THE LORD'S CHERISHING, ETC.

THE LORD’S CHERISHING, ETC.

The Lord is wonderful in His skill with each of us. He nourishes and cherishes. I think He does the first (the nourishing) to every one, but the cherishing is a very peculiar ministry. A nurse cherisheth her children. When He cherishes me I sit under His shadow with great delight, as the beloved disciple. Every believer knows something of the great services of Christ to us, as Jonathan knew the service of David, when he slew Goliath. The next great step is that His company is necessary to me, like Ruth with Naomi. This is most enjoyable and prepares for the climax, even that as of the bride I am united to Him. This bond is eternal. It is not only that I am in the full efficacy of His work for me, but I know that I am for ever united to Him.

I often turn over in my thoughts the magnitude of being united to a heavenly Man in glory. How entirely unknown that is to us naturally! The Spirit of God alone can give us any idea of it, or of the effect of such a union. The Lord grant that each of us may grow more into the blessedness of it. And may He make you very sensible of His cherishing, and if it be His will may He graciously restore you to that measure of health which will enable you to be here more than ever for His pleasure.