‘But you are rich’ (Revelation 2:9)

Real saints always feel themselves to be poor sinners. Many of God’s people are really poor in reference to the things of time, for God has chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom, which He has promised to those that love Him.

They are often persecuted, tried, tempted, and cast down; so was the church in Smyrna; but Jesus says to her, “You are rich!” So are all the Lord’s people:

Rich by RELATION – God is their Father, and Jesus their elder Brother. Rich by DONATION – Jesus has bequeathed unsearchable riches to them. Rich by PROMISE – the Lord has promised all good things. Rich by FAITH – for they that believe shall inherit all things. Rich by EXPECTATION – for those who look for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Christian friend, you are rich; Jesus has willed to you His righteousness, to justify you; His blood, to cleanse you; His Spirit, to sanctify you. His name, to procure for you; His angels, to minister unto you; and His heaven, to be your everlasting home.

Precious Saviour! I admire and adore Your love! Teach me and teach us to live out of ourselves, in Your fullness.

Called by grace, the sinner see,
Rich, though sunk in poverty;
Rich in faith, that God has given,
He’s a legal heir of heaven.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘A tide of prosperity now set in, for the Lord smiled upon us, and “the people had a mind to work” [Nehemiah 4:6]. Yet I still had my trials, and in June I wrote – In reviewing the past five months, I see enough to fill me with gratitude, joy, and love. A church has been formed, 26 persons have been baptized, we have 160 members in communion, the chapel is full, often crowded, and hitherto the debt has been no difficulty. I have met with four who were converted while we were at the gallery, and the Lord is carrying on his work even now.

But, oh what a wretched creature I am. I fancied not long since, that there was an amendment, even in my old nature, but again I have been mistaken. O I am vile: I have still trials, painful and distressing trials! I feel my soul is at a distance from God in private, though I often feel very near to Him in public, but when I come before God in private I seem like another man.’