1492. The Retrospective–facing an Accomplished Task

The Retrospective–facing an Accomplished Task

"I have" (Joh_17:4).

How blessed that the Lord, knowing that His hour had come that He should leave the world, lingered long enough to glance back over the days of His earthly pilgrimage and to recapitulate for us, before the Father, the great accomplishments of His life. As recorded, this retrospective brings before us seven distinct statements.

"I have glorified Thee" (Joh_17:4).

"I have finished the work" (Joh_17:4).

"I have manifested Thy name" (Joh_17:6).

"I have given unto them the words" (Joh_17:8).

"I have given them" the glory (Joh_17:22).

"I have known Thee" (Joh_17:25).

"I have declared Thy name" (Joh_17:26).

What a wealth of vision! What room for reflection? Would that each believer might be empowered to walk in the steps of His Master, and be enabled to close up his earthly testimony and service with something of the same glorious accomplishments.

What have we here?

1. The Father glorified. Surely this we too may do. Whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, we should do it all for His glory. Not a thing for "glorying in the flesh." Not a task done for the glory of men–all for the glory of God. Over every deed and word the echo of our soul should be: "For to me to live is Christ."

2. The work completed. We all have a work, but, too often, it is a work neglected, a work forgotten, a work spoiled. Saints need to walk in the Spirit and to redeem the time, for the days are evil. We pass this way but once. A day wasted is a day lost. We cannot crowd into to-morrow the task assigned for to-day. Let us serve diligently and faithfully until we have finished our assignment. God hath committed unto us the work of reconciliation.

3. A name manifested. The Word suggests that Christ "interpreted the Father." He lived out the meaning of all the blessed and holy names of God. He was the compliment of all those gracious Jehovah titles of the Old Testament. We too should tell out God. All of us are saved for that very purpose. "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him Who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1Pe_2:9).

4. A word imparted. Jesus Christ preached the Word. He gave forth the Word. So should we. We are "separated unto the Gospel of God * * concerning His Son" (Rom_1:1, Rom_1:3). We are to preach the Word. Alas, how many pulpits are given over to vain philosophies and to the doctrines of men! How many pulpits have been turned into forums for political harangues, for social sentiments, for lectures on ethical culture! God hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation; let us preach the Word.

5. A glory given. What a bequest! While we live we can do no greater work than to give to men the knowledge of eternal life. "Silver and gold have I none," were the disappointing words which Peter spoke to the lame man who sat asking alms; but "such as I have give I unto thee * * walk" were the comforting words which quickly followed. Our best service to humanity must ever remain the imparting of the gift of Heavenly glory and eternal life.

6. A fellowship sustained. Christ said, "I have known Thee." This, too, is our privilege. If we keep His words, the Father will come in and take up abode with us, and we will know Him. Indeed, this is eternal life that we might know Him. Holy communion! Blessed union! "If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another" (1Jn_1:7).

7. A name declared. We have had the name manifested, now we have the same name told out. Who is ashamed to declare the name of God? Shall we live with no testimony upon our lips? Shall we think that the testimony of our daily walk is enough? Nay, we must also publish abroad with our tongues the glories of the matchless Christ and the riches of the grace of God. "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR