Daily Devotionals

John Gossner's Treasury

Devotional: March 12th

And he fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Matthew 26:39.

What art thou, O man? How deeply art thou fallen since the Son of God must fall to earth in such a struggle for thy sake! How great thy depravity must be, how terrible thy sin, how dangerous thy wounds, and how incurable thy disease, since thy Physician must work Himself to death enduring so much agony and misery. From the means employed to effect thy cure thou couldst and shouldst draw the conclusion as to the nature of thy disease. The means is awe-inspiring. One can not think of it without heartrending sorrow. It cuts the innermost parts of the soul like a two-edged sword and penetrates marrow and bones. How terrible and hopeless thy injury, thy disease! Oh, then learn by regarding thy Atoner and Mediator, thy Physician and Savior, His pain and suffering, to know thyself and to understand who and what thou art. Humble thyself for once and cast thyself down before Him on that earth which is dyed with His bloody sweat shed for thee! Gather up the drops of His blood in thy heart, that it may thereby become softened, changed and cleansed. This bitter cup of death hast thou filled for Him. Thou hast by thy sins filled this cup with death, and with the terrors of death, and He was compelled to drink it. In the place thereof He now hands to thee the cup of salvation and life. Open the mouth of faith and drink. Seest thou thy Savior lying on His face praying for thee, and emptying the most bitter cup in thy stead, then do not feel ashamed to bow thy knees and on thy face pay Him homage and beseech Him for power and grace to wage the battle and to be patient during the days of thy pilgrimage.

May Thy rich grace impart

Strength to my fainting heart.

My zeal inspire;

As Thou hast died for me,

Oh, may my love to Thee

Pure, warm, and changeless be,

A living lire.