Christ Exalted! # 1
If we look at the comparisons which are made use of by the Holy Spirit to set Christ forth - we behold something more of His loveliness.
He is compared to a MOTHER, and is said to have more than a mother's tenderness, kindness, and care. His concern for His people is constant, He never loses sight of them for a moment, and He pledges His Word that He will never forget them!
He is the CITY of REFUGE, with the broad and clear road, the gates wide open, and the hearty welcome awaiting every sinner who approaches to escape the threatening vengeance!
He is the STRONGHOLD, which emboldens, supplies, and secures all the prisoners of hope.
He is the ROCK, which shades, shelters, and refreshes the weary traveler.
He is the DAY-STAR, which betokens brighter scenes, and guides the vessel of mercy across the boisterous deep - to the heaven of perfect redemption and safety.
He is the SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, whose rising cheers the benighted pilgrim, makes glad the weary citizen of Heaven, and produces moral beauty and fruitfulness in our world.
He is the APPLE-TREE among the trees of the forest whose blossoms are beautiful, whose shade is refreshing, and whose fruit is sweet to the taste.
He is the BREAD OF LIFE, which came down from heaven satisfying the hungry, strengthening the weak, and giving life unto the world.
He is the BRAZEN SERPENT, which heals easily, instantly, and perfectly - all who look to Him by faith.
He is the WATER OF SALVATION, which cleanses the filthy, refreshes the weary, and makes glad the city of God.
He is the only WAY, which leads from sin, condemnation, and wrath - to life, holiness, and heaven!
He is the HEAD, which thinks, plans, and contrives for the welfare of the whole of His mystical body.
He is the DOOR, which admits to the pastures of Divine truth, the privileges of His Church below, and His Father's glorious presence!
He is the FOUNDATION on which all must build for eternity, and which alone is able to support our hopes and sustain our souls - amidst the wreck of matter and the crash of worlds!
He is the CORNER-STONE, which unites, beautifies, and strengthens the whole building of divine mercy.
He is the TEMPLE, where God meets with us, accepts us, and imparts His blessings to us.
He is the ALTAR, which sanctifies both the gift and the giver.
He is the VINE, which communicates life, nourishment, and fruitfulness to all its branches.
He is the ROSE OF SHARON and the LILY of the VALLEY - fragrant, lovely, attractive, perfuming, and unequaled in beauty and grace!
He is the FORERUNNER, who is gone before His flock - removing the obstacles, marking out the road, and ready to receive them as they finish their course.
He is a FRIEND who loves at all times, whose mind never changes, whose love never cools, and who never neglects a friend in distress.
He is the greatest, best, and most glorious GIFT of GOD - including, securing, and conferring - every good thing upon those who sincerely receive Him.
He is the KINSMAN who redeems the forfeited inheritance, who ransoms all His poor relatives from slavery, and whose name is held in renown.
He is the LAMB of GOD, who took up, expiated, and forever put away - the sins of all who trust in Him.
He is the MESSENGER of the COVENANT, who brings good news from God, carries all our requests to God, and ever stands as a Mediator between us and God.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
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