Morning   “Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings.”   Ephesians 1:3

All the goodness of the past, the present, and the future, Christ bestows upon

his people. In the mysterious ages of the past the Lord Jesus was his Father’s

first elect, and in his election he gave us an interest, for we were chosen in

him from before the foundation of the world. He had from all eternity the

prerogatives of Sonship, as his Father’s only-begotten and well-beloved Son, and

he has, in the riches of his grace, by adoption and regeneration, elevated us to

sonship also, so that to us he has given “power to become the sons of God.” The

eternal covenant, based upon suretiship and confirmed by oath, is ours, for our

strong consolation and security. In the everlasting settlements of

predestinating wisdom and omnipotent decree, the eye of the Lord Jesus was ever

fixed on us; and we may rest assured that in the whole roll of destiny there is

not a line which militates against the interests of his redeemed. The great

betrothal of the Prince of Glory is ours, for it is to us that he is affianced,

as the sacred nuptials shall ere long declare to an assembled universe. The

marvellous incarnation of the God of heaven, with all the amazing condescension

and humiliation which attended it, is ours. The bloody sweat, the scourge, the

cross, are ours forever. Whatever blissful consequences flow from perfect

obedience, finished atonement, resurrection, ascension, or intercession,

all are ours by his own gift. Upon his breastplate he is now bearing our names;

and in his authoritative pleadings at the throne he remembers our persons and

pleads our cause. His dominion over principalities and powers, and his absolute

majesty in heaven, he employs for the benefit of them who trust in him. His high

estate is as much at our service as was his condition of abasement. He who gave

himself for us in the depths of woe and death, doth not withdraw the grant now

that he is enthroned in the highest heavens.

 

Evening   “Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field … let us see if the vine   flourish.”   Song of Solomon 7:11-12

The church was about to engage in earnest labour, and desired her Lord’s company

in it. She does not say, “I will go,” but “let us go.” It is blessed working

when Jesus is at our side! It is the business of God’s people to be trimmers of

God’s vines. Like our first parents, we are put into the garden of the Lord for

usefulness; let us therefore go forth into the field. Observe that the church,

when she is in her right mind, in all her many labours desires to enjoy

communion with Christ. Some imagine that they cannot serve Christ actively, and

yet have fellowship with him: they are mistaken. Doubtless it is very easy to

fritter away our inward life in outward exercises, and come to complain

with the spouse, “They made me keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard

have I not kept;” but there is no reason why this should be the case except our

own folly and neglect. Certain is it that a professor may do nothing, and yet

grow quite as lifeless in spiritual things as those who are most busy. Mary was

not praised for sitting still; but for her sitting at Jesus’ feet. Even so,

Christians are not to be praised for neglecting duties under the pretence of

having secret fellowship with Jesus: it is not sitting, but sitting at Jesus’

feet which is commendable. Do not think that activity is in itself an evil: it

is a great blessing, and a means of grace to us. Paul called it a grace

given to him to be allowed to preach; and every form of Christian service may

become a personal blessing to those engaged in it. Those who have most

fellowship with Christ are not recluses or hermits, who have much time to spare,

but indefatigable labourers who are toiling for Jesus, and who, in their toil,

have him side by side with them, so that they are workers together with God. Let

us remember then, in anything we have to do for Jesus, that we can do it, and

should do it in close communion with him.