Friday, August 1, 2008

Ever So Near

John 17:23
I in them.


If such be the union which subsists between our souls and the person of our Lord, how deep and broad is the channel of our communion! This is no narrow pipe through which a thread-like stream may wind its way, it is a channel of amazing depth and breadth, along whose glorious length a ponderous volume of living water may roll its floods. Behold He hath set before us an open door, let us not be slow to enter. This city of communion hath many pearly gates, every several gate is of one pearl, and each gate is thrown open to the uttermost that we may enter, assured of welcome. If there were but one small loophole through which to talk with Jesus, it would be a high privilege to thrust a word of fellowship through the narrow door; how much we are blessed in having so large an entrance! Had the Lord Jesus been far away from us, with many a stormy sea between, we should have longed to send a messenger to Him to carry Him our loves, and bring us tidings from His Father's house; but see His kindness, He has built His house next door to ours, nay, more, He takes lodging with us, and tabernacles in poor humble hearts, that so He may have perpetual intercourse with us. O how foolish must we be, if we do not live in habitual communion with Him. When the road is long, and dangerous, and difficult, we need not wonder that friends seldom meet each other, but when they live together, shall Jonathan forget his David? A wife may when her husband is upon a journey, abide many days without holding converse with him, but she could never endure to be separated from him if she knew him to be in one of the chambers of her own house. Why, believer, dost not thou sit at His banquet of wine? Seek thy Lord, for He is near; embrace Him, for He is thy Brother. Hold Him fast, for He is thine Husband; and press Him to thine heart, for He is of thine own flesh.

Devotional by Charles Spurgeon

4 comments:

Joyfulsister said...

Hi cathy ((( Hugz)))
Oh what a beautiful vision of one day sitting on the banquet table with our precious Lord. These words are are soooo beautiful and I just feel like I'm a part of every word written. It's so good to read this I'm up alone while my dear hubby and daughter are asleep and these words will be my devotion for tonight before I go to sleep.
Luv ya My sister.. Lorie

Beverly said...

Wow. This were beautiful devotional thoughts, and how very true. I love the way Spurgeon puts things! Hope you are well!

sherry said...

Spurgeon was gifted in how he shared from his heart - the Lord speaking through him. Breathtaking!

Mimi said...

another great lesson by Charles Spurgeon
thank you sweet Cathy...