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Present Advantages And Future Benefits, September 26
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy
that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set
down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
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We should ever cherish feelings of gratitude to those who have shown us favors
in times of need. But these feelings that are so readily called into exercise by
the kindness and disinterestedness of our friends should respond to the love and
compassion of our benevolent heavenly Friend.... The friendship expressed by
nearest and dearest relatives and friends is so far surpassed by the revelation of
Jesus Christ that the former is dumb and expressionless when compared with
the latter. It is natural that the heart should entertain sentiments of the warmest
affection toward those who have done or suffered something for us.
Let me lead you to the scene of the crucifixion and show you the Son of God
dying in your stead. Will not the spectacle of the cross of Christ awaken every
feeling of gratitude? Will it not sweep away the coldness and indifference which
steels the senses to the great sacrifice made in our behalf? ...
Satan, the adversary of souls, is constantly at work with his devices and
enchantments, stealing away the senses and deadening the feelings to our highest
interest. To all the little matters of life the affections are given free play, but in
eternal interest the affections are trammeled, bound as by magical cords....
There are so many who endure privation and pursue at considerable sacrifice a
course which promises advantages in the future. They forego present comfort for
a future inducement as an equivalent, but here Jesus presents eternal life as the
reward of obedience, and if paltry things of earthly gain will be sacrificed for some
future good, how much more should ease, pleasure, and present worldly advantages
be sacrificed for the incomparable riches and glory of the future immortal life. Let
not the sorcery of earthly enchantments steal the affections from God and harden
the heart to eternal interest. Look at the things that are unseen. Enshrine Jesus in
the heart. Love Him with your whole soul.
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