Gethsemane. The place of pressing oils. This is the backdrop of Jesus's final moments before his betrayal and journey to the cross. It was the place of his own pressing. Surrendering himself to the Father's will, he entered the press and allowed himself to be crushed for the glory of the Father, and for the redemption of humankind. As followers of the Way, we, too, are called into the press - a life of surrender for the glory of the Creator. In an age that values personal glory and fame over sacrifice, it's increasingly paramount that we live into our call to enter the press. The question is, are we willing?

Chris Shalter is the Campus Pastor of Grace Point Church of the Nazarene in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He is also the author of the book, "Posture & Reverence" available on Amazon.