Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc00/v02850

Text File | 1994-03-02 | 6KB | 109 lines

02860
 #13-27 This appearance of Jesus to the two disciples going to
 Emmaus, happened the same day that he rose from the dead. It
 well becomes the disciples of Christ to talk together of his
 death and resurrection; thus they may improve one another's
 knowledge, refresh one another's memory, and stir up each
 other's devout affections. And where but two together are well
 employed in work of that kind, he will come to them, and make a
 third. Those who seek Christ, shall find him: he will manifest
 himself to those that inquire after him; and give knowledge to
 those who use the helps for knowledge which they have. No matter
 how it was, but so it was, they did not know him; he so ordering
 it, that they might the more freely discourse with him. Christ's
 disciples are often sad and sorrowful, even when they have
 reason to rejoice; but through the weakness of their faith, they
 cannot take the comfort offered to them. Though Christ is
 entered into his state of exaltation, yet he notices the sorrows
 of his disciples, and is afflicted in their afflictions. Those
 are strangers in Jerusalem, that know not of the death and
 sufferings of Jesus. Those who have the knowledge of Christ
 crucified, should seek to spread that knowledge. Our Lord Jesus
 reproved them for the weakness of their faith in the Scriptures
 of the Old Testament. Did we know more of the Divine counsels as
 far as they are made known in the Scriptures, we should not be
 subject to the perplexities we often entangle ourselves in. He
 shows them that the sufferings of Christ were really the
 appointed way to his glory; but the cross of Christ was that to
 which they could not reconcile themselves. Beginning at Moses,
 the first inspired writer of the Old Testament, Jesus expounded
 to them the things concerning himself. There are many passages
 throughout all the Scriptures concerning Christ, which it is of
 great advantage to put together. We cannot go far in any part,
 but we meet with something that has reference to Christ, some
 prophecy, some promise, some prayer, some type or other. A
 golden thread of gospel grace runs through the whole web of the
 Old Testament. Christ is the best expositor of Scripture; and
 even after his resurrection, he led people to know the mystery
 concerning himself, not by advancing new notions, but by showing
 how the Scripture was fulfilled, and turning them to the earnest
 study of it.

02875
 #28-35 If we would have Christ dwell with us, we must be earnest
 with him. Those that have experienced the pleasure and profit of
 communion with him, cannot but desire more of his company. He
 took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. This he
 did with his usual authority and affection, with the same
 manner, perhaps with the same words. He here teaches us to crave
 a blessing on every meal. See how Christ by his Spirit and grace
 makes himself known to the souls of his people. He opens the
 Scriptures to them. He meets them at his table, in the ordinance
 of the Lord's supper; is known to them in breaking of bread. But
 the work is completed by the opening of the eyes of their mind;
 yet it is but short views we have of Christ in this world, but
 when we enter heaven, we shall see him for ever. They had found
 the preaching powerful, even when they knew not the preacher.
 Those Scriptures which speak of Christ, will warm the hearts of
 his true disciples. That is likely to do most good, which
 affects us with the love of Jesus in dying for us. It is the
 duty of those to whom he has shown himself, to let others know
 what he has done for their souls. It is of great use for the
 disciples of Christ to compare their experiences, and tell them
 to each other.

02883
 #36-49 Jesus appeared in a miraculous manner, assuring the
 disciples of his peace, though they had so lately forsaken him,
 and promising spiritual peace with every blessing. Many
 troublesome thoughts which disquiet our minds, rise from
 mistakes concerning Christ. All the troublesome thoughts which
 rise in our hearts at any time, are known to the Lord Jesus, and
 are displeasing to him. He spake with them on their unreasonable
 unbelief. Nothing had passed but what was foretold by the
 prophets, and necessary for the salvation of sinners. And now
 all men should be taught the nature and necessity of repentance,
 in order to the forgiveness of their sins. And these blessings
 were to be sought for, by faith in the name of Jesus. Christ by
 his Spirit works on the minds of men. Even good men need to have
 their understandings opened. But that we may have right thoughts
 of Christ, there needs no more than to be made to understand the
 Scriptures.

02897
 #50-53 Christ ascended from Bethany, near the Mount of Olives.
 There was the garden in which his sufferings began; there he was
 in his agony. Those that would go to heaven, must ascend thither
 from the house of sufferings and sorrows. The disciples did not
 see him rise out of the grave; his resurrection could be proved
 by their seeing him alive afterwards: but they saw him ascend
 into heaven; they could not otherwise have a proof of his
 ascension. He lifted up his hands, and blessed them. He did not
 go away in displeasure, but in love, he left a blessing behind
 him. As he arose, so he ascended, by his own power. They
 worshipped him. This fresh display of Christ's glory drew from
 them fresh acknowledgments. They returned to Jerusalem with
 great joy. The glory of Christ is the joy of all true believers,
 even while they are here in this world. While waiting for God's
 promises, we must go forth to meet them with our praises. And
 nothing better prepares the mind for receiving the Holy Ghost.
 Fears are silenced, sorrows sweetened and allayed, and hopes
 kept up. And this is the ground of a Christian's boldness at the
 throne of grace; yea, the Father's throne is the throne of grace
 to us, because it is also the throne of our Mediator, Jesus
 Christ. Let us rely on his promises, and plead them. Let us
 attend his ordinances, praise and bless God for his mercies, set
 our affections on things above, and expect the Redeemer's return
 to complete our happiness. Amen. Even so, Lord Jesus, come
 quickly.