"Then all the disciples forsook him and fled" (Matthew 26: 56).
He never deserted them, but they, in cowardly fear of their lives, fled from Him in the very beginning of His sufferings. This is but one instance of the frailty of all believers if left to themselves. They are but sheep at best, and they flee when the wolf comes. They had all been warned of the danger and had promised to die rather than leave their Master. Yet, they were seized with sudden panic and took to their heels. It may be that I, at the opening of this day, have braced my mind to bear a trial for the Lord's sake, and I imagine myself to be certain to exhibit perfect fidelity. But let me be very jealous of myself, lest, having the same evil heart of unbelief, I should depart from my Lord as the apostles did. It is one thing to promise, and quite another to perform. It would have been to their eternal honor to have stood at Jesus' side. They fled from honor. May I be kept from imitating them! Where else could they have been so safe as near their Master who could easily call for twelve legions of angels? They fled from their true safety. O God, do not let me play the fool also. Divine grace can make the coward brave. These very apostles, who were timid as hares, grew to be bold as lions after the Spirit had descended on them. Even so, the Holy Spirit can make my spirit brave to confess my Lord and witness for His truth. What anguish must have filled the Savior as He saw His friends so faithless! This was one bitter ingredient in His cup, but that cup is drained dry. Let me not put another drop in it. If I forsake my Lord, I will crucify Him afresh and put Him to an open shame. Keep me, O blessed Spirit, from an end so shameful!