How varied and precious are the " considerations" set before us in the Epistle to the Hebrews, striking chord after chord in our hearts, and producing note after note of praise! In the first chapter the personal and official dignities and glories of the Lord Jesus Christ crowd themselves together and unfold themselves before our souls; while in the second chapter, we have the grace of Him, by whom God spake in these last days, in associating others with Himself when passing through death to the Headship of all things, crowned with glory and honor: it is as thus set before us, we are told, as holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, to "consider" Him, the Apostle and High Priest of our profession; to gaze on Him, and have our souls enlarged in contemplating Him, " who was faithful to him that appointed him."
But how can such as we sit down and feast ourselves with such considerations, with consciences unpurged and not at rest? In view of this need, and before the next " consideration" is presented to us, we are led, in chapters 9 and 10, to see the altar of sin-offering receiving a victim, once and forever, that has satisfied all its cravings, and which has fully answered all the demands of the glory of God as to sin and uncleanness; satisfied the need of the convicted conscience, and silenced every accusing foe. And with consciences thus at rest, we are set down to another consideration fop- our souls. We are told, in. chapter x. 24, to "consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works." With the holy peace and calm of purged consciences we are thus, as it were, told that we have leisure to turn round and look one upon another with such an end in view, and so much the more as we see the "day" approaching.
But, you will say, there are the trials. and difficulties of the way to contend with, and there are the weights and hindrances that would hamper and clog us in our journeying onwards to the glory. And, in view of these things, we are told to turn our eyes toward Him again, and we are exhorted, in chapter xii., to "consider him who endured," as One who has been in the way Himself, and understands the grace needed for every step, and who has learned " how to speak a word in season to him that is weavy" (Isa. 1.) at every stage of the journey to the place where He has Himself sat down, " lest we should be weary and faint in our minds."
And, lastly, as those who are in the midst of the things that are about to be shaken, and who are dwelling in spirit, and by faith amongst those things which, when all things are shaken, will remain, we are exhorted to " consider" the end of the conversation of those who minister amongst us-" Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and forever."
Varied and precious are the " considerations" thus laid before us, and to which we are set down to contemplate, in their order and suitability, as every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of our God.
F. G. P.