‘Ephraim my dear son’ (Jeremiah 31:20)

Poor fickle, backsliding Ephraim, is called by our infinitely gracious God. Adopted by grace into the heavenly family, taught by the Spirit and united to Jesus, God views us through Him; and having predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son, He views things which are still purposed as accomplished, and we are attractive through the attractiveness He has put upon us.

His love to us is wonderful; He says, “He that touches you, touches the apple of His eye.” He rejoices to do us good, and gives His angels charge over us. He will not suffer any one really to hurt us; but, lest this should be the case, He will keep us night and day. Let us then abide in Jesus; let us cultivate communion with our gracious God; let us follow on to know the Lord; trust in Him at all times; wait upon Him continually; and rejoice in this delightful fact, that God calls us “HIS DEAR SONS AND DAUGHTERS, HIS DELIGHTFUL CHILDREN.”

He not only calls us this, but He also treats us as His special children, and addresses us as such in His holy word.  Let us call Him our Father, and look to Him for all we need; so shall we honour Him, conquer Satan, and enjoy peace. Our Father is God: our God is our Father.

If I’ve the honour, Lord, to be
One of thy numerous family,
On me the gracious gift bestow,
To call Thee Abba, Father!

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘The faithfulness of God, to his exceeding great and precious promises cheers, supports, and encourages me in the rugged path I am travelling; and lays me under the greatest obligation to praise, bless and adore his most holy name.’