John 14:21
The
Lord Jesus gives special revelations of himself to his people. Even if
Scripture did not declare this, there are many of the children of God
who could testify the truth of it from their own experience. They have
had manifestations of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in a peculiar
manner, such as no mere reading or hearing could afford. In the
biographies of eminent saints, you will find many instances recorded in
which Jesus has been pleased, in a very special manner to speak to their
souls, and to unfold the wonders of his person; yea, so have their
souls been steeped in happiness that they have thought themselves to be
in heaven, whereas they were not there, though they were well nigh on
the threshold of it--for when Jesus manifests himself to his people, it
is heaven on earth; it is paradise in embryo; it is bliss begun.
Especial manifestations of Christ exercise a holy influence on the
believer's heart. One effect will be humility. If a man says, "I have
had such-and-such spiritual communications, I am a great man," he has
never had any communion with Jesus at all; for "God hath respect unto
the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off." He does not need to come
near them to know them, and will never give them any visits of love.
Another effect will be happiness; for in God's presence there are
pleasures for evermore. Holiness will be sure to follow. A man who has
no holiness has never had this manifestation. Some men profess a great
deal; but we must not believe any one unless we see that his deeds
answer to what he says. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked." He will
not bestow his favours upon the wicked: for while he will not cast away a
perfect man, neither will he respect an evil doer. Thus there will be
three effects of nearness to Jesus--humility, happiness, and holiness.
May God give them to thee, Christian!Charles Spurgeon
My soul cries out for these moments with Him, nothing can compare to the Lord when He shares Himself with you.
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