Christ, when He comes, will be the source of joy to all created intelligences, joy reflected and elevated by the blessing which will be spread over the whole creation; for the joy of witnessing the happiness of others, and also that which flows down in the freeing of creation from the servitude of corruption, is a divine part of our enjoyments; we partake of it with the God of all goodness.
As to us, it is in the “heavenly places” that we shall find our abode. The spiritual blessings in heavenly places which we enjoy even now in hope, and hindered in many ways, will be for us, in that day, things natural, our physical and normal state, so to speak; but the earth will not fail to feel the effects of it.
“Wicked spirits in heavenly places” (see margin Eph. 6:1212For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)), whose place will be then filled by Christ and His Church, will cease to be the continual and prolific causes of the misery of a world subjected to their power by sin. The Church... with Christ, reflecting the glory in which she participates, and enjoying the presence of Him who is at once to her its source and fullness, will beam upon the earth in blessing; and the nations of those who are saved will walk in her light.
“Help meet for Him” in His glory, full of thoughts of her beloved, and enjoying His love, she will be the worthy and happy instrument of His blessings; while, in her condition, she will be the living demonstration of their success. For God has done these things “that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:77That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:7).)
The earth will enjoy the fruits of the victory and of the faithfulness of the second Adam, and will be the magnificent testimony of it in the sight of principalities and powers; as it is at present, in the chaos made by sin, of the ruin and of the iniquity of the first Adam.
Without doubt, the crowning joy—the joy of joys—will be the communion of the Father and of the Bridegroom; but to be witness of His goodness, to have part in it, and to be instrument of it towards a fallen world, will certainly be to taste of divine joys, for “God is love.”
The Power of Prayer
PART II.
II. Thus, from the gospel of Luke, and the Acts of the apostles, we have deduced seven striking examples of the importance, the prominence, and the mighty power of prayer. We shall now bring forward a number of encouragements and exhortations to engage in that holy exercise.
What an encouragement is here! Even two disciples—the smallest plurality, agreeing together to pray, can get anything they ask for! Amazing truth! Do we believe it? Do we avail ourselves of it?
Here again, we have unlimited resources placed at the disposal of believing prayer. The simple prayer of faith can get us “all things.” Do we believe this? Do we avail ourselves of it?
3. “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Luke 11:9, 109And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Luke 11:9‑10).
What ample encouragement is here! Do we believe it? Do we avail ourselves of it?
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive that your joy may be full.” John 16:23, 2423And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:23‑24).
Could we desire aught beyond this? Faith, using the name of Jesus, is assured of getting “whatsoever” it asks. O, reader, do we believe this? Do we avail ourselves of it?
The man who has on “the whole armor of God” will be able to pray for all saints. Such a one will not be occupied so much about himself as about others. He will think about the people of God and the work of God.
Here, one’s own need and difficulty are fully provided for. Believing prayer is the unfailing resource, in everything.
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all have not faith.” 2 Thess. 3:1, 21Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. (2 Thessalonians 3:1‑2).
In these quotations, the progress of the gospel is more especially pressed upon the faithful, as a proper subject of earnest prayer and intercession.
Having, thus, placed before the reader so many examples of the importance, the prominence, and the power of prayer; and also having furnished him with so many encouragements and exhortations to engage in this most hallowed exercise, we shall, now, close with a precious clause from the Epistle of James, namely, “let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.”
O God! is any hour so sweet,
From blush of morn to evening star,
As that which calls me to Thy feet—
The hour of prayer.
Blest is that tranquil hour of morn,
And blest that hour of solemn eve,
When, on the wings of faith up-borne,
The world I leave.
For then a day-spring shines on me,
Brighter than morn’s ethereal glow;
And richer dews descend from Thee
Than earth can know.
Lord, till I reach that blissful shore,
No privilege so dear shall be,
As thus my inmost soul to pour
In prayer to Thee.
(Continued from page 272)
(Concluded)