Today’s Reading: John 18:2 (NIV)
2 Now Judas, who betrayed Him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples.
Good morning!
When I was in elementary school, the girls in my class would gather together on the playground during recess in our secret place. We would huddle together underneath the jungle gym, pretending to be Nancy Drew, teenage super sleuth, as we unlocked yet another one of life’s incredible mysteries. No one had to tell us where to meet; we all knew where to find the place. And while we were not invisible to the children playing all around us, they seemingly could not touch us there. We were safe within its shelter. Every summer, when the playground was unusually quiet, I would ride my bicycle to the schoil and sit underneath the jungle gym, remembering the many adventures I shared there with my friends. I always looked forward to our first day back in September, knowing that we would rendezvous’ there, picking up the journey right where we left off last spring.
Jesus knew the olive grove well. It had become a personal refuge; His home away from home. This was where He often went to pray and wait in the Father’s holy presence. Jesus taught His disciples about the Father’s love from underneath the olive branches. It was not uncommon for Christ to spend all night in the olive grove, enjoying sweet communion with His Father. He was safe within its branches, sheltered by a love that would not let Him go.
Judas also knew the place where Christ would be. As a part of the inner circle, He had personally experienced Christ’s unconditional love in the place. Judas watched and waited as Jesus prayed all night long. It was no surprise that he and his lynch men would find the Master there. Whatever possessed Judas to betray His Lord in the place?
Do you know the Way? He is where the noise of this world fades; where real Truth and Life begins. The Savior is waiting for us to return to the place where we are safe, sheltered within the everlasting arms of love. Come with me this morning. Let us find our Lord together, in the place.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
___________________________
© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
No comments:
Post a Comment