EPC Australia

This gratitude, no doubt, must be due, infinitely due. Yet, to excite and increase our thankfulness, it is desirable to know, not only that the Son of God has been given for us, but to us, and that he is now actually our own. There are some who are satisfied here. They can say, This is my beloved, and this is my friend: the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. But this is not the case with all. Some are asking, with all the anxiousness the importance of the subject requires, Is this unspeakable gift, for which eternity will be too short to praise God, mine? In answer to which, allow me to ask,

Do you approve of the design for which he was given? He came into the world to save sinners, in a way equally gracious and holy. Do you acquiesce in a purpose which involves the destruction of self and sin?

Have you received him? In the word and means of grace he is presented to us. We read of some who have received Christ Jesus the Lord, and as many as received him were privileged to become the sons of God. Has this act been yours? When Laban saw Abraham's servant laden with presents, he said, "Come in, thou blessed of the Lord." Did you ever give Christ such an invitation? "Zaccheus made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully." Did you ever give him such a welcome? And are you willing to receive him wholly? For is Christ divided? Can you receive him as your prophet, and not as your king; as your priest, and not as your example? Can you enjoy him in his sacrifice, and refuse him in his service? Can you entertain him in spiritual privileges, and cast him out in spiritual duties?

Have you given yourselves to him? I do not say, your substance only, or your time only. You may subscribe to religious institutions, and attend the means of grace, and keep back the main thing. But have you given him yourselves? The Corinthians gave their own-selves unto the Lord. Can you remember such a surrender? An evening, perhaps, when like Isaac in the field, you said, "Lord, I am thine; save me." The close of a Sabbath, perhaps, when in your closet, you read, and wept, and kneeled, and then rose, and wept, and kneeled again, and said, "O Lord, other lords beside thee have had dominion over me; henceforth by thee only will I make mention of thy Name."

Do you supremely prize him? To them that believe, he is precious. Paul longed to depart, to be with — James? Isaiah? Moses? No; but to be with Jesus. You have some who are dear to you on earth; you have more in heaven. Perhaps you have a child; lovely here, but a cherub there. Perhaps you have a mother there, whose knees were the altar on which you laid your little hands to pray. Perhaps you have there the dear minister who turned your feet into the path of peace. But, thinking of him, can you say, "Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none on earth I desire beside thee." Answer these inquiries, and claim this unspeakable gift as your own for ever.

But here is another question: What use should the possessor make of this Gift? If you are Christians, though you were once darkness, you are now light in the Lord, and must walk as children of light. And much of your wisdom must appear in knowing what a prize you have in your hand. Make use of him then, in all your duties. Meditation is a duty; Let him enrich, and enliven, and sweeten it. Prayer is a duty; pray always in his Name. Make use of him in all your wants. You want cleansing; use him as the fountain open for sin and uncleanness. You want safety; flee to him as your refuge. You want food; and his flesh is meat indeed, and his blood is drink indeed; feed on it. Make use of him in all your afflictions. Are you bereaved; are you poor? Rely upon him, in whom you possess all things. You know that your Redeemer liveth.

We have one question more: What can we think of those who disregard this unspeakable gift? What can we think of their ingenuousness in contemning such infinite goodness and mercy? Of their danger? How can they escape if they neglect so great salvation? Of their misery? What can a wretch do without him in death, and at the judgment-day?

It is awful to think that the Saviour may become the destroyer. The greatest blessing may prove the greatest curse.

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