“WITH ME”

G. W. Easton

1 Samuel 22: 22; Luke 23: 43; John 17: 24

I want to give a word of comfort to the

brethren from this expression “with me” which is in these three scriptures. I would make an application from the first scripture to the Lord being with us wherever we may be on life’s journey; the second would apply to the end of one’s life here, even though it might be in extremity, and the third opens out what awaits us.

There is so much that would distress and trouble us at the present time, whether it be world events or the difficulties, trials, and pressures of our own lives. David was in rejection when he spoke these words to Abiathar, he was being pursued by his enemies, yet he was able to say to him, “With me thou art in safe keeping”. It is still the time of the Lord’s rejection here publicly, yet in every vicissitude of life He would give us a sense of safety, as being “in safe keeping” with Him. What a Saviour He is, and what a place of safety we have with Him, though the whole world is in turmoil! This would link with our contemplation of Him on Lord’s day in John 19 and the way He went to secure us for Himself.

Then we come to the end of our lives; if the Lord does not come for us all, we shall have to pass through the experience of death. We have read the Lord’s words to the repentant malefactor, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise”. Paradise (or Eden) means a place of delights. It is not ‘some low place within the door’, but “absent from the body and present with the Lord”, 2 Corinthians 5: 8. Surely it will be joy unspeakable—“with me”!

In John 17 we have recorded the Lord’s request, “Father, as to those whom thou hast given me, I desire that where I am they also may be with me, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me”. What a place it will be, and what an

occupation in such nearness to behold the glory given to Him by the Father. We do not know how soon it may be.

Substance of word in meeting for ministry, Redbridge
12 February 1980