HOW often we use the word "only"! “It is only for a little," “only once," and so on; and how often the thought that “only" a little longer and we shall be with the Lord cheers on the believer. Again, looking ahead, and taking thought for the morrow, as we often do in spite of Matt. 6:34,34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Matthew 6:34) how often we find what we dreaded most was "only" meant for our blessing!
Many things too we dread are "only" blessings in disguise.
Standing a little ago by the deathbed of a young woman dying of consumption, I said to her, by way of comfort, "It is 'only' to be with Christ," alluding to her death, which took place that day. "Ah,” said she, "that is a great only." I was struck with the words, and have thought since how true, It is indeed a great only.
Reader, have you ever thought of death like that? as "only" to be with Christ? Have you ever thought of what that "only" involves? “In thy presence is fullness of joy," we find in Psa. 16:1111Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:11). To be with Christ, is to have every wish, every desire, satisfied. Again, it is "only" the blood of Jesus can give you a title to heaven, or make you fit to go there (1 John 1:77But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)). It is “only" through His name you can be saved (Acts 4:10-1210Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:10‑12)). It is "only" sinners Jesus saves (Luke 32). It was God's "only" begotten Son who died on the cross (John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)), that not "only" we might not perish, but have everlasting life. And, in conclusion, I would say to any poor doubting sinner, what the Lord said to Jairus in Mark 5:36,36As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. (Mark 5:36) “Be not afraid, only believe." M.
IT is very solemn to recollect that only a hairs-breadth, so to speak, divides time from eternity. The reader of this may never read of Christ again. How does he drop this paper? Saved, or only hoping to be? W. T. P. W.