Evening, November 5
Go To Morning Reading
“Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
Psalm 100:4
Our Lord would have all his people rich in high and happy thoughts
concerning his blessed person. Jesus is not content that his brethren
should think meanly of him; it is his pleasure that his espoused ones
should be delighted with his beauty. We are not to regard him as a
bare necessary, like to bread and water, but as a luxurious delicacy,
as a rare and ravishing delight. To this end he has revealed himself
as the “pearl of great price” in its peerless beauty, as the “bundle of myrrh” in its refreshing fragrance, as the “rose of Sharon” in its lasting perfume, as the “lily” in its spotless purity.
As a help to high thoughts of Christ, remember the estimation that
Christ is had in beyond the skies, where things are measured by the
right standard. Think how God esteems the Only Begotten, his unspeakable
gift to us. Consider what the angels think of him, as they count it
their highest honour to veil their faces at his feet. Consider what
the blood-washed think of him, as day without night they sing his
well deserved praises. High thoughts of Christ will enable us to act
consistently with our relations towards him. The more loftily we see
Christ enthroned, and the more lowly we are when bowing before the
foot of the throne, the more truly shall we be prepared to act our
part towards him. Our Lord Jesus desires us to think well of him,
that we may submit cheerfully to his authority. High thoughts of him
increase our love. Love and esteem go together. Therefore, believer,
think much of your Master’s excellencies. Study him in his primeval glory, before he took upon
himself your nature! Think of the mighty love which drew him from
his throne to die upon the cross! Admire him as he conquers all the
powers of hell! See him risen, crowned, glorified! Bow before him
as the Wonderful, the Counsellor, the mighty God, for only thus will
your love to him be what it should.