And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. And they laid hands on him and seized him. But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” And they all left him and fled. (Mark 14:43-50 ESV).
The Bible includes many stories in which God’s people start out well but end up forsaking the way of life and truth. Jesus calls twelve followers to be his disciples. They learn from him and follow his ways. They even go out two by two to spread the Gospel and do miracles. But in the end Judas betrays Jesus, Peter denies him, and all the other disciples flee and hide. There are also some women who faithfully follow Jesus from Galilee. But when he is arrested, they too hide in fear. Jesus’ disciples and other followers all turn out to be discipleship failures.
If you read about the leaders of God’s people in the Old Testament, you find that King David began as a man after God’s own heart (cf. 1 Samuel 13:14). But when he became powerful, he gave in to adultery and murder and lost his kingdom to Absalom (cf. 2 Samuel 11-15). David’s son Solomon began as the wisest king Israel ever had, but when he married women who worshiped other gods, his heart turned from God, and the kingdom split apart (cf. 1 Kings 3; 11-12).
These figures serve as examples to prod us to faithfulness and perseverance. Perseverance is often challenging, especially in difficult circumstances. As I wrote yesterday, our human spirits are weak. It is only by the strength of God in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that we can stand firm. We gain that strength through a consistent walk with Him in prayer, meditation, and practice. Join me in that commitment.