Three things set apart Christ in this scene: the world, the flesh and the devil. He overcame them all. What can give joy and alacrity but knowing this? Thou, Lord, leadest us on in triumph! Talk not to the saint who knows anything of what Christ’s conflict was, of the dread of conflict! Let me set my sorrows against Christ’s, my conflict against Christ’s!
He had none to solace Him; He was forsaken of God at the last hour. True, it is a conflict for us; there is no mistake about that; but if I know powerlessness, I know what it is to fight under Him; and if I have nothing to say for myself, I know that He is more than conqueror for me. We need watchfulness, we need to watch against Satan, to be separate from the world; but Christ is there for every time of need.
People talk of romance of affection; I can only say I wish there were more of it. I wish to be where my blessed Lord is. What alone can give bounding of heart; what can give brightness of face? It is getting to know Christ in heaven, and finding that He has there a heart flowing over with affection for me!