“Ye seek Jesus," not as Savior, but as the Center. This describes a state of soul which we rarely meet in these days of much confusion in Christendom. Such is our indifference to His presence "in the midst." It is usually after many presentations that results come in this way, and it seems the truth must have a kind of cumulative effect. His response to this desire is, "There shall they see Me." Those who have gone, how sweetly true they have found it. Conforming to Jesus' appointment "they saw Him," and "they worshipped Him." Then they received that soul-sustaining word that, notwithstanding the difficulties and the darkness that would ensue, they should have Him "in the midst," and how long? Even unto the end of the age. Nothing can lose to us this unspeakable privilege. It holds good "to the end," for those who answer to His appointment (Matt. 28). Compare Matt. 1:23; 18:2023Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:23)
20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20).
Perhaps we should inquire, with deep heart searchings before the Lord: How far are we up to this privilege in the state of our souls? How much have we the subduing sense of His presence so that we, as worshippers, can say with deep and solemn joy, "Surely the Lord is in this place.”
One to whom the meeting is dry and disappointing may belong to the class of whom it is said, "Some doubted." May the Lord maintain in us a vigorous faith, and the ravishing sense of His presence. Does this not antedate heaven, which that blessed One is pleased to define as, "Where I am"?
F. C. Blount