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We Rejoice in Tribulation, December 2
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of
our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15
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Praise the Lord, that we have a compassionate, tender High Priest that can be
touched with the feelings of our infirmities. We do not expect rest here. No, no.
The way to heaven is a cross-bearing way; the road is straight and narrow, but we
will go forward with cheerfulness knowing that the King of glory once trod this
way before us.
We will not complain of the roughness of the way, but will be meek followers
of Jesus, treading in His footsteps. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with
grief. He for our sakes became poor that we through His poverty might be made
rich. We will rejoice in tribulation and keep in mind the recompense of reward,
the “far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
We will not have a murmuring thought because we have trials. God’s dear
children always had them, and every trial well endured here, will only make us
rich in glory. I crave the suffering part. I would not go to heaven without suffering
if I could, and see Jesus who suffered so much for us to purchase for us so rich
an inheritance; and to see the martyrs who laid down their lives for the truth, and
the sake of Jesus. No, no. Let me [be] perfected through sufferings. I long to be
a partaker with Christ of His sufferings, for if I am, I know I shall be a partaker
with Him of His glory. Jesus is our pattern. Let us study to have our lives as near
like Christ’s as possible.
My soul cries out after the living God. My very being longs after Him. Oh, for
to reflect His lovely image perfectly! Oh, for to be wholly consecrated to Him!
Oh, how hard it is for dear self to die. We can rejoice in a whole Saviour; one who
saves us from all sin. We can be shut in with God where we can daily say, “I live;
yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” “to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Glory
be to God. I know that my life is hid with Christ in God.
The curtain has been lifted. I have seen the rich reward laid up for the saints.
I have had a taste of the joys of the world to come, and it has spoiled this world
for me. My affections, my interests, hopes, my
all
is in heaven. I long to see the
King in His beauty, Him whom my soul loveth. Heaven, sweet heaven. “I long to
be there; and the thought that ‘tis near, makes me almost impatient for Christ to
appear.” Praise the Lord for a good hope through Jesus Christ of immortality and
eternal life.—
Letter 9, 1851
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