When we consider our loyalty to Jesus Christ, we become painfully aware how powerful are the temptations to be disloyal to Him.

When we consider our loyalty to Jesus Christ, we become painfully aware how powerful are the temptations to be disloyal to Him. For example, one of His foremost followers, the apostle Peter, disloyally denied Him three times when he was in a group warming themselves around a fire on the chilly early morning. Peter didn't want to appear different; he didn't want the ridicule to extend to him. He thought it too difficult to stand alone for Jesus among worldly peers.

Not only that, but we read that the entire Eleven apostles "forsook Him and fled" when the Temple police arrested Jesus and led Him away to be tried alone. (One of the Twelve, we know, basely betrayed Him. But we're not concerned here with Judas Iscariot--Satan took full control of him and he was lost at last; we are concerned with the Eleven for we want to be among those who, like them, overcome at last.)

Not one of the Eleven who remained came up to Him as He hung on His cross and tried to comfort Him. Not one even gave Him a drink of water. Not one put his hands on His crucified feet and told Him, "Thank You Lord for what You are doing for us!"

One may say, "Oh, He forgave them, it was okay; He didn't really need any comfort from them, for the angels were comforting Him all along. He was the Son of God, and He didn't need anything from His disciples." But He was also the Son of man; and the angels were not permitted to comfort Him in this awful trial. The Eleven were forgiven, yes, but they always regretted their cowardice. We can learn and we can do better.

They did overcome--after Pentecost. The Eleven were all at last faithful unto death.

Now we have come to the end-time crisis. All around us the scenes of Calvary are being re-enacted in principle. Spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of those closing hours of Christ's life; see yourself in Peter; let the Holy Spirit teach you how to be loyal to Christ in your office, your job, your school, your home, yes, even your church. (LET Him teach you; He will if you don't stop Him. LET Him hold you by the hand.)