EPC Australia

"Not knowing," we are assured by the Holy Ghost, "not knowing what he said." For had the motion been complied with, how could our Saviour have suffered and died? And if Peter had continued there, how could he have attended to his wife and children? Besides, he was mistaken as to the nature and design of the dispensation, which was only for a confirmation of their faith, by making them witnesses of his glory, and to afford them a glimpse or taste of the heavenly blessedness. The full fruition was for another world. If ever we think of building tabernacles here, we shall soon hear a voice saying, "Arise, and depart hence, for this is not your rest."

But though he did not know what he said, he knew why he said it. Two things caused his bliss. First, the communion of Saints. And here were not only John and James, but Moses and Elias. And these were not shining statues; they spake, and spake of the Saviour's decease. What a subject! What speakers! How delightful must such intercourse have been. But the second was the presence of Jesus. And surely it cannot be a question, why it is good to be where He is. With him we are safe, and no where else. He is the source of all delight and knowledge. He is the fountain of honour and excellency. He is the Consolation of Israel. He is all in all.

But where is he with his people? We do not mean as to his essential presence — this is universal — but as to his special and gracious. He is with them in the closet. There he manifests himself to them, as he does not in the world. There they enjoy an intimacy, a freedom, an unrestrained intercourse with him, such as other company will not allow. "Could these beams and rafters," said a good man, pointing to an unceiled roof, "speak, they would testify what hours of enjoyment I have had here in communion with him." Of the closet, therefore, they can say, It is good for us to be here.

He is with them in his Temple. Where would you look for a man, but in his own house? And the Sanctuary is the place where the Lord's honour dwelleth. In all places where I record my Name, I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. And have they not found the promise true? Have they not seen his power and glory in the Sanctuary? Of his house, therefore, they can say, It is good for us to be here.

He is with them at his table. His Cross is every thing to a Christian; and here before our eyes Jesus Christ is evidently set forth crucified among us. What a sublime duty, what an exalted privilege is the Commemoration of his Death! His flesh is meat indeed, and his blood is drink indeed. Who has not peculiarly found him in this exercise the Tree of Life? Who has not said, I sat down under his shadow with delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste? It is good for us to be here.

He is with them in the furnace. There the three Hebrew Children found him. The flames only consumed their bands, and set them free, and they were seen walking in the midst of the fire with the Son of God. I will be with thee, says he, in trouble. And if this be fulfilled, and it must be fulfilled, they will have reason to say, however deep the distress, Lord, it is good for us to be here.

He is with them in the vale of death. How much will they need him then. Then all other friends and helpers leave them. Then heart and flesh will fail them. What shall we do, they have often said; what shall we do without him then? But they will not be without him. He knows their frame, and his grace is sufficient for them, and his strength shall be perfect in their weakness. Yea, though they walk through the valley of the shadow of death, he is with them; his rod and his staff they comfort them: and then they have cause to say, Lord, it is good for us to be here.

How much more will they be justified in saying this in heaven. There he is with them immediately. There they will see him as he is. There, before the presence of his glory, they will possess fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore.

But none will be translated thither in person whose hearts are not sent off first. None will have their residence in heaven hereafter, who have not their conversation in heaven here. None will be with the Lord for ever, but those that find it their happiness for the Lord to be with them now.

Morning Exercises For Everyday In The Year
By Rev. William Jay