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"And will manifest myself to him." - John 14:21
The Lord Jesus gives special revelations of himself to his people. Even if
Scripture did not declare this, there are many of the children of God who could
testify the truth of it from their own experience. They have had manifestations
of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in a peculiar manner, such as no mere
reading or hearing could afford. In the biographies of eminent saints, you will
find many instances recorded in which Jesus has been pleased, in a very special
manner to speak to their souls, and to unfold the wonders of his person; yea, so
have their souls been steeped in happiness that they have thought themselves to
be in heaven, whereas they were not there, though they were well nigh on the
threshold of it-for when Jesus manifests himself to his people, it is heaven on
earth; it is paradise in embryo; it is bliss begun. Especial manifestations of
Christ exercise a holy influence on the believer's heart. One effect will be
humility. If a man says, "I have had such-and-such spiritual communications, I
am a great man," he has never had any communion with Jesus at all; for "God hath
respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off." He does not need to
come near them to know them, and will never give them any visits of love.
Another effect will be happiness; for in God's presence there are pleasures for
evermore. Holiness will be sure to follow. A man who has no holiness has never
had this manifestation. Some men profess a great deal; but we must not believe
any one unless we see that his deeds answer to what he says. "Be not deceived;
God is not mocked. " He will not bestow his favours upon the wicked: for while
he will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he respect an evil doer. Thus
there will be three effects of nearness to Jesus-humility, happiness, and
holiness. May God give them to thee, Christian!
See Also:
Daily Devotional: Today With Jesus
Daily Devotional: My Utmost for His Highest
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