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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
him. So it is in the Christian life; nothing but an eye firmly fixed upon
the Saviour will enable us to tread the stormy billows of the world.
Immediately upon Jesus taking his place in the boat they were at the
land. The tempest had ceased, and the night of horror was succeeded
by the light of dawn. The disciples, and others who were also on board,
bowed at the feet of Jesus with thankful hearts, saying, “Of a truth
thou art the Son of God!”
The multitude that had been fed the preceding day had left Jesus
on the barren shore, and they knew that there was no boat left by which
he could depart. They therefore on the following morning returned to
the spot where they had last seen him watching their departure with
compassionate eyes. The news of his wonderful miracle of feeding the
multitude had spread far and near, and at an early hour they began to
arrive, by land and water, in large numbers. But they searched in vain
for the great Teacher, and finally returned to Capernaum, still seeking
him.
Meanwhile, the Master, with his disciples, had found the seclusion
they sought the previous day. Jesus felt that it was necessary to give
his disciples some special instruction, but he was followed so closely
by the crowds that it was extremely difficult to secure such seasons of
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retirement. He could not obtain the time for prayer in the day-time, but
frequently devoted the entire night to communion with his Heavenly
Father, wrestling in supplication for the erring children of men. The
Saviour, oppressed by the unbelief of humanity, bearing the burden
of the world’s iniquity, was indeed a Man of sorrows, and acquainted
with grief.
Jesus made use of the few hours of seclusion with his disciples in
praying with them, and teaching them more definitely concerning the
nature of his kingdom. He saw that, in their human weakness, they
were inclined to desire that his reign should be a temporal one. Their
earthly ambition had caused them to become confused as to the real
mission of Christ. He now reproved them for their misconception, and
taught them that instead of worldly honor it was shame that awaited
him, and instead of a throne, the pitiless cross. He taught them that
for his sake, and to win salvation, they must also be willing to endure
reproach and contumely.
The time drew near when Jesus was to die, and leave his disciples
to face the cold and cruel world alone. He knew how bitter hate