John 14:19.
It instructs us in many ways—let us hint at three. It instructs us to admire the condescension of Christ. Look at the two pronouns, “you,” and “I.” Shall they ever come into contact? Yes, here they stand in close connection with each other. “I”—the AM! The Infinite! “You,” the creatures of an hour. Yet I, the Infinite, come into union with you, the finite. I, the Eternal, take you, the fleeting, and I make you live because I live. What? Is there such a bond between me and Christ? Is there such a link between His life and mine? Blessed be His name! Adored be His infinite condescension!
It demands of us, next, abundance of gratitude. Apart from Christ we are dead in trespasses and sins. Look at the depth of our degradation! But in Christ we LIVE! Live with His own life. Look at the height of our exaltation, and let our thankfulness be proportioned to this infinity of mercy. Measure, if you can, from the lowest Hell to the highest Heaven—and so great let your thankfulness be to Him who has lifted you from death to life. Let the last lesson be your seeing the all-importance of close communion with Jesus. Union with Christ makes you live! Keep up your enjoyment of that union, that you may clearly perceive and enjoy your life.
Begin this year with the prayer, “Nearer to You, my Lord, nearer to You.” Think much of the spiritual life and less of this poor carnal life which will so soon be over. Go to the Source of Life for an increase of spiritual life. Go to Jesus. Think of Him more than you have done! Pray to Him more. Use His name more believingly in your supplications. Serve Him better, and seek to grow into His likeness in all things. Make an advance this year. Life is a growing thing. Your life only grows by getting nearer to Christ—therefore get under the beams of the Sun of Righteousness.
Time brings you nearer to Him—you will soon be where He is in Heaven. Let Grace bring you nearer, also. You taste more of His love as fresh mercies come. Give Him more of your love, more of your fellowship. Abide in Him, and may His Word abide in you from now on and forever, and all shall be to His glory. Amen.
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