This Morning's Meditation
C. H. Spurgeon
"And will manifest myself to him."—John 14:21.
HE 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!
2 comments:
This is one area that I would sharply disagree with the respected Charles Spurgeon. I tend to go more along with R.C. Sproul in this area, and stand very guarded against any extrabiblical mystical experiences. If anyone tells me that the Lord spoke to him, I'll ask for chapter and verse. If I am wrong about this, there do not seem to be any significant consequences, but if I am right...
I tend to go more along with R.C. Sproul in this area, and stand very guarded against any extrabiblical mystical experiences"
I agree Craver. I had a small twinge when I read this teaching from the prince of preachers. Was that twinge the Lord?
Just kidding.
Our joys and peace and good feelings we have in our hearts are blessings from our Lord, and sometimes they are not.
We can only trust the truth of the Holy Writ for what is truth, Amen.
if that makes sense.
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