He never deserted them, but they, in cowardly fear for their lives, fled when His sufferings began. This shows how fragile we believers are without His strength. We're like sheep, fleeing when the wolf appears. Despite being warned and promising to stand by Him, they panicked and ran. Today, I might be determined to endure a trial for His sake and think I'll remain perfectly faithful.

Let me watch myself so I don't stray from my Lord like the apostles did. Promising is one thing; doing is another. It would have brought them eternal honor to stand by Jesus, but they fled from it. May I not do the same! Near the Master, they were safest, protected by Him who could summon angelic legions.

They ran from safety. God, help me not to act foolishly. By grace, the coward can gain courage. The weak can burn brightly when God wills it.

Those timid apostles became bold as lions when the Spirit came upon them. The Holy Spirit can also strengthen my weak spirit to stand for my Lord and His truth. What pain Jesus must have felt seeing their faithlessness! It was a bitter part of His suffering. Let's not add to it. If I forsake Him, I crucify Him again and bring Him shame. Keep me from such an end, Holy Spirit.