9

His Cross, Our Crossover

Have you ever noticed how something meaningful can lose its impact through familiarity? Whether it’s a precious diamond necklace, a priceless work of art, or a historically significant object, frequent exposure to it can cause us to lose its value. In fact, the most important thing for all of humanity is often overlooked : the cross of Jesus Christ.

John 19:16-18: Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away. And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha,  where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.

Cross of Jesus
From the tiny cross necklaces to large replicas like Spain’s towering 500-foot monument, symbols of the cross are everywhere. Yet, the cross Jesus bore differed vastly from modern interpretations. Made of rough, unpolished wood, full of splinters, it inflicted excruciating pain. Historians debate over whether Jesus carried the whole cross or just the horizontal crossbeam, but it’s clear that whatever he carried was incredibly heavy. The horizontal beam alone weighed about 125 pounds (60 kilos), and the entire cross weighed over 300 pounds (135 kilos). For someone already beaten many times, navigating uphill with such a burden is a daunting task.

Calvary
Have you ever wondered where the term Calvary came from? In John 19:17, Jesus is depicted bearing his cross, heading to Golgotha, referred to as the place of a skull. The Latin word for skull is Calvaria. That is where the English word “Calvary” comes from.

Carried Our Cross
Wearing a crown of thorns and enduring a back torn by whips, Jesus bore the weight of the cross for us, as Isaiah 53 vividly portrays. Beyond the physical heaviness of the wooden cross, let’s consider the other burdens Jesus carried:

  • Weight of griefs and sorrows: Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. Prophet Isaiah, after portraying Jesus as familiar with suffering in the initial verses, goes on to emphasize that he carried our griefs and sorrows upon himself. This means he took our pain as his own. What a loving Savior!
  • Weight of transgressions and sins: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities.” Isaiah emphasizes that Jesus bore not his own sins, but ours. Driven by love, the sinless Son of God endured piercing and crushing on our behalf. His suffering becomes our salvation from sin.
  • Weight of infirmities and sickness: “the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed”. Jesus paid the price for our healing by being beaten and bruised. His broken body is our breakthrough. His piercings is our peace!

Canceled, Disarmed, Set Free
Colossians 2:16-17: He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

On the cross, Jesus set us free by cancelling every charge written against us, disarmed the powers of the devil, and set us free forever! When the enemy thought he won by nailing Jesus on the cross, it was in fact Jesus making a public spectacle of the enemy.

Life Application
In life’s battles, when guilt and condemnation try to weigh you down, remember the enemy is a liar, and he is a defeated foe. Romans 8:37 reminds us: “in all things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” When your heart is heavy and your hands are weighed down by problems, take solace in remembering His nail-pierced hands. When your head hurts with worries about the daunting obstacles ahead, remember the crown of thorns upon His head 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us: “Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.” So, take heart because His cross is our crossover, and through His blood we have victory forevermore.

  • Cast Your Cares

    Have you ever experienced those restless nights, tangled in worries and uncertainties? Perhaps it is anxiety about your health, family or finances. My family and I have experienced our share of these challenges firsthand. But the Word of God gives us a solution for it: Cast it and rest. 1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all…

  • Mom’s Miracle Moment

    While we celebrate famous inventors like those behind electricity, telephones, cars, light bulbs, and airplanes, we are in awe of their inventions. Their names are etched into the Hall of Fame for the impact of their contributions. But the Bible introduces us to a seemingly ordinary woman, Jochebed, who invented a remarkable waterproof, crocodile-proof product.…

  • Tasting In Testing

    Have you ever experienced a dangerous situation, where you felt the weight of danger lift off your shoulders at the last possible moment? Perhaps it was deliverance in a car accident, or maybe a medical breakthrough for your sickness. These moments of narrowly escaping disaster often leads us to thanking God for divine providence. The…

  • Rivers of Grace

    Some moments are truly unforgettable, filling us with awe and wonder. From dazzling fireworks on Independence Day to thrilling rocket launches into space, these spectacular events inspire us with their sheer magnificence. In the Bible, we see many such events but one that stands out is: water gushing from a rock . Numbers 20:8- Take…

  • Fearless Fervent Faith

    In our society we are constantly in a pursuit to remain young. From banishing gray hairs to erasing wrinkles with creams, everyone seems to be on a mission to look and feel young. But the Bible talks about one man who was not afraid to admit his age and was in fact stronger than most…

Gethsemane- He Gets Us

Everyone loves beautiful gardens, and botanical gardens proudly welcome a staggering 4 million visitors each year. The sheer beauty and awe that these splendid creations evoke captivate our minds as we stroll through these landscapes. However, there’s one garden of profound importance, that surpasses them all in significance—the Garden of Gethsemane.

Mark 14:32-36 – And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”… and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.  And he said, Abba, Father, …Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Gethsemane: The Olive Oil Press
Hebrew word for Gethsemane is GatSh’manim. This comes from two words: gath, which means the press; shmanin, is the word for olives. Olive oil played a crucial role, from being used in everyday lampstands to serving in ceremonial cleansing by priests.

Farmers used sticks to knock olives from trees. The olive press involves two stones, one large atop and another beneath, effectively crushing the olives to extract oil. Alternatively, men could also press olives underfoot to obtain the desired olive oil.

This holds great significance as it symbolizes Jesus undergoing beating, crushing, and piercing for our redemption. Let’s look at some things that happened at this Garden.

Garden of Agony
Gethsemane was indeed a garden where Jesus went through deep agony. Here he was:

  • Pressed, Tempted, Surrendered. As Jesus prayed, his sweat resembled blood drops. Tempted like any other man, he implored the Father to spare him from the impending death, but submitted to the Father’s will. Mark Chapter 14 depicts this distressing moment as a moment when He was deeply troubled and He fell to the ground. Notice that the reason for this agony stemmed from the realization that, for the first time, He would be separated from the Father, and it was not an attempt to evade His mission.
  • Pressed and Punished. Equally important is the fact that the reason for his agony was that the cross was going to be the full unleashing of the wrath of God the Father, and the sin of the whole world was going to be laid upon the sinless Son of God. That includes our sins, and the sin of generations past, present and future.

Garden of Betrayal
Gethsemane showed the deepest betrayal. Jesus spent three and a half years with 12 disciples, loving and teaching them about God’s mysteries. But when He needed help, no one was there. Judas Iscariot betrayed Him, and even His trusted friends—Peter, James, and John—fell asleep instead of praying with Him.

Garden of Victory
Gethsemane is the garden where the journey to victory started. Here, the decision to obey the Father’s will, no matter the cost, was made. The completion of this process happens in another garden, the Garden Tomb, but Gethsemane marks the beginning of it all.

Life Application
As we go through the various seasons of life, let us remember what our Savior did for us. Unconditional love, sacrificial love, and love beyond measure was demonstrated in the garden of Gethsemane.

If you’ve been feeling hopeless, agonizing about what tomorrow will bring, remember that Jesus has experienced the same. Prophet Isaiah calls Jesus “a man of suffering, and familiar with pain” (Isaiah 53:3).

If you’ve ever felt betrayed by loved ones, know that you’re not alone—He has experienced it too. On the other hand, pause and consider if, inadvertently, you’ve betrayed the love of our Savior. It may not involve 30 pieces of silver, but perhaps it’s dedicating 30 hours a week to other priorities that overshadow your time with the Lord.

If you’ve been feeling unattractive, lonely, or ignored, remind yourself – He has been there as well! Prophet Isaiah says Jesus was “like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him…” (Isaiah 53:2).

Going through the pain of Gethsemane, Jesus tasted all these for us so that He can hold our hands and walk us into the garden of victory! So take heart, when the enemy tells you all is lost, point him to the Garden of Gethsemane and proclaim that victory was won! Gethsemane is where it all began.

  • Cast Your Cares

    Have you ever experienced those restless nights, tangled in worries and uncertainties? Perhaps it is anxiety about your health, family or finances. My family and I have experienced our share of these challenges firsthand. But the Word of God gives us a solution for it: Cast it and rest. 1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all…

  • Mom’s Miracle Moment

    While we celebrate famous inventors like those behind electricity, telephones, cars, light bulbs, and airplanes, we are in awe of their inventions. Their names are etched into the Hall of Fame for the impact of their contributions. But the Bible introduces us to a seemingly ordinary woman, Jochebed, who invented a remarkable waterproof, crocodile-proof product.…

  • Tasting In Testing

    Have you ever experienced a dangerous situation, where you felt the weight of danger lift off your shoulders at the last possible moment? Perhaps it was deliverance in a car accident, or maybe a medical breakthrough for your sickness. These moments of narrowly escaping disaster often leads us to thanking God for divine providence. The…

  • Rivers of Grace

    Some moments are truly unforgettable, filling us with awe and wonder. From dazzling fireworks on Independence Day to thrilling rocket launches into space, these spectacular events inspire us with their sheer magnificence. In the Bible, we see many such events but one that stands out is: water gushing from a rock . Numbers 20:8- Take…

  • Fearless Fervent Faith

    In our society we are constantly in a pursuit to remain young. From banishing gray hairs to erasing wrinkles with creams, everyone seems to be on a mission to look and feel young. But the Bible talks about one man who was not afraid to admit his age and was in fact stronger than most…