David then Jesus Experienced Betrayal on the Mount of Olives
Long before Jesus suffered betrayal from Judas on the Mount of Olives, His human forefather David experienced betrayal there, too!
If you not familiar with the Mount of Olives, it runs north/south and is situated just east of Jerusalem and the temple mount. It’s a very important place mentioned a number of times, either by name or description (Eze 11:23). Jesus ascended from the Mount of Olives (Ac 1:4-12), and someday He will descend to it (Zec 14:4).
King David
The first mention of the Mount of Olives by name was later into David’s reign as king over Israel. His son Absalom stole the hearts of Israel by his ingratiating behavior towards people seeking justice from the king (2 Sa 15:1-6). Then Absalom had himself declared king in Hebron (2 Sam 15:10), and he summoned David’s counselor, Ahithophel (2 Sam 15:12, 1 Ch 27:33). Now when David heard about Absalom’s treason, he was afraid. He led most of his household and loyal servants to flee Jerusalem toward the east.
2 Samuel 15:23 (NKJV)
23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people crossed over. The king himself also crossed over the Brook Kidron, and all the people crossed over toward the way of the wilderness.
From the Kidron Valley, looking up at the East Gate of Jerusalem
The Kidron Valley divides Mount Moriah (on which Jerusalem is built) from the Mount of Olives.
2 Samuel 15:30-31 (NKJV)
30 So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered and went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went up. 31 Then someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”
Not only did David’s own son turn against him, but also his counselor, Ahithophel. “Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God. So was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom” (2 Sa 16:23).
I would not be surprised if David penned these psalms after he found out about Ahithophel’s betrayal. Psalm 55:9, in particular, reminds me of David’s reply when he heard about Ahithophel (2 Sa 15:31).
Psalm 55:9 (NKJV)
9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues,
For I have seen violence and strife in the city.Psalm 55:12-14 (NKJV)
12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me;
Then I could bear it.
Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me;
Then I could hide from him.
13 But it was you, a man my equal,
My companion and my acquaintance.
14 We took sweet counsel together,
And walked to the house of God in the throng.Psalm 41:9 (NKJV)
9 Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted,
Who ate my bread,
Has lifted up his heel against me.
Even as David shared his bread with Ahithophel, Jesus shared His bread with Judas Iscariot.
King David
The first mention of the Mount of Olives by name was later into David’s reign as king over Israel. His son Absalom stole the hearts of Israel by his ingratiating behavior towards people seeking justice from the king (2 Sa 15:1-6). Then Absalom had himself declared king in Hebron (2 Sam 15:10), and he summoned David’s counselor, Ahithophel (2 Sam 15:12, 1 Ch 27:33). Now when David heard about Absalom’s treason, he was afraid. He led most of his household and loyal servants to flee Jerusalem toward the east.
2 Samuel 15:23 (NKJV)
23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people crossed over. The king himself also crossed over the Brook Kidron, and all the people crossed over toward the way of the wilderness.
From the Kidron Valley, looking up at the East Gate of Jerusalem
The Kidron Valley divides Mount Moriah (on which Jerusalem is built) from the Mount of Olives.
2 Samuel 15:30-31 (NKJV)
30 So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered and went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went up. 31 Then someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”
Not only did David’s own son turn against him, but also his counselor, Ahithophel. “Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God. So was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom” (2 Sa 16:23).
I would not be surprised if David penned these psalms after he found out about Ahithophel’s betrayal. Psalm 55:9, in particular, reminds me of David’s reply when he heard about Ahithophel (2 Sa 15:31).
Psalm 55:9 (NKJV)
9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues,
For I have seen violence and strife in the city.Psalm 55:12-14 (NKJV)
12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me;
Then I could bear it.
Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me;
Then I could hide from him.
13 But it was you, a man my equal,
My companion and my acquaintance.
14 We took sweet counsel together,
And walked to the house of God in the throng.Psalm 41:9 (NKJV)
9 Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted,
Who ate my bread,
Has lifted up his heel against me.
Even as David shared his bread with Ahithophel, Jesus shared His bread with Judas Iscariot.
Who Ate My Bread
Luke 22:19 (NKJV)
19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”Matthew 26:21-25 (NKJV)
21 Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”
22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?”
23 He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”
25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?”
He said to him, “You have said it.”John 13:21-30 (NKJV)
21 When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” 22 Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke.
23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke.
25 Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”
26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. 29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.
30 Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night.
Jesus having the foresight to know what Judas would do didn’t eradicate the pain He experienced—it exacerbated it, because He was thinking of it before it happened.
Who Ate My Bread
Luke 22:19 (NKJV)
19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”Matthew 26:21-25 (NKJV)
21 Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”
22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?”
23 He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”
25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?”
He said to him, “You have said it.”John 13:21-30 (NKJV)
21 When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” 22 Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke.
23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke.
25 Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”
26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. 29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.
30 Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night.
Jesus having the foresight to know what Judas would do didn’t eradicate the pain He experienced—it exacerbated it, because He was thinking of it before it happened.
Sorrow on the Mount of Olives
John 18:1-2 (NKJV)
When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.
The Mount of Olives. The Garden of Gethsemane is in the middle.
The Garden of Gethsemane is near the bottom of the Mount of Olives. You can see the ornate church in this picture, taken from outside the eastern wall of Jerusalem. The olive grove around it is visible.
I couldn’t pick between Luke and Matthew’s accounts, because they each have touching details, so I include them both:
Luke 22:39-46 (NKJV)
39 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. 40 When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” 43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. 46 Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”
The Garden of Gethsemane
The description of Jesus’ agony is so hard to read. And my sin was part of the cause!
Matthew 26:36-46 (NKJV)
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”
39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.
44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”
Jesus also gives us a humanly perplexing example of how to face agony. He didn’t focus all of His attention on His own pain, but He showed care for His disciples, too. He repeatedly entreated them, “Pray, lest you enter into temptation.” Luke 22:45 says they were “sleeping from sorrow.”
Paul followed His example, too.
2 Corinthians 11:24-28 (NKJV)
24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.
Picturing Paul going through any of the hard things he lists and still making time to think of and pray for the churches is so amazing. When personal agony strikes, it’s not human nature to show concern for others. But this kind of love is possible by the power of God.
The disciples could not stay awake to pray, but as I wrote in If I Perish, I Perish, Jesus’ earnest prayer and His exhortations are surely an example to us of how to abide through temptation.
Sorrow on the Mount of Olives
John 18:1-2 (NKJV)
When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.
The Mount of Olives. The Garden of Gethsemane is in the middle.
The Garden of Gethsemane is near the bottom of the Mount of Olives. You can see the ornate church in this picture, taken from outside the eastern wall of Jerusalem. The olive grove around it is visible.
I couldn’t pick between Luke and Matthew’s accounts, because they each have touching details, so I include them both:
Luke 22:39-46 (NKJV)
39 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. 40 When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” 43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. 46 Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”
The Garden of Gethsemane
The description of Jesus’ agony is so hard to read. And my sin was part of the cause!
Matthew 26:36-46 (NKJV)
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”
39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.
44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”
Jesus also gives us a humanly perplexing example of how to face agony. He didn’t focus all of His attention on His own pain, but He showed care for His disciples, too. He repeatedly entreated them, “Pray, lest you enter into temptation.” Luke 22:45 says they were “sleeping from sorrow.”
Paul followed His example, too.
2 Corinthians 11:24-28 (NKJV)
24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.
Picturing Paul going through any of the hard things he lists and still making time to think of and pray for the churches is so amazing. When personal agony strikes, it’s not human nature to show concern for others. But this kind of love is possible by the power of God.
The disciples could not stay awake to pray, but as I wrote in If I Perish, I Perish, Jesus’ earnest prayer and His exhortations are surely an example to us of how to abide through temptation.
Jesus’ Arrest
John 18:1-11 (NKJV)
When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. 3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”
5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?”
And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”
10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”
John’s gospel is the only one that records this powerful story of the band of arrestors falling on the ground when Jesus said, “I am He.” I love it!
Matthew 26:47-49 (NKJV)
47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.
48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” 49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.Psalm 55:20-21 (NKJV)
20 He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him;
He has broken his covenant.
21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter,
But war was in his heart;
His words were softer than oil,
Yet they were drawn swords.Luke 22:48 (NKJV)
48 But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”Luke 22:49-53 (NKJV)
49 When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.
51 But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He touched his ear and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
The words Jesus spoke under arrest exhibited boldness and temperance. And he even took the effort to heal Malchus’ ear—another example of being concerned for others despite His own pain.
Familiar with Sorrow
One of the most precious prophecies of Jesus’ greatest work is Isaiah 53:
Isaiah 53:3-6 (NKJV)
3 He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
It’s incomprehensible what Jesus endured on behalf of sinners.
Hebrews 5:5–10 (NKJV)
5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him:“You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.”6 As He also says in another place:
“You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek”;7 who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, 10 called by God as High Priest.
Jesus suffered so we might have the opportunity to be forgiven our sins and be reconciled to a holy God. If you are reading this and you don’t know you’re forgiven of your sins, I encourage to visit my Beliefs page, read the Salvation section and pray about these things. If you know you are not a follower of Christ, I encourage to read the whole Beliefs page. I wrote it as a story of Scripture, to share the high-level message of the Bible, including why Jesus came and died.
Encouragement
As we’re celebrating our Savior’s sacrifice and the life we have through His death, I also want to highlight some more encouragement from Scripture. Even if we face betrayal from a friend, like David and Jesus did—even then we have a friend in Jesus.
These are some of the great words of faith included in Psalm 55, wherein David poured out his heart about the friend betraying him.
Psalms 55:16-18 (NKJV)
16 As for me, I will call upon God,
And the LORD shall save me.
17 Evening and morning and at noon
I will pray, and cry aloud,
And He shall hear my voice.
18 He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me,
For there were many against me.Psalms 55:22 (NKJV)
22 Cast your burden on the LORD,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Jesus’ physical suffering is over, and He is presently at the right hand of the Father interceding for us.
Hebrews 4:15-16 (NKJV)
15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.Psalms 56:8 (NKJV)
8 You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle;
Are they not in Your book?
Besides the fact that He sees the wicked things done to us and empowers us to face them by His Holy Spirit, Christ is also the judge. One day He will avenge the sins of the wicked, in death and/or second death. And He will wipe away the tears of His people (Re 21:4). Amen!
Deaths of the Traitors
As David prayed in the words of Psalm 55, so it was for both Ahithophel and Judas:
Psalms 55:15 (NKJV)
15 Let death seize them;
Let them go down alive into hell,
For wickedness is in their dwellings and among them.Psalms 55:23 (NKJV)
23 But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction;
Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days;
But I will trust in You.
As I was writing this post, it struck me—Ahithophel and Judas, David’s and Jesus’ betrayers, died in the same way! They both committed suicide by hanging. So, in this final way, Ahithophel is a forerunner of Judas.
You remember David prayed that the LORD would turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. Ahithophel gave good counsel, but Absalom heeded the counsel of Hushai, the king’s friend, who feigned loyalty to Absalom.
2 Samuel 17:14 (NKJV)
14 So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring disaster on Absalom.2 Samuel 17:23 (NKJV)
23 Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father’s tomb.Matthew 27:3-10 (NKJV)
3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”
And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!”
5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.
6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.” 7 And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.
9 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, 10 and gave them for the potter’s field, as the LORD directed me.”Acts 1:18-19 (NKJV)
18 (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. 19 And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)
David’s suffering brought about prophecy of Christ’s suffering—what a beautiful picture of God’s promise expressed to us in Romans 8:28:
Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Praise the LORD!
