‘Behold, I have given Him for a leader to the people’ (Isaiah 55:4)

This was in consideration of our ignorance. We do not know the way to our heavenly Father’s house, but Jesus is sent to lead the blind by a way they do not know. On account of the difficulties of the way, which are many and great, Jesus comes as our Leader, saying: “I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry and will deliver you” [Isaiah 46:4].

It also manifests our heavenly Father’s concern for our safety, comfort and confidence. He sent His only Son, because He could trust us in His hands, with those hands being infinitely wise, gracious, forbearing, and powerful. He came to lead us from the world to the Church, from the law to the gospel, from sin to holiness, from wrath to love.

He leads all His people to the throne of mercy, the house of prayer, the pastures of Jehovah’s love, and the mansions of endless glory. He leads us against Satan, and we overcome; against lust, and we conquer. He leads us in the way He went Himself; in the footsteps of His flock; as we are able to bear; so as to cross and crucify the old nature, and revive and strengthen the new.

Lead me on, Almighty victor,
Scatter every hostile band;
Be my guide and my protector,
Till on Canaan’s shores I stand:
Shouts of victory
Then shall fill the promised land.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘It is sure to be a year of trial, may it also be a year of mercy. I added 67 members to the church last year, may they all wear well, honour their profession, and be useful in the world.’