Matthew 26:25 -"Then Judas, which betrayed Him, answered and said, Master is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said."
Wow, that was a very different Passover ... And what was up with that tense moment with Jude... Well in due time all things will be revealed, I guess?
There was a garden, in the beginning, where the creator of all the universe would cross over the brook of eternity, and "chill", "kick back", relax, and fellowship with His Image Bearers. He would often retreat from eternity to this garden for these moments of sharing and caring. Man was God's desire and pleasure; and the hope of the moments would be that God would become Man's desire and pleasure.
Then the day came when the Creator walked over the brook of eternity and into the garden only to expose man hiding because of the betrayal and Fall. God could not leave mankind lost, but would provide a rescue: O the tears of all creation were held back as an innocent lamb was taken from creation and sacrificed to provide a covering for Man's willful and sinful nakedness. And the ache and groaning of the creature began as Man was forcefully escorted to the gates of the Garden, and expelled as Eden became an evanescent memory as the curse closed in on all mankind. All that remained was a fading memory of the garden and a bloody, dimly lit promise that God would become salvation.
Centuries later, "in the fullness of time", the promise began to flicker. There was also a garden in the valley named after the dark brook that flowed through it, the brook Cedron. This garden would carry with it the times that the Savior would retreat from the pressing needs of the masses to "chill", to "kick back", to relax, and to fellowship with the small band of followers who were catching the flicker of the unfolding of the fulfillment of the Creator's promise to rescue. If we could read between the love lines -- John 18:1, 2 - "When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into which He entered, and His disciples. And Judas, which betrayed Him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted there with His disciples." - We could imagine those moments that the Savior desired.
This particular night, this garden would be the scene for the betrayal and arrest of Jesus. The events stemming from the garden would ultimately lead to the Cross and the Empty Tomb. Isn't it strange that the these two Gardens of Sweet Desired Fellowship would both be the setting for a Betrayal. One garden would end in the expulsion of man and the broken heart of God; and the other garden would begin with the expulsion of the Savior and the open heart of God offering a full rescue.
"My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" --
"It is finished!"
He who knew no sin, became Sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
Be careful to note that there is a risk in the places set aside for sweet fellowship: for until the Day Breaks and the Shadows fully flee away - the only relationship that can last, will be forged in forgiveness by the One that holds us secure in that everlasting love. Many will carry scars from the betrayal of those they offered love and trust at the most intimate level... But coddle not bitterness in the betrayal, rush to the Throne of Grace to find Help in time of need: Forgive.
Garden Beautiful, crystal clear crossing, lost in a moment.
Garden shadow, darkened by time, betrayed in a moment.
Both held the promise, both poised in time... Water and Blood, dark deep royal wine.
One Garden held betrayal's horror that was mine all mine,
One Garden held betrayal's breath but rescued to design.
Desire from the promise, held in Eternal love - Water and Blood, dark deep royal wine.
He is beyond the clear brook, in the garden of time, come rest in the moment.
He conquered the darkness, in this heart of mine, come lean on the moment.
We can be held by His promise, live in His desire - Water and Blood, dark deep royal wine.
Rest daily in the garden of His Resurrection love.
HLFA,
Jeff