Deserted

“Then all the disciples deserted Him and ran away” Matthew 26:56

This is one of the saddest verses in the Bible.  Jesus has had the last supper with the disciples and has been to the garden.  He is about to face his greatest hour, taking on the sins of the world.  The reason he came to earth is about to be fulfilled according to the Scripture.  Peter told him he would never leave.  When Jesus asked the disciples to pray for him, they all feel asleep.  When he came back a second time, they were still sleeping!  When he was betrayed, they fled.  In Mark’s gospel we know one couldn’t get away fast enough, he fled away naked after losing his cloths. 

We read this and place ourselves there and say we would never have left his side.  We tell ourselves, “I would never have slept on Jesus”.  But people who had walked with him for three years did, I’m sure I would have done the same.  In fact to my shame I have fled Jesus more than once and I have definitely fallen asleep when I should have been praying.  I have deserted Christ, to live a life that he would never approve of.  I have deserted Christ when confronted and I didn’t feel like sharing.  I have deserted Christ when I have gotten mad when I didn’t get my way.  I have deserted Christ when I have treated my family and friends in an unChrist like matter.  I could go on like this for a very long time, but I think you get the point.  Fact is we have all deserted Christ and it is by grace and his incredible love that he so patient with us.  The beautiful part of the gospel is he does forgive us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleans us from all unrighteousness”  (1 John 1:9.)  

Lord forgive us of our shortcomings.  Forgive us when we deny you with our lives, our mouth, and in our heart.  Lord let me decrease and please increase in my life.  Lord burden me with the desire to pray for others.  Lord thank you for your love, mercy and grace. Lord we love you, amen.