TDR: 12 March (1 John 3:2)

‘When he appears, we shall be like him’ (1 John 3:2)

Like whom? Like Jesus in His glorified humanity – as free from sin, as perfect in holiness, as completely happy. His likeness will appear in every believer. What a contrast with the present! Now, at times, we appear to ourselves rather like Satan. O the depth of depravity we discover, the powerful corruption we feel, the fearful opposition to God we sometimes experience!

But we shall be like Him. God has purposed it; the gospel plainly reveals it; and the Holy Spirit is engaged to effect it. Every evil shall be purged out, every virtue shall be produced and perfected, and we shall be pure as He is pure. Let us then look forward to, and anticipate that glorious period; let us consider the end of our election, redemption and calling; and let us pray, pant and strive to be holy.

If holiness is our element, heaven will be our home, and unspeakable happiness our eternal portion. But we know not what we shall be, only that we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him.

Oh! Glorious hour! – Oh! Blest abode!
I shall be near, and like my God,
And flesh and sin no more control
The sacred pleasures of the soul.

My flesh shall slumber in the ground,
Till the last trumpet’s joyful sound:
Then burst the chains, with sweet surprise,
And in my Saviour’s image rise.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘The thoughts of my bereavement [the death of James Smith’s young child] are very painful, may I be enabled to improve it. It preaches God’s sovereignty, he takes one and leaves the rest. He takes one in infancy and leaves the rest to grow up to drink of the cup of sorrow. He takes one to his bosom, and allows the others to remain on earth to endure many a bitter blast. And why? Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. This is all I can say, the only reply I dare to make !’ [continued tomorrow]