FEARERS YET FOLLOWERS
‘And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid.’
How is it that a real follower may be a real fearer? I find the answer on that road up to Jerusalem. Why did the disciples fear?
I. They had not adequate ideas of Him Whom they followed.—They did not know what they learnt afterwards, what exceeding care He takes of His own. Therefore they misread their own future. So it is with you. If you knew the character of Christ, if you knew the work of Christ, you would be rid of that fear.
II. They did not love Him as He deserved.—If they had, the love would have absorbed the fear; they would have rejoiced to endure with Him, even to the death; the dignity, the happiness of partnership with Him, would have swallowed up every other consideration. That is a very high stage, but it is a true one. It is that which gives a superiority over death; and when once you have a superiority over death, you are above everything else.
III. They had not what their Master had—one, great, fixed, sustaining aim.—It was that that bore Him so bravely, and that would have borne them. There is nothing so ennobling, there is nothing which makes a hero, a martyr, a saint, like an object, distinct, lofty, worthy.
IV. The disciples had their fears undefined.—It was the indefinite which terrified them. I should hardly say too much if I said that fear is indefiniteness. The terror is the mist which enwraps it.
V. Take, then, four rules—
(a) Fortify yourself in the thought of what Christ is.
(b) Love Him very much, and realise your union with Him.
(c) Set a high mark, and carry your life in your hand.
(d) Often stop and say deliberately to yourself, ‘Why art thou cast down, O my soul?’ and do not go on till you have got an answer.
—Rev. James Vaughan.