|
March 21
|
|
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." March
|
Home
|
Contact
Us |