PETER'S LOST OPPORTUNITY.
By L. J. Burgess
In the garden of Gethsemane Peter lost the opportunity of his life. The history tells of his effort to defend the Saviour with a sword, which met with a rebuke from the King of love. What a different scene it would have been, had Peter come forward and offered himself at least to go with his Master to death. Peter realized his mistake in after years, and was glad to say like Paul, “I am crucified with Christ.” If we would be crucified with Christ, we must “present our bodies a living sacrifice;” we will not be compelled to make the sacrifice. Let us not make the mistake that Peter made in the garden, for no display of outward zeal and bodily exercise can take the place of the entire giving up of self. The way of joy is the way of the cross—“who, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross.” Are you seeking joy? Look for the cross; and when you find it, take it up cheerfully. Remember that “the cross is not greater than His grace.” “If any man will come after Me, let him take up his cross, and follow Me.” L. J. BURGESS. Minneapolis, Minn., Box 989.