|
|
Few had fellowship with the sorrows of Gethsemane. The majority of the disciples
were not sufficiently advanced in grace to be admitted to behold the mysteries
of "the agony." Occupied with the passover feast at their own houses, they
represent the many who live upon the letter, but are mere babes as to the spirit
of the gospel. To twelve, nay, to eleven only was the privilege given to enter
Gethsemane and see "this great sight." Out of the eleven, eight were left at a
distance; they had fellowship, but not of that intimate sort to which men
greatly beloved are admitted. Only three highly favoured ones could approach the
veil of our Lord's mysterious sorrow: within that veil even these must not
intrude; a stone's-cast distance must be left between. He must tread the
wine-press alone, and of the people there must be none with him. Peter and the
two sons of Zebedee, represent the few eminent, experienced saints, who may be
written down as "Fathers;" these having done business on great waters, can in
some degree measure the huge Atlantic waves of their Redeemer's passion. To some
selected spirits it is given, for the good of others, and to strengthen them for
future, special, and tremendous conflict, to enter the inner circle and hear the
pleadings of the suffering High Priest; they have fellowship with him in his
sufferings, and are made conformable unto his death. Yet even these cannot
penetrate the secret places of the Saviour's woe. "Thine unknown sufferings" is
the remarkable expression of the Greek liturgy: there was an inner chamber in
our Master's grief, shut out from human knowledge and fellowship. There Jesus is
"left alone. " Here Jesus was more than ever an "Unspeakable gift!" Is not Watts
right when he sings-
"And all the unknown joys he gives, Were bought with agonies unknown."
"Ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and
shall leave me alone." - John 16:32
See Also:
Daily Devotional: Today With Jesus
Daily Devotional: My Utmost for His Highest
Scripture | Daily Devotionals | Weekly Devotionals | Lectionary | Prayers | Church Fathers | Faith | History | Inspirational | Sermons | Qurbana Videos | Devotional Songs | Poems | Humor | Health | General Interest | Library - Home
-------
Malankara World
A service of St. Basil's Syriac Orthodox
Church, Ohio
Copyright © 2009-2020 - ICBS Group. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
Website designed, built, and hosted by
International Cyber Business Services, Inc., Hudson, Ohio
