Friday, March 16, 2012
Mark 14:50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.
OFT AS I LEFT THEE
They had been with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry. Some had been disciples of John the Baptizer and had begun following Jesus at his direction. Some were found by Jesus at their place of work and left all they had to follow Him.
What things they had seen following Him! They had seen Jesus restore sight to blind people. They had seen the lame walk, people with leprosy cured, and deaf people hear. They had seen Him feed thousands, and walk on water. They had even seen Jesus raise people from the dead! They had seen Him teach again and again, now on hills, now along seashores, as thousands were given the Good News.
Yet, in spite of being blessed with all that time in His presence, when confronted in the Garden of Gethsemane they all deserted Him and high-tailed it to the nearest exit. They had seen Him raise the dead on at least three occasions, but they did not expect help from Him that night.
How ironic that the One who could have most easily run away, the One who could have saved Himself without even snapping His fingers, did not run away! He had seen His disciples arguing among themselves about who was greatest, so sure that they would never deny Him. These were also the disciples who had tried to dissuade Him from walking the path of suffering. But them -- and us -- He would not desert, even if it cost Him everything.
Thou on my head in every youth didst smile,
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 552:5)
