RPG: "ALONE"

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2011
ISAIAH 53:1-9

JOHN 16:29-33

An angel strengthened Him.

ALONE

The fellowship of the Garden of Sorrows was reserved for the selected few. The majority of the disciples were not qualified to behold the mysteries of the divine agony. Like them, most Christians today are still mere babes as to the spirit of the Gospel.

Of the twelve, only eleven were privileged to enter Gethsemane and see "this great sight" --- never witnessed before, and never to be repeated after. Of the eleven, eight were left at a distance. They had fellowship but not of the intimate sort to which men greatly beloved are admitted.

Only three highly favoured ones were admitted to view our Lord's suffering, but beyond the veil even these must not intrude; they remained a stone's throw removed. The Son of God must tread the wine-press alone. No human could share in His sorrow.

To the three selected spirits, it was given to see the agony and hear the pleadings of the Saviour. To them was granted the "fellowship of his sufferings" (Phil 3:10 ) to strengthen them for future conflict, and for the benefit of others. That night, they witnessed what our Lord bore for our sakes.

But the secret place of the Saviour's woe was exclusively His own. It was an inner chamber shut out from human observation and knowledge. There, God the Son suffered --- alone.

It was alone the Saviour prayed
In dark Gethsemane;
Alone He drained the bitter cup
And suffered there for me. 

THOUGHT: Jesus was the Man of Sorrows - for me.

PRAYER: I thank Thee, Lord, for suffering for me.