Christ, The Portion of Believers # 2

Christ, The Portion of Believers # 2

Are they oppressed with poverty? He can send his ravens to feed them.

Are they immured in prisons? He can commission His angels to deliver them.

Are they in perils of water? The winds and the waves obey His voice.

Are they exposed to ravenous beasts? He can stop the mouths of lions.

Are they cast into the burning furnace? He can quench the burning of fire.

In spiritual concerns is He less mighty to save? Hear His own declaration: "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish - ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!" Hear the declaration of His holy apostle, Paul: "I know whom I have believed; and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him, against that day." What comfortable declarations to the people of Christ!

satan may desire to have them, that he may sift them as wheat - but stronger is He who is with them, than he who is against them. In themselves they are weak and ready to fall; but underneath them are the everlasting arms. He who loved them and gave Himself for them - is able to save them to the uttermost! He will keep them by His power, through faith unto salvation.

O Christian, every attractive excellence meets in the Redeemer. His heart overflows with compassion to all His people; for in Hi pity and in His love He redeemed them. Though He is invested with infinite majesty - still He is meek and lowly in heart. The compassion which dwelt in His heart when dying upon the Cross, is still existing there. Your friend is "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever!"

The progress of time changes man; but the revolution of eternal ages will not alter the compassion of God, who is of one mind; and who can turn Him? Read His life, mark His conduct, behold Him wounded, bleeding, and dying; then listen to His heart. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do;" and it will be acknowledged that, His heart is made of tenderness, His affections melt with love.

In accordance with this representation, the Redeemer is said to nourish and cherish the church, "For we are members of His body, and of His flesh, and of His bones." Beautiful and apt representation!

You naturally feel interested in the welfare of your body. You are concerned to supply it food, to shield it from injury and pain, and to promote its comfort and welfare.

Believers are the peculiar property of Christ. "If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."

Jesus Christ is the believer's portion - his Redeemer - His brother - His friend! How wonderful the love which applies such endearing names for the comfort of the chief of sinners!

But oh! how different is the friendship of Him who died for us, when we were His enemies by wicked works.

O Christian, is Christ your Friend? Is Christ your all? Are you united to Him, and He to you? If so, then immense and countless blessings, for time and eternity, result from such a union. Here is enough to alleviate your distress, and to heighten your happiness. This is a sovereign antidote to every human ill. This exalted privilege is calculated to render even mourners happy. Possessed of this privilege, you may calmly look forward to a world where the friendship and love of Jesus shall be enjoyed in higher perfection, through eternal ages. Yes, and in every future season of distress - when the earthly frame shall give symptoms of decay - in the valley of the shadow of death - amid all the solemnities of judgment, Christ, your Friend, will be with you, with all His power, and love, and consolation - as a Friend that sticks closer than a brother!

Poor, weak, and worthless, though I am,
I have a rich Almighty Friend!
Jesus, the Saviour, is His name,
He freely loves, and without end!

He ransomed me from hell, with blood,
And by His power my fears controlled,
He found me wandering far from God,
And brought me to His holy fold.

He cheers my heart, my wants supplies,
And says that I shall shortly be,
Enthroned with Him above the skies,
Oh! what a friend is Christ to me!

~William Nicholson~

(The End)