203. REV 22:20. LONGING FOR CHRIST

Rev_22:20. Longing for Christ

PART II

Rev_22:20.

Let us now consider the text,

I. As the Language of the Believer in the various Circumstances of Life.

This will be the believing soul’s desire,

1. When desiring a greater conformity to Christ’s holy image.

God hath predestinated that we be conformed to the image of his Son. We are to bear the image of the second Adam, the Lord, from heaven. In regeneration this image is formed; and it is the work of sanctification to carry it on, and complete it. But Christ only can effect this. He is both the Author and Finisher of our faith He is our head; and in him we live, ant grow in the Christian life. The believer desires to rise in holy likeness to Jesus. He seeks the whole mind that was in Christ; and hence he prays: "Come, Lord Jesus!" make me wholly, fully, and eternally thine!

2. When desiring the invigoration of the graces of the Spirit within him.

Hence the soul cries: "Lord, increase my faith’97Lord, inflame my love’97Lord, brighten my hope’97enlarge my desires’97expand my heart’97adorn me with all that is humble, and meek, and patient, and tender, and gentle, and divine. May I bear much as a branch of thee, the Living Vine. "Even so; come, Lord Jesus.’"

3. When engaged in the holy duties of the Christian profession.

"Come, Lord Jesus;" and be ever before my eyes, as my blessed Exemplar Come, and inspire my soul with purity of motive, and with singleness of heart; and enable me to do thy will, that thy power may be exhibited. Come, and by thy holy sway bring my every power into subjection to thy blessed word and will. May I love duty, and run with joy in the way of thy commandments.

4. When engaged in the public worship of his house.

The believer loves God’s house. He goes there with delight. He prefers it above all places. He loves those who meet with him. He loves the services’97prayer, praise, the word, the gospel. But all this is not enough. He desires to see the beauty of the Lord; to have fellowship with God; to meet with Christ, and to banquet with him. Hence he goes beyond all the externals of worship, and breathes forth the text: "Even so; come, Lord Jesus." Now appear’97now visit thy holy place. "I beseech thee, show me thy glory."

5. When employed in attempting to extend the divine glory.

All Christ’s disciples are to seek to honor him, and to extend his cause. This is to be attempted by the devotion of our talents and influence to his cause. But all will be ineffectual without Christ’s blessing. He must be with us. He must give the aids of his grace’97the influences of his Spirit. Then we must feel our own inadequacy, and rely upon the blessing of Christ.

6. When passing through the temptations and troubles of the Christian life.

The Christian can do nothing without Christ; but all things through Christ strengthening him. He, therefore, says in temptation’97Lord Jesus, help; in trouble’97Lord Jesus, succor; in danger’97Lord Jesus, deliver; in conflicts’97Lord Jesus, enable me to triumph; and in every scene of affliction’97"Even so, come, Lord Jesus;" Lord, save; Lord, help; Lord, undertake; Lord, deliver, or I perish. And how consoling, Christ is ever with his people! He will never leave nor forsake them! He is their Sun and Shield’97near at hand’97and both "able and willing to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him; seeing that he ever liveth to make intercession for them."

Autor: JABEZ BURNS