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CAN THIS ALLEGIANCE HOLD? (MARK 14:27-31)

REFLECTION

“Can this allegiance hold?” is the theme for our reflection. Allegiance is loyalty or commitment to a superior or a group or cause. We shall reflect on the question Can our allegiance to Jesus our Lord and Saviour hold in the face of persecution, challenges or hardship?

Dear friend, our allegiance and faithfulness to Jesus will greatly be tested in the face of calamities and persecution. As part of preparing the minds of His disciples for His subsequent arrest, suffering and crucifixion, Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherds, and the sheep will be scattered.’ (Mark 14:27) Peter, who underestimated the impact and seriousness of Jesus’ statement, personally assured Jesus of his unwavering allegiance when he “…declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” (Mark 14:29). It was indeed Peter’s intention and desire to stand for Jesus through thick and thin, however Peter at the time he made that strong declaration of allegiance to His Master Jesus, could not appreciate the depth of Jesus suffering. Maybe he thought it was going to be an episode or battle where Jesus would display His supernatural powers. Perhaps, out of exuberance and his possession of a sword, he was sure that when the time came, he would defend His Master.

Peter demonstrated his allegiance to Jesus when He was arrested, we are told in John’s Gospel that “Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:10-11). Beloved in the Lord, Jesus was not looking for friends and disciples who would fight for him, we were looking for friends or disciples who would suffer with Him. Jesus is not looking for disciples whose allegiance would be demonstrated through fighting, injuring and killing his perceived enemies, rather Jesus is expecting an allegiance of suffering with Him to experience the glory of God. It is for this reason Jesus said to Peter who at the time demonstrated an allegiance of fight but not an allegiance of suffering ““Truly I tell you,”…“today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” (Mark 14:30) Dear friend, can our allegiance to standby Jesus in suffering or persecution hold? Are we ready like the Apostles to prove our allegiance to Jesus by suffering on account of the Gospel?

When Peter and other Apostles, understood that their allegiance to Jesus was not in wielding weapons or swords but suffering on account of the Gospel, they went out boldly through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Good News after the day of Pentecost, saying “We must obey God rather than human beings! (Acts 5:29). Again, we see Paul demonstrate his allegiance to Christ in suffering when he wrote to the Corinthians, I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have laboured and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.” (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) Friend in the Lord, can our allegiance to Christ hold in the twenty-first Century? In other words, are we willing to bear the cost of discipleship or suffer on account of Jesus Christ?

What then is the reward of our allegiance to Christ? Jesus assured us, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12). Beloved in the Lord, let us remain strong in faith and be steadfast in our allegiance to Jesus Christ. Again “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)

In summary, we have reflected on our allegiance to Jesus Christ in the face of persecution, hardship, and challenges. We have learnt that our allegiance is not demonstrated through fighting and wielding weapons, but our allegiance is greatly acknowledged through our willingness to suffer with Christ or bear the cost of discipleship. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, empower us to endure suffering, hardship and persecution as disciples of our Lord Jesus in the world. Amen.