It is very instructive to observe that in reading the Gospels, we find presented to us, not a system of doctrines, but a living Person, even the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1414And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14).) In the simple, but vivid and exquisitely beautiful narratives of the evangelists, He lives and moves before us. We hear His words of grace, and see His acts of love. The disciples were drawn to Himself, and were occupied with Him. They were ignorant of much truth, but they knew Him who is Truth incarnate, and who was then manifested as the living Truth and Grace, come down among men. Thus Peter says for himself and the rest (John 6:68, 6968Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. (John 6:68‑69),) “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe, and are sure, that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” Even so is it now. True, the Lord Jesus has “ died for our sins;” but He is “risen again.” “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” The eye of faith fixes itself, not on a dead Christ, but on a risen, living, glorified Saviour.
The constant effort of Satan is, to draw away our thoughts and our hearts from Christ. How easy it is to have the mind engaged about ordinances, doctrines, or even our service for Christ, instead of cultivating direct fellowship with Christ Himself. The casket is thought of, more than the jewel; the drapery is observed, more than the figure. Yet the true blessing of the soul is ever found, in steadily contemplating with the eye of faith, the glorious Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. “We all, with open face, beholding as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Cor. 3:1818But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18).)
About seven years since, a room was opened in the village of C......for the preaching of the Gospel, and exposition of the Scriptures. Among those whom the Lord inclined to attend was J. B. The simple unfolding of the word of God, was a new thing to her; but the event proved that the Lord used it to open in her mind a new line of thought, and that she found in it a rich blessing. After a time, she united in fellowship with the Lord’s people, at the Lord’s table; but, from distance, or bodily infirmity, she could not attend very regularly. Soon, however, her last sickness came upon her; and then it was that she opened her mind more fully, and was enabled to exhibit the grace she had received. On one occasion she said, “Before I heard the word unfolded, I knew doctrine; but then, I found the Lord.” There was the secret of her strength. She could delight herself in Him, who died, and rose, and is glorified, and will come again. Her sufferings were very great, but her peace of mind was complete, and her patient submission to the will of God, never failed.
More recently, the Lord opened her heart to embrace “that blessed hope,” the return of the Lord Jesus Christ in glory, to take the church to himself, and to reign over Israel, and over the earth. Amidst her suffering, she sought instruction in that cheering and reviving truth, concerning Him whom she had found.
Dear reader, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? Canst thou look up to Him and say, “My Saviour, my Lord, and my God?” If not, hear Him saying to thee now, “Look and live.” Pardon and remission of sins are found in His most precious blood-shedding; and if thou committest thyself wholly to Him, He will be thy living Righteousness, and glorious High Priest, in the presence of God above.
Dear Christian reader, Art thou living by faith on Jesus, the Son of God, the unfailing food and life of thy soul? Art thou seeking daily, constant communion with Him? Is thy heart saying, “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly, Ο thou bright and morning star?” Amen, “even so come, Lord Jesus.”