07 All Things from God

All Things from God The Lord Jesus manifests the most profound humility in his approaches to the Father; and though a Son — he renders all the homage of a servant. He proves to demonstration that he is meek and lowly in heart, and ever renders the deepest honor to his Father. Having testified that he had manifested his Father’s name — he now witnesses that his disciples had received his testimony, and believed his Word. He speaks a good word for them, while he gives an account of his own ministry. He recommends them to his Father, while he pleads that he may be restored to his glory. Hence he says, "Now they know that everything you have given me — comes from you" (John 17:7). Mark — The Faithfulness of Jesus. He was sent to teach, and by teaching to manifest his Father’s name. He had performed his work with fidelity, for he revealed the mind of God, and did so in the midst of . . .
gross ignorance,
dark superstition,
vile prejudice,
determined opposition,
continued misrepresentation, and
the greatest discouragement. As the Lord’s servant — he was blind to all difficulties, and deaf to all discouragements. He set his face like a flint, knowing that he would not be ashamed.

He began his work in faith,
he persevered in hope, and
he finished it with courage.

He did all that his Father required, all that the inspiring Spirit had predicted, and in a spirit of self-renunciation, he referred all to the glory of God. Observe — The Proficiency of His Disciples. They knew that God had given Jesus very much; for he had assured them that he had received from his Father . . .
power over all flesh,
a special interest in his people,
the doctrine he promulgated,
the power with which he wrought his miracles,
the gifts and graces that adorned his person and shone forth in his ministry,
his mediatorial office and commission,
the union of the two distinct and differing natures in his one person,
and his appointment to be the final judge of all.

All these things he had made known to them in his teaching, and they had received the same into their minds. They beheld his glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. They knew that all that Jesus had as the Son of man — was from God, from his sovereign favor, and in accordance with his eternal decree. And in this, as the Head of his Church, he represented her; for she, and every one of her members, receives all from sovereign grace, and all in accordance with his glorious purpose. See — The Gentleness of the Savior. He brings no charge against his disciples, he does not complain of them. All that he says of them is good. "Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father." No, Jesus brings no accusation against them. Yet he had witnessed their backwardness to receive his Word. He had been grieved with the hardness of their hearts. He even marveled at their unbelief. Yet he only says,
they have received my teaching,
they have given credit to my testimony,
they have exercised confidence in my veracity.

Compassionate Savior, how great was your pity, how wondrous your mercy, how tender, how touching, the manifestation of your love! Truly you are touched with the feeling of our infirmities. You know our frame, you remember that we are dust! You have compassion on the ignorant, and on those who are out of the way. My soul, I charge you to think highly and honorably of Jesus, nor dare to doubt, distrust, or think harshly of him!

See, brethren, what we must LEARN: All good is from God.

All good is from God as its author, giving. "Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights." As every drop of rain is from the clouds, and as every ray of light is from the sun — so every temporal and spiritual good thing is from God. He is our "sun and shield; he will give grace and glory, and no good thing will he withhold from those who walk uprightly."

All good is from God as the agent, working it. It is God who works in us, to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Every beneficial conviction,
every seasonable impression,
every holy inclination,
every spiritual desire, and
every believing prayer
— is from God.

O that he may fulfill in us all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power; that the name of the Lord Jesus may be glorified in us, and we in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ!

All good is from God as he is the judge, ratifying. Every promise he confirms and fulfils. Every good purpose he ratifies and enables us to perform. Every good work he will register, commend, and reward.

See also what we should ADMIRE: The fidelity of Jesus. He was faithful to Him who appointed him. He did everything by rule. He went as it was written of him. He acted as he had undertaken. His Father’s honor was dear to his heart — dearer than his own comfort, yes, than his own life. He is, therefore, not only a merciful — but a faithful High Priest, in things pertaining to God.

See, finally, what we should imitate: The gentleness of Jesus. He would not break a bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax. He never expected babes to act as young men, or children to be as fathers. He never exposed the weaknesses of his people — but was ever ready to commend their excellencies.

How different some of his professed followers! How ready to publish a brother’s faults, and to talk uncharitably of a sister’s failings! How ready some are to see the mote in the eye, or the smallest deformity in the person; but how blind to the excellencies or the beauties of the life and character!

Beloved, like the two sons of Noah, let us be ever ready to cover over a brother’s faults. May we never expose or make them known, except the cause of God or the honor of religion requires it. Oh, for more of that love which covers and hides a multitude of sins — not from the eye of God — but from the eye of man — especially worldly men!

Blessed Jesus, as you commended your disciples, help me to do so too. May I never be found looking after their faults, or exaggerating their follies; but may I . . .
love them with a fervent love,
cleave to them as the excellent of the earth, and
walk in fellowship with them as the sons of God.

Holy Spirit, teach all believers to imitate Jesus in this particular, that the whole Church may become one united, loving, and holy body, correctly representing Jesus to the present evil world.

Heavenly Father, give us grace to make us just like your beloved Son, especially in his deep humility, profound condescension, and ardent love. O that we were all taught to love the saints as Jesus loves them!