The Object of the Heart’s Affection
Christ's yesterday was the accomplishment of redemption. His tomorrow is having His Church with Himself in glory. But He is a living Christ for today.
What the mind is most fixed on gives its impress to the mind. If my feelings and thoughts are fixed on Christ, I get the impress of Christ. If I am continually turning to Him in His inexhaustible love, I shall get the impress of it. And if my soul then rises to Christ in that freshness of love which can say, "Come, Lord Jesus," there is His answer in all freshness: "Surely I come quickly.”
He does not forget us as we toil through the wilderness and the sands of the desert; He is with us all the way, and all the freshness is in Him. If my heart turns to the heart of the Son of God, I find His heart immeasurably more full of love than mine and it is always fresh in its love. I may be a way worn pilgrim, but in Him I shall find freshness—a spring of cold water—when I am fainting in the wilderness.
Oh, for that love which is in the heart of Christ that knows no weariness, no dragging steps, and no hanging down of the hands!
Editorial
Worldly Associations
The close of 1993 witnessed a landmark agreement to establish full diplomatic relations between the Vatican and the State of Israel. It is looked at as a historic event, enabling the Holy See to play a larger role in the so-called Middle East peace process.
When we consider the past 1900 years and the relations between the Vatican and Israel, the rough road has seen more downs than ups. What will this present association produce?
Scripture contemplates worldly associations. We should watch with interest their spirit, purpose, and working as they form the character and history of the world that is pressing on to meet the judgment of God.
Confederacies of groups such as Jews and Christians must find a common basis upon which to operate in order to stay together and prosper. In the days of our Savior here upon the earth, it was the common enmity against Jesus that brought Jew and Gentile together, as well as Pharisees and Sadducees who were men of different politics and sects. It is remarkable to what lengths enemies will go to reach an accord and form an association when their own interests are in view.
In 1965 the Second Vatican Council repudiated the concept of collective Jewish guilt for the death of Christ. This was done even though Jesus expressly said to Pilate, "He that delivered Me unto thee hath the greater sin." John 19:11. This statement shows that both the Gentiles and the Jews are guilty, but that the Jews have the greater sin in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. No man or group of men can absolve any of the collective guilt of rejecting Christ. Indeed, the Jews at the trial of the Lord Jesus said, "His blood be on us, and on our children.”
Isaiah prophesies this in chapter 8, "Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, and it shall come to naught; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us." vv. 9, 10.
The world's history shows man has made one association after another. It is always an attempt to gain more or to protect the power they have. In these days in which we now live, the common object that often brings people together is the world itself. All are aiding in its advancement and the research and development of its capabilities. Because men do not like to retain God in their thoughts, but rather want to multiply unto themselves desirable and delectable things, associations are formed to achieve their purpose.
The agreement to establish diplomatic relations between the Vatican and the State of Israel is not so surprising when we see that each will probably gain in the present world. This world, not religion, is for them the most important thing.
Isa. 28 tells of "scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem." v. 14. In that near future day they will make a pact for their protection. What we are now seeing are perhaps just foreshadows of coming events. Ed.