As opposed to sin and its consequences, heaven and holiness are pictured
forth in the Bible in colours that glow upon the canvas, through the emblems of
everything we hold most dear and desirable.
How difficult it would be to
name a noble figure, a sweet smile, a tender and attractive relationship, in
which Jesus is not set forth to woo a reluctant sinner and cheer a desponding
saint! Am I wounded? He is balm. Am I sick? He is medicine. Am I naked? He is
clothing. Am I poor? He is wealth. Am I hungry? He is bread. Am I thirsty? He
is water. Am I in debt? He is surety. Am I in darkness? He is a sun. Have I a
house to build? He is a rock. Must I face that black and gathering storm? He is
an anchor sure and steadfast. Am I to be tried? He is an advocate. is sentence
passed and am I condemned? He is pardon. To deck Him out, and set Him forth,
Nature culls her finest flowers, brings her choicest ornaments, and lays these
treasures at His feet. The skies contribute their stars. The sea gives up its
pearls. From fields and mines and mountains, earth brings the tribute of her
gold, and gems, and myrrh and frankincense: the lily of the valley, the
clustered vine, and the fragrant rose of Sharon. He is ‘the chiefest among
ten thousand and the altogether lovely' : ‘in Him dwelleth all the fulness
of the Godhead bodily'. I challenge you to name a want for which you will not
find a supply in Christ.
From "The Gospel Magazine"
January 1970