WEEK TWO
OBEDIENCE–A STURDY STAFF
Taken from “Behold His Love” by Basilea Schlink
Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and being made perfect he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. Heb. 5:8,9 RSV
The dread darkness of evil forces surrounded Jesus in Gethsemane. He must have almost died in the midst of such raging of hell. How He must have longed for a staff to lean upon during this hour of temptation. Hell was trying to devour him. But there was no staff. His disciples, who should have supported Him, proved useless. But God showed Jesus a different staff, which brought Him safely through the night of temptation: blind obedience. Jesus used this staff of obedience to the will of the Father to bring Him through that dreadful hour. It brought Him victory in that mighty battle, when He stood alone, facing the combined forces of hell.
Now, whenever we are in temptation, Jesus offers us this same staff. It enables us to find the right way in the dark. It leads us to victory in the struggle against temptation, exhortations, commands and promises which we receive as personal words of guidance. The man who walks step by step in the way God has shown him, without looking to the right or left, will never be conquered by the enemy.
The greater and more blessed our ministry is to be, the greater the temptations we will have to endure. For when Satan sees that a human live is accomplishing great things for the Kingdom of God, he goes into battle. God permits him to do so, in order that His disciples’ obedience may be tested and proved. If the disciples overcome, their lives will receive a double endowment of power. They will become pillars in His Kingdom and one day they will receive the crown of life.
Jesus led the way as the “pioneer of our salvation”. Now, if we follow Him, our way will also end in victory. 
Such anguished grief and pain You felt,
As by the garden rock You knelt;
For comfort You must seek in vain,
That sinners grace and mercy gain,
O Comforter divine.
Lord Jesus,
I thank You that You endured being bitterly tempted by the enemy in Gethsemane. Because of this, I know that You understand my temptations. I thank You for standing beside me in times of temptation, as my Brother and Helper. You will not hand me over to Satan. I thank You for the assurance that You could do no such thing, for You fought the battle in Gethsemane for our sake, for my sake, so that the enemy should no longer have any right to me. How can any temptation be mightier than You? In Gethsemane You totally defeated Satan and his temptations, I believe in Your victory in Gethsemane and call upon Your name, Jesus. You have power over my temptations. The enemy will yield. Amen