Morning, May 12
Go To Evening Reading
“And will manifest myself to him.”
John 14:21
The Lord Jesus gives special revelations of himself to his people.
Even if Scripture did not declare this, there are many of the children
of God who could testify the truth of it from their own experience.
They have had manifestations of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
in a peculiar manner, such as no mere reading or hearing could afford.
In the biographies of eminent saints, you will find many instances
recorded in which Jesus has been pleased, in a very special manner
to speak to their souls, and to unfold the wonders of his person;
yea, so have their souls been steeped in happiness that they have
thought themselves to be in heaven, whereas they were not there, though
they were well nigh on the threshold of it—for when Jesus manifests himself to his people, it is heaven on earth;
it is paradise in embryo; it is bliss begun. Especial manifestations
of Christ exercise a holy influence on the believer’s heart. One effect will be humility . If a man says, “I have had such-and-such spiritual communications, I am a great man,” he has never had any communion with Jesus at all; for “God hath respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off .” He does not need to come near them to know them, and will never give
them any visits of love. Another effect will be happiness ; for in God’s presence there are pleasures for evermore. Holiness will be sure to follow. A man who has no holiness has never had this
manifestation. Some men profess a great deal; but we must not believe
any one unless we see that his deeds answer to what he says. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked.” He will not bestow his favours upon the wicked: for while he will
not cast away a perfect man, neither will he respect an evil doer.
Thus there will be three effects of nearness to Jesus—humility, happiness, and holiness. May God give them to thee, Christian!