Ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone. John 16:32 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 favored ones could approach the veil of our Lords mysterious sorrow: within that veil even these must not intrude; a stones-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 Redeemers 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 Savior’s woe. Thine unknown sufferings is the remarkable expression of the Greek liturgy: there was an inner chamber in our Masters 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. Spurgeon Devotional It is time to gear up for March Mower Madness on Saturday the 29th between 11 AM and 4 PM. It is always an exciting time for us here at First Baptist Durant and this year will be even greater. This is our opportunity to reach out to the community and show our love towards our neighbors. Come on out to Durant First Baptist Church located at 7725 South Turkey Creek Road in Durant for evening classes on Advanced Bible Basics. If you are interested in a deeper study in the Bible, then this is the place to be at 7 PM on March 27th. Pastor Ryan Grafton and Thomas Kirkpatrick will be conducting the classes.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 09:43:57 +0000