Flowing water creates a crooked riverbed because the flow follows the path of least resistance. Like a river, people can develop crooked behavior if they follow a path of least resistance. That’s why Jesus tells us to stay alert lest we fall into temptation. Jesus made that statement as He was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was about to face the greatest challenge of His earthly stay and He knew the best way to face it—by praying earnestly to His Heavenly Father. In that hour of intense mental agony, He knelt down and prayed. We read in Luke chapter 22: “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Despite His intense agony, His supreme desire was to complete the mission He came to earth to accomplish, to give his life as a ransom for our sin. He knew that the eternal plans for the salvation of all humanity depended upon His faithfulness. After He declared His intent to stay the course, an angel suddenly appeared to strengthen Him. This suggests that when we, in faith, declare our intent to obey our Lord, He will strengthen us to fulfill our commitment.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
