0146. The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ–His Poverty On Earth

The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ–His Poverty On Earth

"Though He was rich, * * He became poor" (2Co_8:9).

Once more we see how few realize the depth of the benediction; for who can receive in such a manner so full and so deep an experience as this?

He was rich in the ages past; yet He became poor. Are we willing to follow in His steps? Are we willing that such grace shall be exemplified in and through us?

The world was lost in sin, grace brought Christ down; grace led Him to empty Himself and to become in fashion as a man, and to become obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross.

"Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy Kingly crown,

When Thou camest to earth for me:

But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room

For Thy holy Nativity.

The foxes found rest, and the birds had their nest

In the shade of the forest tree;

But Thy couch was the sod, O Thou Son of God,

In the deserts of Galilee.

Thou camest, O Lord, with the Living Word

That should set Thy people free;

But with mocking scorn, and with crown of thorn,

They bore Thee to Calvary."

Who is ready to let this grace abound within them? Who will give up their riches, their position, their all, and enter into shame and spitting in behalf of the lost?

Surely this grace did abound in the life of Paul, for he counted all things but loss for Christ; and he became all things that he might gain some.

Surely this grace does abound in every true missionary soul, who leaves all in the home land and goes forth to suffer and to toil in behalf of dying men.

No wonder Paul prayed this prayer; for this grace is what we all need. How can we do less than give up all that others might have Christ?

Give our money? Certainly. If He gave up Heaven, and all His riches and became poor, should we not gladly give up riches, too?

Come ye men who are making money, stop and think! Does not the foreign missionary give up the hope of ever becoming rich, and does he not remain poor, for the sake of lost men? Shall you do less? Do not think that our missionaries might not have made money as well as you have made it. They gave up all–will you?

"Speed Thy servants, Saviour, speed them;

Thou art Lord of winds and waves;

They were bound, but Thou hast freed them;

Now they go to free the slaves;

Be Thou with them,

‘Tis Thine arm alone that saves.

Friends and home and all forsaking,

Lord, they go at Thy command;

As their stay Thy promise taking,

While they traverse sea and land:

Oh, be with them,

Lead them safely by the hand!"

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR