Gods Sabbath

314

E NTERING INTO G OD ’ S S ABBATH R EST

During this dark hour, they maintained the same sweet, confid ing trust in Christ that had been developed in happier times. If doubts, uncertainties, and murmurings had possessed them, it would have indicated that they were not soundly committed to God’s holy ways or filled with His Sabbath rest, and therefore no different from most of Israel. But their faith stood the test. When Lazarus at last died, they were understandably bitterly disappointed. But the sustaining grace of Christ kept them from reflecting any blame on the Sav iour. Not the least indication of accusation is recorded in the scriptures (see John 11:1–45). Lazarus and his sisters were rare individuals in that, unlike the multitudes and even the disciples, they did not make plans for their Master and then apply pressure on Him to do things their way. They followed Christ in the way He wished others would. Nothing was so trying or discouraging to Him as the spir it of self-sufficiency, which led most people in Christ’s day to seek their own instead of God’s way. To find this family with a different spirit was like coming to an oasis in the desert. Where as the masses exhausted Him, He was refreshed and encouraged by Lazarus, Mary and Martha. He found a oneness of spirit and purpose there with which He could identify. Their hearts re sponded to His with warmth of fellowship and communion that He, apparently, found nowhere else in Israel. While it is true that the Saviour drew strength from above through close communion with God and nature, He needed human fellowship as well. When this was denied, it did not cause Him to stumble, but it did add a very trying burden. This is, perhaps, nowhere better illustrated than in Gethsem ane, when He called upon His disciples to pray with Him (see Matthew 26:36–46). But each time He returned to receive the assurance that they were fellowshipping with Him in His ag ony, He found them locked in slumber. We may wonder why Christ should feel such a need. We might imagine that He received from His Father all the support He ever needed. But let us remember that the divine nature was only one part in Christ’s life, while He shares His human nature with us. It is hard to conceive of the isolation and depri vation He must have suffered while dwelling among people who