Daily Devotional – I’m Normal.™ I AM Ministries
“To promote Godly living in a culture committed to destroying it”
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Scattering and Gathering
Tragedy enters our life in many ways. Occasionally warning signs arise that foretell an impending misfortune, but usually tragedy strikes suddenly and without notice. Sometimes it comes in the midst of relatively peaceful times; sometimes multiple tragedies strike almost simultaneously. The Bible cautions us, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” (Proverbs 27:1).
This warning applies to Jesus’ disciples on the night of the Last Supper – their world was about to change radically in the next 24 hours. They had all just completed an eternal fellowship, ushering in the New Covenant through His body and blood, yet not realizing the full significance. Well fed, both physically and spiritually, the disciples and Jesus walked peacefully through the Mount of Olives. In this idyllic grove, everything seemed perfect. Jesus, however, knew a great storm was arising, which would bring great trials to affect the lives of all those in His company. Jesus also knew some of the first trials would strike that very night.
Jesus warned His disciples by quoting prophesy from Zechariah 13:7, “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” (Matthew 26:31). He knew He must be struck and His disciples thrown into disarray that very night in order to fulfill Scripture. Their reaction belied their lack of faith – they would be so frightened by the events they would not have the courage to stay close to Him. Every one of them would desert Him.
Sometimes it is when we feel closest to Christ that we endure our greatest afflictions. The disciples must have felt close to Him that evening after enjoying such rich fellowship and spiritual revelation. Peter, in his inimitable style, ignored the wisdom of the Proverbs and proclaimed he would never fall away (Matthew 26:33), unaware what the night would bring (John 18:10). Jesus knew better. He knew then and now that we are all weak and in danger of fleeing the safe harbor of His care when circumstances turn sour.
Jesus also had an eye to the eternal and spiritual nature of the world the disciples could not see. Satan is busy always, especially when we are close to Christ, trying to separate us from the fold. As part of our ongoing test in life, God often permits trials by fire. He also knows that even those with upright hearts may be overtaken by Earthly tribulations and will fall away from fellowship with Him. Jesus had recently revealed to His disciples the treachery of Judas, but more trouble loomed.
Jesus was trying to warn the disciples not to feel secure in their status, for there would not be just one traitor that night, they all would be deserters of their LORD. The Cross of Jesus Christ is a great stumbling block for many who claim to be His disciples. This includes the Cross He bore for us (1 Corinthians 1:23) and the Cross we are called to bear for Him (Matthew 16:24). We all have Peter’s desire to be faithful, but often are scattered and deny Him when disaster strikes our lives. And as we know, Peter’s desire was not up to the test when he denied His LORD three times that night.
It is not normal to fall away from Christ in times of adversity or disaster, but Jesus knows we often fail in these circumstances. In His mercy and grace, He gives all the comfort of knowing He will be back to gather His scattered sheep. “After I have risen, I will go before you.” (Matthew 26:32). Jesus is telling His believers, “Though you forsake me, I will not forsake you; though you fall, I will take care of you so that our separation is not permanent.” To His disciples, He promises a meeting in Galilee. To Peter, He provided a restoration after His resurrection (John 21:15-19). To us, He promises a Kingdom in Heaven and a Second Coming to Earth.
It is normal for the King of our salvation to rally His troops when scattered, even though it is cowardice that sends them astray. His love for us is greater than our love for Him, and He will bring us back by His own hand because He wants none of us to be lost forever (2 Peter 3:9). Won’t you take some time today to thank Him for His faithfulness and to ask Him to keep you close to Him during your next trial? He knows at some point you will desert Him. Jesus is in a continual process of gathering His lost sheep. Praise Him today for His willingness to always take you back.
In His love and service,
Jeff Myers
A servant of Jesus Christ
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