Life of Christ
25
discover that they have journeyed without the presence of Him who
could give peace and joy to their hearts, and days are occupied in
returning, and searching for him whom they should have retained with
them every moment. Jesus will not be found in the company of those
who are careless of his presence, and who engage in conversation
having no reference to their Redeemer, in whom they profess their
hopes of eternal life are centered. Jesus shuns the company of such, so
also do the angels who do his commands. These heavenly messengers
are not attracted to the crowd where minds are diverted from heavenly
things. These pure and holy spirits cannot remain in the company
where Jesus’ presence is not desired and encouraged, and his absence
not marked. For this reason, great mourning, grief, and discouragement
exist. Through lack of meditation, watchfulness, and prayer, they have
lost all that is valuable. The divine rays of light emanating from Jesus
are not with them, cheering them with their loving, elevating influence.
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They are enshrouded in gloom, because their careless, irreverent spirit
has separated Jesus from their company, and driven the ministering
angels from them.
Many who attend meetings of devotion, and have been instructed
by the servants of God, and been greatly refreshed and blessed in
seeking Jesus, have returned to their homes no better than they left
them, because they did not feel the importance of praying and watch-
ing thereunto, as they returned to their homes. They frequently feel
inclined to complain of others, because they realize their loss. Some
murmur against God, and do not reproach themselves as being the
cause of their own darkness, and sufferings of mind. These should not
reflect upon others. The fault is in themselves. They talked and jested,
and visited away the heavenly Guest, and themselves they have only
to blame. It is the privilege of all to retain Jesus with them. If they do
this, their words must be select, seasoned with grace. The thoughts of
their hearts must be disciplined to meditate upon heavenly and divine
things.
The love of God, manifested toward fallen man in the gift of his
beloved Son, amazed the holy angels. “God so loved the world that he
gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should
not perish, but have everlasting life.” The Son was the brightness of
the Father’s glory, and the express image of his person. He possessed
divine excellence and greatness. He was equal with God. It pleased