C. H. Spurgeon's Morning & Evening Devotional: 03/21/AM
Bible software
For a complete Bible study software package with over one million cross-references
combined, try SwordSearcher.
SwordSearcher has tens of thousands of topical and encyclopedic entries
all linked to scripture, fully searchable and indexed by both topic and
verse reference, and includes Spurgeon's Morning and Evening devotional.
Also, try Daily Bible and Prayer to keep track of your prayer list, do a daily devotional from C. H. Spurgeon's Faith Checkbook, and make Bible reading plans.
Back to Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotional index
"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 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."
Entry taken from Morning and Evening, by Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892). Morning and Evening is available in print and is part of SwordSearcher Bible Software.
Next reading: 03/21/PM