Which Garden are You Standing in?

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 8/16/10 – 2 Kings 24; Jeremiah 22; Psalm 112; John 18 - “Which Garden are You Standing In?”

S – John 18:4-5 – “Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?" "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said.” (NIV)

O – Judas came to the Garden of Gethsemane with the soldiers and religious leaders to take Jesus by force. Jesus was not taken by surprise, He was a willing sacrifice and after asking “Who is it you want?” Jesus said “I am He.” In the first Garden (Eden) the first Adam met the enemy and failed. But in the 2nd Garden, the second Adam (Jesus) met the enemy and triumphed. Adam hid himself but Jesus openly revealed Himself.

A – Nothing took Jesus by surprise. He stood strong and He knew Who He was. When we are confronted with opposition, we can choose the response that was in the first Garden, and cower in fear; or we can choose the response that was in the second Garden and stand up to our opposition and know who we are in Christ. Because He knows His identity, we can know ours, because OUR IDENTITY IS IN HIM!

P – Lord, strengthen us in the power of Your Truth and Your might and Your identity! Cause us to know for certain that it is in you that we live and move and have our being!