ARISE, LET US GO HENCE

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 6, 1860

“ARISE, LET US GO HENCE.”

IN the Saviour’s sermon of the last supper, occur these words: “But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise let us go hence.” John xiv, 31.

We think the punctuation of this scripture in the common version spoils its sense. The first part of the sentence, as it stands, is incomplete, and the reason for the latter clause is not apparent. In the first part, the Saviour proposes some course of action which would be proof to the world that he loved the Father, and did as he had commanded. The disciples might have inquired, Lord, what shall we do that the world may know that you love the Father, and do as he has commanded? The answer is, “Arise let us go hence.” This member of the sentence then should be separated from the rest only by a comma; and the whole would then read thus: “But that [in order that] the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment even so I do, arise let us go hence.”

The inquiry now advances a step; namely, How would his arising and going hence prove to the world what he proposed? We can easily see how it would do this, by inquiring where he proposed to go, and for what purpose. Up to this point in his discourse Jesus had remained in that upper chamber where he had partaken of the last supper with his disciples. While he was discoursing, Judas was out arranging with the chief priests and Pharisees, for the betrayal of innocent blood. From this upper room Jesus was going directly to the garden of Gethsemane [chap. xviii, 1]; and there he knew he should meet his betrayal. How significant then do those words become, and what a sublime spectacle is presented before us! Jesus might easily have gone some other way and eluded the search of the traitor, and his Godless banditti. But no; this was not the Father’s will. The cup was before him; and should he not drink it? the crisis was approaching; and should he not meet it? He knew what he was to endure; he knew that he was going forth to betrayal, to contempt and abuse, and finally to crucifixion and death. But there is no disposition manifested to avert the coming trial; there is no shrinking from duty. Boldly, almost impatiently, he arises and presses forward to meet his fate, and accomplish the divine plan, prefacing it only with these calm but sublime words, “Arise let us go hence.”

So should it be with the disciples of Christ. As far as we can in the lower sphere in which we move, imitate the actions of our great Pattern, so far we should do it.

Are there then, brother or sister, trials and afflictions which it is necessary for you to endure? Do not shrink from them. Do not think to avoid the struggle by remaining where you are; and do not prolong it by holding back; but rise boldly, and, in the Spirit of your Master, go forth to meet it.

Is there a cross to be borne? Do not think to miss it by going some other way. Go forth directly in the path in which it lies. With the mind that was in Christ, say to yourselves and comrades, Arise, let us go cheerfully forth and take it up.

Would the love of ease induce us to settle calmly down in idleness and sloth? does pleasure beckon us to turn aside from the path of duty? does care and business engross our attention? then may we ever hear a voice saying to us, Arise let us go hence, and show our love to our heavenly Father, by engaging in his work and doing his will.

And when we are on enchanted ground, as at present the people of God seem to be, then let us arise and go hence to a higher position, to a better place.

And finally, when the pilgrimage of the people of God on this dark earth is done, when the good fight has been fought, and the angels are sent to gather the elect, from one end of heaven unto the other, may we, both writer and readers, be among those who shall then “arise and go hence,” to the city of God, and the marriage supper of the Lamb.