03.12. December
We love to think of those sacred garments which our Savior had worn. Perhaps they had been made by His mother’s hands, or maybe by the hands of some of the other women who followed Him from Galilee, ministering unto Him. They were the garments, too, that the sick had touched in reverent faith, receiving instant healing. We treasure the garments of those we love when they are gone from us. How sacred they are! How it would pain us to see them divided among crude enemies, and worn by them about the streets! A peculiar sacredness clings to everything that Jesus ever touched; and what desecration it appears to our hearts, to see these scoffing heathen soldiers take His garments and divide them among themselves as booty! Then what terrible sacrilege it seems to see them throwing dice and gambling under the very cross while the Savior hangs there in agony!
Why was Jesus stripped of His garments? Was there no meaning in it, apart from the mere custom? Was it not that He might prepare garments of righteousness for us in our spiritual nakedness?
One night of bitter cold and pitiless storm, a mother was out in the wilds with her child in her arms. Unable to carry her precious burden and find a shelter, she took off her own outer clothing and wrapping it about her little one she laid him in a cleft of the rock, and hastened on, hoping to find help. Next morning some shepherds heard the cry of a child, and found the babe safe and warm in the rock’s cleft. Then, not far away in the snow, they discovered the mother — dead. She had stripped off her own garments and died in the cold — to save her child. Did not Jesus do the same? He took off His clothing and hung naked on His cross — that we may stand in the final judgment arrayed in His spotless robe of righteousness.
December 2. The King of the Jews "Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS." Mat 27:37
There was no other crime charged. He had done nothing amiss. Pilate had satisfied himself of that. He had examined Him, and could find no fault in Him — hence he would not write any charge on His cross but this, that He was the King of the Jews. The rulers objected to this, and wanted him to write that "he said" He was "King of the Jews;" but Pilate would not change a word, and there it stood above His head during all the agony and all the darkness "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." And so He was. The tablet told the truth, though erected to mock the people. He was the Messiah who had been promised all through the centuries. He was the King of whom David was but the type. He was the Christ who had been foretold by prophets, and waited for age after age by the nation. At last He came. Angels sang at His birth. His life had been one of great blessing and power. He had wrought miracles of mercy all over the land. He had taught, speaking as never any man spoke. He had fulfilled all the Messianic conditions. Yet His enemies had rejected Him; and at last they led Him out to Calvary and nailed Him on the cross! Still He was their King — their King rejected, their King crucified. His throne was His cross! His crown was the circlet of thorns that the soldiers had twisted and wound around His head!
It does not seem to us a kingly hour in our Lord’s life, when He hangs on His cross dying — yet really it was the time of His highest earthly exaltation. He spoke of going to His cross — as going to be glorified. He was indeed King of the Jews. They crucified their King. He is our King too. How are we treating Him? Are we obeying Him? Are any of us rejecting Him? Are any of us crucifying Him afresh? We had better answer these questions.
December 3. Divine Forgiveness "Father, forgive them — for they know not what they do." Luk 23:34 This was the first saying spoken by our Lord on His cross. It was uttered just when the soldiers were in the act of crucifying Him — driving the cruel nails through His hands and feet. It was a moment of excruciating, inconceivable anguish. Yet He uttered no cry of pain, no word of execration upon those who were causing Him such suffering — but calmly prayed for His brutal, pitiless murderers, "Father, forgive them — for they know not what they do." The moment the sacred blood began to flow — the intercession for sinners began. The pleading was first for the ignorant heathen soldiers who were acting as executioners; but it was not for these alone. It certainly widened out, and took in all who had been concerned in the condemnation and crucifixion of Jesus. It was for the Jewish rulers and people who had rejected their Messiah. May we not believe that many of those who on the day of Pentecost and afterward were brought to repentance — were forgiven and saved because on His cross Jesus made intercession for them?
Then the prayer went out beyond the people who had a direct part in the crucifixion. From His cross, Jesus saw the lost world down to the end, and prayed for all His people. We know, too, that that word of prayer was but the beginning of an intercession that is going on yet inside Heaven, where Jesus pleads the merits of His own sacrifice, for the salvation of His people. This word of Jesus teaches us a great lesson on Christian forgiveness. He prayed for His murderers! Just so, we should pray for those who injure us. There are some fragrant trees which bathe the axe that gashes them in perfume. So should it be with Christ’s people. Instead of resentment and injury for injury — we should show only sweet, tender love to those who harm us!
December 4. Self-Sacrifice
"The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said: He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." Luk 23:35
It was because He would save others — that He could not save Himself. The soldier in the battle cannot save himself — and save his country. The mother cannot spare herself — and save her child. Jesus could have saved Himself — but what would have been the fate of sinners?
Three little children wandered from home one afternoon. Evening found them playing by the sea-shore. It grew suddenly dark and cold, and they could not return. In the morning they were found, the two youngest sleeping warm and safe under covering of garments and sea-weeds, and little Mary, the elder, lying cold and dead, with her arms yet full of sea-weeds. She had taken off nearly all her own warm clothing to cover the younger children, and then carried grass and sea-weeds to pile upon them, until she died in her loving devotion. She did not save herself — because she would save the little ones entrusted to her care.
During a plague in Marseilles, the physicians decided that nothing could be done to save the people — unless a plague victim could be dissected, and the nature of the disease thus learned. But who would do such a perilous work? One physician arose and said that he would do it. Saying his farewell to his family he entered the hospital, made the dissection, wrote out the results, and in a few hours was dead. But now the physicians could treat the disease, and the plague was stayed.
These incidents illustrate Christ’s devotion to death for sinners. Sinful men could not be saved — unless someone would suffer and die in their place — and Jesus became the atoning sacrifice for sins. In one sense He could have saved Himself — but then the world would have been lost. His death was voluntary. He gave His life for the sheep. We are saved — because He saved not Himself.
December 5. At Home with the Lord "Today shall you be with Me in paradise!" Luk 23:43 This was the second saying of the Savior on the cross. Something touched the heart of one of the robbers — may it not have been the Savior’s prayer for His murderers? He became penitent in his dying hour, and cried to Jesus for mercy: "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." Quickly from the lips of the dying Redeemer, came the gracious response, "Today shall you be with Me in paradise!" The words are full of meaning, of which only broken hints can here be given.
Though in the agony of death — Jesus could yet give life to a dead soul. Though draining the dregs of the cup of woe — He could give a cup of blessedness to a penitent sinner. Though His hand was nailed to the cross — it yet carried the key of paradise, and opened the gate to allow a repentant soul to enter. Surely there was no more royal moment in all of Christ’s life, than this! The promise itself tells us what death is for the believer. "Today shall you be with Me!" There is no long, dark passage, therefore, through which the freed soul must go to reach blessedness. There is no "purgatory" in which it must punished for its sins for long years — before it can enter Heaven. At once, the redeemed spirit goes into the presence of Christ!
Paul teaches us the same truth when he describes death as departing to be with Christ; and says that to be absent from the body — is to be at home with the Lord. That same day, said Jesus — this penitent would be in paradise! We ought not then, to be afraid to die — if we are Christ’s redeemed and holy ones. The words tell us also, what Heaven’s blessedness really consists of. "You shall be with Me." Being with Christ — is glory! No sweeter, more blessed Heaven can be conceived of!
We know but little about Heaven as a place — where it is, what it is like; but this much we know — that there we shall be with Christ! Is not that enough to know?
December 6. The Divine Legacy
"When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ’Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ’Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home." John 19:26-27 This was the third saying of the Savior on the cross. Not far away, in some quiet spot amid the multitude, stood a little group of His dearest friends. Most of them were women. As His eye looked down upon them — He saw His own mother among them. Truly, the sword was piercing through her — as she beheld her divine Son on His cross! As Jesus saw His mother in her deep grief, though suffering untold anguish Himself — His heart went out in compassion and love for her. He thought of her unsheltered, as she would be, when He was gone. He remembered what she had been to Him in His tender infancy and defenseless childhood — as she had blessed Him with her rich self-forgetful love.
"Stripped of everything," says Godet, "Jesus seemed to have nothing more to give. Nevertheless, from the midst of this deep poverty, He had already made precious gifts: to His executioners, He had bequeathed the pardon of God; to His companion in punishment, He had bequeathed paradise. Could He find nothing to leave to His mother and His friend? These two beloved people, who had been His most precious treasures on earth — He bequeathed to one another, giving thus at once a son to His mother — and a mother to His friend." In this beautiful act of our Lord, we have a wondrous commentary on the fifth commandment, "Honor your father and your mother." Every young person, or older one, with parents yet living, who reads this fragment of the story of the cross, should remember the lesson, and pay love’s highest honor to the father or the mother to whom he owes so much. No suffering or pain of our own should ever make us forgetful of our parents, and we should honor them to the last moment of their life.
December 7. The Dark Valley "It was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour." Luk 23:44
It was a mysterious and supernatural darkness. We may say, and we can say no more — that it was nature sympathizing with the crucifixion of its Lord. How dense this darkness was, we cannot tell; but it must have filled the hearts of the multitude around the cross with awe.
There was also a still deeper darkness around the soul of Him who hung on that central cross. It was so dark, that He even seemed forsaken of God. We can never understand it, although we know that it was atoning for sin, which made the darkness. Jesus wrapped the glooms of death about Himself — that we might be clothed in garments of light! He died thus in darkness — that we might walk into the valley amid the splendors of heavenly light. He had agony in His last hour — that we might have joy. His head wore the crown of thorns, and had no place to rest in dying — that under our heads, might be the pillow of peace.
It is profitable for us to contrast the death of Christ — with that of His disciples in all ages since. He shrank from the "cup;" they are eager to drink it. He seemed forsaken of God; they look with ecstasy and unclouded vision into the Father’s face! Why did death mean so much to Him, and why is it such a peaceful experience to them? It is easy to answer this question. Death has no bitterness for the Christian — just because it was so bitter to the Redeemer. He drew the curse from death — and now it has in it only the sweetness of blessing. Indeed, there is no death anymore for the Christian. Jesus abolished death. What we now call ’death’ — is death no longer, since He passed through it. It is now only the shadow of death, and even the shadow is lighted up with the beams of Divine glory bursting from Heaven. Let us never forget that we have light in our dying — because Jesus had darkness!
December 8. Christ’s Cry on the Cross "My God, my God — why have You forsaken Me?" Mat 27:46 This was the fourth saying of the Savior on the cross. It is too mysterious for explanation, and we may only ponder it with hushed hearts for a little. "My God, my God — why have You forsaken Me?" It was not the nails in His flesh, nor the insults of scoffing enemies, nor the ignominy of the cross — but the fact that Jesus for the time — had lost the sense of the Father’s presence, which made the grief of the hour.
"My God, my God — why have You forsaken Me?" What had He, the beloved son, done — that the Father should forsake Him? It would not have seemed so strange if He had forsaken the angels or the saints living in glory; but why should He forsake His own Son?
"My God!" Why does He not say "My Father"? He said "Father" in the first saying on the cross, and in the very last; why is it "My God" here? Has He in the darkness lost the consciousness of sonship? Does He seem pushed far away from home, from the Father’s heart, from the bosom where from all eternity He had reposed? So it seems! Yet mark how His faith clings in the darkness: it is still "My God!" He has not lost faith, even in the darkness. His faith holds — though He cannot see His Father’s face. No matter how dark the night about us — how heavy the cross that weighs us down — how lonely and deserted we may feel — we should never lose faith in God. Behind the blackest clouds — His face ever beams with love! He is still our God, though for the time He may have left us alone.
"Why have you forsaken me?" Can we answer this "WHY"? We only know that Jesus was bearing our sins, and that it was for our sake, that He had to endure this hiding of His Father’s face. He was forsaken then for a small moment — that for all eternity we might enjoy the favor of God and dwell in communion with Him.
December 9. Divine Thirst
"Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said: I thirst!" John 19:28
Here we have the fifth saying of the Savior on the cross. It was just before the end. All things belonging to His work as Redeemer were now finished. He had suffered from thirst all the terrible six hours that He hung on the cross — but He restrained His anguish — until His task was done. Now He gave expression to His desire for drink, the only word on the cross that referred to His physical sufferings. Someone reached up to Him on a stem of hyssop, a sponge which had been moistened in the sour vinegar that stood there. It was an act of kindness and pity, and was the only mark of human tenderness shown to Jesus in those hours. We cannot but be thankful for this act of kindness which must have given slight relief to the holy Sufferer.
Earlier in the day, at the moment of crucifixion, He was offered drink which He refused. That was a stupefying potion, a deadening wine mingled with myrrh or wormwood. It was offered with the intention of dulling His senses, that He might not be conscious of His sore suffering. He refused it because He wised to preserve the clearness of His mind in the hours when He was making atonement for sin. This potion, offered now by the soldier, was not medicated wine, and was not stupefying in its effects. He needed refreshment to strengthen Him for the great final act — the giving of His soul up to God.
All the experiences of Jesus Christ which reveal human need and suffering — bring Him very near to us. Since He suffered hunger and thirst, and pain and weariness and sorrow — He is able to sympathize with us in all our human experiences. He knows what we feel, for He has not forgotten even in Heaven — what He Himself endured in His incarnation.
December 10. It Is Finished!
"He said, It is finished!" John 19:30 This was the sixth saying of the Savior on the cross. His allotted life-work was done; all His task was ended, all things set for Him to do were done, and nothing more remained for Him — but to die.
Many people come to the end even of long lives — and find their work far from finished when the call comes to leave this world; but though the life of Jesus had been so short — He was ready to die. He had done each day — the work given Him that day to do, and when the last hour of the last day came — there was nothing that He had left undone.
We ought to learn the lesson for ourselves, and live as Jesus lived, so as to have every part of our work finished when the end comes. We can do this only by taking our allotment of duty each day from God’s hand — and doing it faithfully. Then when the last day comes — we shall leave nothing unfinished. But what was it, that was finished when Christ bowed His head on the cross? The work of redemption was done. The atonement for sin was made. As Jesus died, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from top to bottom, and access made into the holiest, for all who would enter. A famous picture represents Christ lifted up, and beneath Him an innumerable procession of the saints advancing out of the darkness and coming into the light of His cross. There can be no doubt that He had such a vision of redemption while He hung there; for we are told that He "endured the cross, despising the shame — because of the joy set before him" — that is, the joy of receiving home the souls He had redeemed!
"It is finished!" was, therefore, a shout of victory as He completed His work of suffering and sacrifice. Death seemed like defeat — but it was not defeat. He went down into the grave — but not to stay there. He came again, like a glorious conqueror, and because He lives — all His people shall live also!
December 11. Last Words "Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit." Luk 23:46 This was the seventh and last of Savior’s sayings on the cross. Christ’s work as Redeemer was now altogether done; His last word, "It is finished," marked its completion. Now He is ready to go back to His Father. Before Him now lies the mystery of death. He is about to lose consciousness; His spirit is about to escape from His body. Here we see His calm, trustful faith. The terrible struggle is over, and He is at perfect peace. The word "Father" which He here uses — shows that His soul has recovered its serenity. A little while ago he was in the darkness, and felt Himself forsaken; now the darkness is gone and the full light shines again, and the Father’s face beams upon Him in loving approval. It is the first experience of the glorious joy of redemption, breaking over the Redeemer’s soul, as He emerges from the shadows of His cross! The words are peculiarly instructive to us — as a picture of Christian dying. Death is but a breathing of the spirit, into the hands of the heavenly Father. It is natural to regard death as a strange and mysterious experience, and to think of it with shrinking, if not with fear. We are leaving behind everything with which we are familiar — the friends, the scenes, the paths, the life — and are going out into an untried way, into what seems to us darkness, a valley of shadows. What is death? Where shall we be when we escape from the body? Will it be dark — or light? Shall we be alone — or accompanied?
Here comes this word of our Lord, and we learn that the believing soul when it leaves the body, passes at once into the Father’s hands. Surely that is enough for us to know. We shall be perfectly safe eternally — if we are in our Father’s hands. If we think thus of death — it will have no terrors for us. No child is ever afraid to go into its father’s hands — and that is all dying is, for a believer.
December 12. The Rent Veil "At that moment, the veil of the temple was rent in two from top to bottom!" Mat 27:51 The veil was the symbol of separation from God. In the Holy of holies behind it — was the place where God’s presence dwelt. Men could not pass the veil. The teaching was, that God could not be approached by sinners — the way was not yet opened.
Once in a year the high priest went behind the veil, implying that there was access to God — but only through a priest. He went with blood — never without it — signifying that only by blood, by sacrifice — could God be approached. The priest was a type of Christ, and his yearly entrance with blood into the Holy of holies — was a constant prefigurement of Christ’s once entering with His own blood, to make full and final atonement. The rending of this veil at the time of Christ’s death — was part of the symbolism of the end and completion of the old legal economy. Men were no longer to be excluded from God’s presence, since the great sacrifice had now been made. The separating wall between the holy God and sinful man, had been broken down by Christ’s death. Hence the symbol of this separation was also removed. This rending of the veil was therefore a supernatural act, teaching that the way of access to God was now and forever open to all. The fact that the veil was rent from top to bottom (that is, torn in two pieces) signifies that the way is entirely opened! The Holiest of all, now stands wide open with its mercy-seat accessible to every sinner, without the intervention of any earthly priest. The time at which this rending took place is important. It was just after Christ had died — after He had cried, "It is finished!" It was because the great atonement was now made — that the way to God was thrown open to all.
December 13. Ministering Women
"And many women were there beholding from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto Him" Mat 27:55
These were the earliest of a great and noble army of holy women — attached to Christ by deep, personal love — following and ministering unto Him. In all the ages since, Christian women have shown similar devotion and constancy to Christ — and similar heroic love in serving Him. The record of woman’s ministry to Christ, is one of the brightest in all the world’s history!
Women owe an incalculable debt to Christ. He has lifted them up from base thraldom, and from degradation. Women have always been grateful too, and have served Christ with great devotion.
Women are found in every sickroom, bending over the sufferer with unwearying solicitude, with matchless tenderness ministering to bodily comfort, and pouring the warmth of affection upon feverish spirits. They are found in the wards of hospitals, and upon battlefields, moving like God’s angels in blessed, loving ministry.
Faithful Christian mothers are following the Master and doing work which will shine forever in glorious luster!
Faithful Christian Sunday school teachers are doing quiet service in lowly paths — which in God’s sight, is nobler than that of many of earth’s famous ones!
Everywhere, too, there is an open field for woman’s ministry. Christ is no longer here in person to be served — as He was served by these women who followed Him from Galilee; but in His needy and suffering followers — He is ever present; and whoever will, may minister unto Him! For He said that in doing acts of kindness to the least of His people — we do them unto Him.
Much practical teaching is in this picture, which is here held up before every woman, inspiring her to wholeheartedly follow Christ.
Why do so many young Christian girls choose a life . . .
of idleness,
of love of pleasure,
of aimless, purposeless existence,
of mere dressing, promenading, and trifling —
when such a life of glorious service is open to them?
December 14. Joseph of Arimathea
"Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body." Mark 15:43
Joseph had been a disciple of Christ for some time before — but had lacked the courage to come out boldly. He was rich and influential, and had feared the consequences of a public identification with Jesus. But now he throws away his timidity, and comes out boldly as a friend of Jesus! He did it at a time when all the other disciples, even the apostles, were paralyzed with fear and afraid to speak. He did it, too, at a time of greatest peril — when shame covered the name of Jesus, and the bitterness against him was intensest. He did it also at a time when faith had died in the hearts of Christ’s friends, and when there could be no hope of personal gain as a reward for his act.
There were several reasons why Joseph made this bold confession at this time. One was because he was a true disciple — and true love for Christ cannot always hide itself. Then, when he saw Christ suffering so at the hands of His enemies, the loyalty of his own heart was strengthened, and he felt that he must avow it. When he saw Jesus dead — all the warm and long pent-up affection in his soul awoke! Then he saw how unworthy his conduct had been — in hiding his friendship for Christ, at a time when confession would have done him good. It looks as if his act were an effort to atone for the imperfectness of his former discipleship.
We must ever be grateful that Joseph gave Jesus such noble burial. Yet we cannot but remember that his love blossomed out too late. It is evident that his discipleship was incomplete, that it missed much of the blessing of open discipleship, and that even to himself it was far from satisfactory when the great crisis came. Secret discipleship cannot always remain secret; it must at some time and in some way — confess itself, regardless of what it may cost!
December 15. The Descent from the Cross
"When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb" Mat 27:59-60
According to the Roman custom, the bodies of those who were crucified were left hanging until they were eaten by birds and wild beasts. This barbarous custom being revolting to the Jews, an exception was made in their favor, and burial was permitted. If relatives or friends made application — the body of a crucified man would be given to them to be interred as they saw fit; but if none came — it was thrown into a pit. Had it not then been for Joseph and Nicodemus, the body of Jesus would have been cast, with the bodies of the robbers by His side — into the common receptacle for criminals. Thanks to the love of these hitherto secret disciples, though dying on a cross — our blessed Lord was buried like a king.
We may dwell with loving thought upon the scenes of this hour.
First, the body was taken down, not by the crude, unfeeling soldiers — but by Joseph himself, aided by Nicodemus, and probably by some other friends. How tenderly this would be done — we can imagine when we think of the love that was in the hearts of these friends. Then the blood was washed from the face, hands, feet, and side.
Next, the body was wrapped in the linen, with the spices and the ointments. Then, with farewell kisses impressed on the silent lips by the loving, sorrowing friends who stood by — the face was covered with the napkin, and the cold form was tenderly borne to the sepulcher near at hand, amid garden plants and flowers, and was laid away to rest.
We cannot study this scene of the burial of our blessed Lord, without rich spiritual profit. Shall we not, for one thing, seek to carry away a spirit of loving gentleness which shall make our love deeper and our touch softer — as we go out among sorrowing ones?
December 16. The Sepulcher
"In the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulcher. There they laid Jesus." John 19:41-42 As we stand by this garden-tomb, many thoughts are suggested. Christ touched life at every point. Beginning at infancy, He went through every phase — at last lying down in a grave. There is no path on which His footprints are not seen. There is no place any of us shall have to stand, in of which we may not say, "Jesus was here. He passed through this experience; therefore He knows all about it." We dread the grave; we think of its darkness; but since Jesus has lain there — why should we fear its gloom?
Another suggestion, comes from the fact that this tomb was provided for Jesus — by His friends. Writers have noted this as another mark of His humiliation. When He was born — His cradle was a borrowed feeding trough in a stable. During His ministry — He had "nowhere to lay His head." When He died — He was buried in a borrowed grave.
Another thought, as we look at the sepulcher, is how hopeless everything seemed for the time. He on whom the disciples had leaned as the Messiah — is now silent in death, His work apparently finished. All the expectations based on Him, depended on His living to ascend a throne. It certainly seemed now to His friends, that all was over.
Yet the grave was simply the low gateway to glory. As we see it now, in the light that streams from the gospel, it interrupted no plan, quenched no light, destroyed no hope. When shall we learn to bring the truth of immortality into our own faith and hopes? We stand by the graves of our Christian friends, almost as disconsolate as were these friends of Jesus around His grave. Why shall we not learn faith? Death ends nothing for those who die in the Lord — nothing but struggle, sorrow, and sin! No hopes perish — when a Christian is buried. Just beyond, is eternal glory!
December 17. Love and Sorrow "Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid." Mark 15:47
It was a loving watch — but a hopeless one, which those devoted women kept. No stars shone through their cypress trees that afternoon. To their faith, their Christ was lost; because their faith had taken in only an earthly idea of Messiahship. Death was the end of all the hope they had yet learned to cherish.
It surely was a dark hour for the disciples, when that Friday’s sun sank in the west. Satan seemed to have conquered and utterly to have destroyed the good seed of life, which God had sent down from Heaven. A Persian fable says that the earth was created a great barren plain, without tree or plant. An angel was sent to scatter the choicest seeds on every spot. Satan, seeing the seeds on the ground, supposed that the sowing of the seeds was God’s work, and determined to destroy it. So he buried all the seeds in the soil, and summoned sun and rain to make them rot away. But while with malignant feeling of triumph, he smiled on the ruin which he had wrought — the seeds which had been buried away to rot — germinated and sprang up, clothing all the earth with plants and flowers, and in beauty undreamed of before. And a voice said from Heaven, "You fool, that which you sow is not quickened, unless it dies." The application is obvious. The burial of Christ was thought by His enemies to be the end; but in truth this was the very way to the glory of Christ. He Himself had said, "Except a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies — it abides alone; but if it dies — it brings forth much fruit." Christ’s burial in the grave, was but the necessary way to His final and glorious victory. So now, when we lay our beloved Christian dead in the tomb — it is in the assured hope of blessed resurrection. The grave is but the shaded way to glory.
December 18. The First at the Sepulcher
"When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb" Mark 16:1-2
Nothing shines more brightly in the story of our Lord’s cross and tomb — than the loving fidelity of His women friends. They were last at His cross — and first at His tomb when the Sabbath was past. They came very early in the morning, while it was still dark and the day was but dawning. They must have been awake much of the night preparing their spices and ointments. Hope had died in their hearts, when they saw Jesus dead and laid away in the tomb — but love had not died! They had not forgotten the blessings they had received from His hand; and though they had been disappointed in their Messianic expectations — they were eager to do all that could be done to honor His memory.
There are lessons in this picture which are so obvious that they need scarcely be written out. One is, that no matter how dark the hour — our love for Christ should never fail. Though our expectations fail of realization, though our blossoms of hope fade and fall and yield no fruit — still let us cling to Christ. Our disappointments often prove the richest blessings in the end. It was so with these faithful women. Their Messianic hopes were buried and never arose — but the true Messianic hopes came in full glory from the grave’s gloom! So it is always with faith’s hopes that seem to perish — they come again in immortal beauty.
Another lesson is, that in the expression of our love for Christ, we should bring to Him the very richest and best that our hearts can find or our hands can prepare.
Still another lesson is, that we ought always to come early in our service of love for Christ. We ought to come to Him in life’s morning, while youth’s purity and freshness are unsullied.
We ought also to seek Him in the morning of each day — so that not one golden moment may be lost!
December 19. The Stone Rolled Away
"They asked each other, ’Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away!" Mark 16:3-4
We are all alike. Even these holy women on this most sacred errand, seemed to borrow trouble. There was a stone in the way which must be rolled aside, and they had not the strength to do it. Naturally enough, they began to be anxious as to the removal of this obstacle. When they came near — they saw that the obstacle had been already removed! The Divine love had been beforehand in preparing the way for them. Angels had rolled the stone aside. The lesson is very simple and beautiful. We go forward worrying about the difficulties that lie before us, wondering how we can ever get through them, or who will remove them out of our way. Then when we come up to them — we find that they are gone! Someone has been there before us, and has taken them away. God always opens the way of duty for us — if we quietly move on. This applies to one beginning a Christian life. Many people shrink from it. They say: "I can never be faithful. I can never do the duties. I can never bear the burdens." But as they enter and go on — they find that an unseen and almighty Helper goes on before them — and prepares the way. The hard tasks become easy — and the heavy burdens grow light.
It is so all through the Christian life. God’s commandments seem impossible to obey. Walls of stone seem built across the path which we are required to walk over. But as we go on, we find that the commandments are easy, and a gateway is opened in the impenetrable wall. Love and faith always have an advance of angels to roll away stones. The practical lesson is, that we are never to hesitate nor shrink back — because obstacles seem to lie before us. We are to go right on — and God will take them away for us. When He wants us to go anywhere — He will open the path for our feet. Knowing this, we may go on feeling confident of our own safety.
December 20. The Empty Tomb
"The angel said to the women: Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified." Mat 28:5
It must have been a glad errand to the angels who were sent to minister at the grave of the Redeemer, to roll the stone away, to keep watch at the empty sepulcher, and to tell the good tidings to the disciples who came with such heavy hearts. Their message was one of great joy. Jesus, whom His friends thought was dead — was alive again for evermore. He had been in the grave — but He was not there now. The empty tomb has many glorious voices. It tells us first, that Jesus actually died. He was buried here — just in this place. His head lay there — His feet here. Here are the grave-clothes — the pieces of fine linen which gentle hands wound around Him. Here is the napkin which covered His face. He lay just here. Look at the place and mark it well — and never forget that He actually was dead. This is important, for upon His death — your acceptance with God depends. But look again. The grave is now empty. He was here — but He is not here now, for "he is risen." The grave is empty. Here are the grave-clothes — but there is no body. He is gone! The empty tomb tells, then, of resurrection. Death could not hold the Messiah. He burst its bands and conquered the grave’s power. This is important, for a dead Christ could not have saved dead sinners. Had He never risen, how could He have stood for us before God? How could He be our help in weakness, our support in trial, our Comforter, our Friend — if His dust lay yet in the grave? Therefore He is alive to intercede for us, to help us, to save us.
Still another truth which the empty tomb teaches us, is that all who sleep in Jesus — shall rise too. One precious word of Scripture says: "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so those also who sleep in Jesus — will God bring with Him." So let us learn to see through the grave — to the life beyond!
December 21. Go and Tell Peter "Go your way, tell his disciples and Peter." Mark 16:7
Why "and Peter"? Why was Peter named — and none of the other disciples? Had Peter been the most loyal and faithful of all the Master’s friends, that he deserved such a mark of distinction as this? Oh no! We remember how Peter had fallen. The last word that had dropped upon the ear of Jesus from His lips — was a bitter word of denial. Peter had acted worse than any other of the disciples!
Why, then, did Jesus send this special word to Peter? It was just because he had sinned so grievously. That last look of the Savior broke his heart, and he went out into the night — a penitent man, weeping bitterly. Those had been dark days for him, since Jesus died. Not only was he overwhelmed with sorrow at the death of his Lord, whom he truly and most dearly loved — but his grief was made bitter beyond endurance — by the remembrance of his own base denial at the very last! Deep must his sorrow have been, and all the deeper because he would never be able to ask forgiveness. How he must have longed to have Jesus back, if but for one moment, to confess his sin and beg pardon!
Jesus left this special word for Peter — because He knew of the bitterness of His disciple’s sorrow. Peter might have been saying, when he heard Jesus had risen, "Perhaps He will not own me any more," and so Jesus sent this message with Peter’s name in it specially — just to let him know that he was forgiven — and would not be cast off.
What a world of comfort there is in this "and Peter" — for any who have grievously sinned and are sincerely penitent! Those who have deeply fallen — are the very ones who receive the deepest, tenderest compassion from Jesus, because they need it most, and because He would help them to rise again. The gospel always has its special word for the penitent; Christ still comes to call the sinner!
December 22. Mary Magdalene
"At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus." John 20:14 The story of Mary Magdalene is one of very tender interest. Jesus had wrought for her a very wonderful deliverance, casting out the seven demons which possessed her. From that time, her devotion to Him was such that she followed Him wherever He went, ministering to Him. She was one of those who watched by His cross and tomb, and came early to do honor to His body. In return for her loving devotion, Jesus appeared first to her in the morning He arose. But when she saw Him, she did not know Him, though her heart was crying out for Him with intense yearning. As she stood talking with the angel, she heard a step behind her, and turned, and there Jesus stood. Yet she did not recognize Him, though she loved Him so much, and though her heart was hungering for Him. She was thinking of Him as dead, and she did not know Him when He stood before her alive. Another reason she did not know Him was, that her eyes were so full of tears, that she could not see Him. Many a time it is the same with us: we need Christ, and our hearts are crying out for Him. Yet when He comes to us — we do not know Him, and therefore fail to receive comfort from His presence.
There is a picture which represents a mother in deep distress; yet close by her is an angel bending over her to comfort her, his fingers touching at the same time the strings of the harp in his hands. But she is so absorbed in her own grief that she neither sees the angel, nor hears his celestial music. So her heart goes uncomforted and still breaking, while the comfort is so close at hand. We should look up when we are in sorrow; if we look down only — we shall never see the beauties and glories of the face of Jesus, and our hearts shall be uncomforted, though He is close beside us.
December 23. Why are you crying?
"Why are you crying?" John 20:15
There really was no cause for tears; for Jesus, whom she mourned as dead — was living. Does not Jesus ask the same question now of many a mourner, "Why are you crying?" We cannot restrain our tears when a dear friend is taken from us; and there is nothing wrong in such tears. Jesus Himself wept beside the grave of His friend whom He was about to raise to life. But with too many, the grief at loss of dear ones — is unsubmissive, unbelieving, even rebellious. When a Christian dies — he but departs to be with his Lord; can we therefore weep for him? Surely not; death to him is glorious gain. Shall we weep because he is with Christ, in eternal blessedness; because he is past all pain and trial; because he has been exalted to a place in the King’s palace? Shall we blame God, and weep bitter, rebellious tears — because He has taken one of His own children away from us? Does God make mistakes? Are we not sure of His love? Was it in anger, that He came and caused us such grief? May we not be sure that the sorrow which came with such heavy fall, was really God’s best kindness for us, as well as for the beloved one He took to Himself? Is it not sin, then — for us to weep without any sweet submission and loving acquiescence?
December 24. Rabboni!
"She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" John 20:16
Jesus had not forgotten Mary’s name in His experience of death. It was the ancient heathen belief that death washed from the soul all memory of the earthly life — its loves, its sorrows, all its recollections. But here we see Jesus on the other side of death, and the old affections are found unchanged in Him. He met Mary and His other friends, and took up the threads of the tender story of love, just where they had been broken off three days before when He died. This fact ought to be very comforting. Love is stronger than death. When our friends pass through death, whatever changes may be wrought in them or upon them — we know that there will be no change in their love for us. Death will not sever the ties that bind Christian hearts together on the earth. We shall meet again in the after life, and remember each other and love each other as before, and take up the old threads of affection and go on weaving loves web forever. When Jesus had called Mary and she recognized Him by His voice, she at once answered Him in the one word "Rabboni!", "Master!" This name by which she called Him showed the loyalty of her heart, and the consecration of her life to Him. Many people get only a half-conception of Christian faith. They believe in Christ as a Savior — but do not think of Him as Lord — their own personal Lord. They think of faith only as trusting for salvation, and do not understand it also as obedience and service. Mary had the true conception. Her answer to Christ’s call, implied the surrender of herself to Him. All true faith accepts Christ in two ways, and under two names. First, it receives Him as Savior, Jesus, trusting in Him alone for salvation. "Simply to your cross I cling." Next, it accepts Him as Lord, Rabboni, yielding the life to Him. The saved soul owes obedience, submission, loyalty, service.
December 25. True Christmas Joy "Jesus said to her, "Mary." John 20:16 On this Christmas day, we come to the hour of restored joy, which is even richer and deeper, because it is fuller than the joy of the Savior’s birth. Christmas tells of the first coming of Christ to earth, with blessings for a lost world. But Jesus was lost to His disciples when He went down into the darkness of death. Mary’s message is of a Savior come again from the darkness, and come beyond death in immortal life. Only part of the joy came with the birth; here we have the full joy, telling of accomplished redemption and glorious victory over death and the grave. Hope was lost on the Friday of Christ’s death; now the stars are shining again, never again to be eclipsed. So this really is the full Christmas message. It tells not merely of a Savior born — but also of a Savior that has lived, obeyed, suffered, died, and risen again — and is able therefore to save unto the uttermost all who come unto God by Him. The shepherds and the Magi found but a little babe when they came to see the new-born King. We see a Savior with the print of the nails in His hands and feet, who has wrought a full and glorious redemption for the world.
Jesus appeared to Mary after He had come again from death; yet death had not extinguished one beam of His brightness. The resurrection was a type and prophecy of the future resurrection of all who believe in Him and sleep in Him. It shows us therefore that death does not mean destruction, that death is not the end of life. It is but an incident, an experience — and life goes on afterward without loss or marring. We ought to try to learn this blessed truth. Life is not worth living, which is bounded by earth’s little horizon, and does not reach out into immortality. Indeed we do not really begin to live — until we are living for immortality.
December 26. The Walk to Emmaus
"As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them" Luk 24:15
These two friends, as they walked along with heavy hearts, had only one theme: they were talking of their sore loss and of Him whom they had lost. They were so intensely absorbed in their sorrow as they talked of it, that they were not aware of the near approach of a stranger, until He had drawn up to them and joined them. Jesus always draws near when His friends are talking of Him. In the book of Malachi, it was said that when the Lord’s people come together and speak of sacred things — the Lord listens, and keeps a book of remembrance.
Here is something more. Two of Christ’s friends talk of Him — and He comes and joins them. How much those Christian people miss who meet and pass hours together, and have no theme of conversation but the silly gossip of society, filled with backbitings and bits of malicious criticism and mischievous scandal — but without one single word about Christ! Does any one suppose that the Lord hearkens to such conversation, or puts it down in His book of remembrance? Of course He hears every word of the talk, and every word goes down in a book of remembrance, and we must give account for every idle word. But He does not listen and record the conversation in the sense the prophet meant — with loving pleasure. Does any one think Christ will draw near and become one of any such party of Christians as often gather in parlors, deliciously feeding on every bit of fresh gossip — but with never a word about their Redeemer?
What a blessing every hour of conversation would bring, if we would only talk together of Christ and His kingdom! He would then draw near and join us, adding the joy of His presence to our hearts. Shall we not talk together more of our Lord?
December 27. Abide with Us "They constrained him, saying, Abide with us." Luk 24:29
If the two disciples had not constrained Jesus to stay with them, He would have passed on, and they would have missed the blessed enjoyment of His company, and the disclosure of Himself which He made to them at the end. The lesson is for us. No doubt we miss many rich comforts and blessings, because we do not earnestly constrain Jesus to tarry with us. He loves to be constrained. He does not go where He is not really and earnestly desired, where His presence is not eagerly sought after. Only love in us, can receive and enjoy Christ’s love. The only reason we do not have more blessed fellowship with Christ, is because we really do not want more. He is willing to be our abiding guest, entering into every experience with us in our work, in our pleasures, in our social life, in our temptations and trials; but many of us do not want Him always with us. His presence would interfere with our methods of business, or with our way of living, or with our enjoyments and amusements. We do not then constrain Him to abide with us, and He passes on, and we miss the blessing He would bring.
If we were truly to desire Christ to abide always with us, He would never go away. What a life of blessing and joy we would live — if He were indeed always with us! Unbroken communion with Him would hold Heaven close about us all the while, and thus these sordid earthly lives of ours would be permeated and struck through with the sweetness and fragrance of holiness, and transformed into the likeness of Christ Himself. Then all of life’s experiences would be transfigured. Joy would be purer, and even sorrow would be illumined. All through life, this should be our continual prayer; then in death our earthly communion, shall brighten into heavenly glory!
December 28. Prize Present Blessings "Their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight." Luk 24:31
All along the way, Jesus had walked with these disciples, pouring the warmth of His spirit upon them; but they did not recognize Him — until the moment of His vanishing out of their sight. It is the same with us, and many of our best blessings. We do not recognize them — until they are taking their flight. We do not prize health — until it is broken. Our common privileges we do not value — until something deprives us of them. Our homes appear old-fashioned — until we are thrown homeless upon the world.
It is the same with our friends. We do not see the beauties of their character, not perceive their real worth — until in some way we have lost them. This is specially true of the friends who are nearest to us in our own households. They seem to us commonplace, because they are always moving before us. Their help is so perpetual, and their ministry is so unbroken — that we do not learn their value to us. But some day, one of these friends vanishes out of our sight. The familiar form is seen no more. The voice of tender love is heard no more. The quiet, gentle ministry ceases. Tomorrow we miss the friend; then in the vanishing — we learn what he was to us. Should we not get a lesson here? Shall we not try to prize our blessings — while we have them? The vacant chair should not be the first revealer of a loving friend.
December 29. Rejoice in the Lord "Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord." John 20:20
Christ’s death had caused them great sorrow; to have Him back again from death — gave them unspeakable joy. Indeed there never would have been and Christian joy — if Jesus had not risen from the dead. It was necessary that He should die for our sins; but if He had died and remained in the grave — no benefit could have come to us from His dying. A dead mother cannot do anything for her children; nor could a dead Savior have helped those who trusted in Him.
We need a living Savior, to whose feet we can creep with our penitence when we have sinned, and in whose hands we can be kept in safety until we reach glory.
We need a living Friend, who will bless us by His rich love; whose strong arm will hold us up in weakness, and defend us in temptation; whose presence will restrain us from sin, and inspire in us all good thoughts and holy desires and aspirations.
We need a living Comforter, who will stand for us in Heaven and plead our cause there — and stand by us on the earth in all our imperiled life.
We need a living personal Caretaker, who will look after all our interests, plan for our lives, order our steps, and provide for all our needs.
We need a Prince who had won for us the battle over death and the grave, and is able therefore to bring us also from under the power of death. No wonder, then, that the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord, when they had Him back again from the dead. We should be glad too, and rejoice in the glorious truth of Christ’s resurrection. We have a living Savior! We have One in Heaven who loves us. Our Redeemer holds the keys of death. No dark grave can hold us, or any of ours who sleep in Jesus. We can enjoy as real communion with Jesus — as did His first disciples, because He lives and is one with us.
December 30. Do You Truly Love Me?
Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." John 21:15-16
There are several great lessons which we should learn from Peter’s restoration. One is that the first essential in a Christian worker, is love for Christ Himself. Wisdom will not do. Eloquence will not do. We may delight in the work itself. People sometimes talk about a "passion for souls" as essential in one who would work for Christ; but this is not enough. Nothing less than a passion for Christ Himself will do to fit one for labor for souls. "I have but one passion, and that is He," said a great missionary. When we love Christ with all our heart, and not until then — are we ready to do His work. He will not entrust the care of His flock to any who are not loyal to Him and do not love Him. "Do you truly love me?" comes before "Feed my lambs."
Another thought here for workers is, that they must feed the souls entrusted to their care. Entertainment is not the object — but feeding, spiritual feeding. But what is food for souls? Nothing but Christ Himself; and the way to feed others on Christ — is to open up for them the holy Word, that they may see Christ and learn to love Him and trust Him and do His will. We must be sure that we give true soul-food, the pure Word of God, to those whom we undertake to feed.
Then more than feeding is here enjoined. The Master’s words vary here: He bade Peter feed the lambs and "take care of my sheep"; that is, give them all shepherd-care — love, protection, guidance, provision. The most important and responsible work in all this world — is caring for souls. The responsibility rests, not on pastors alone — but upon all parents, all teachers, all Christians. We dare not do this work carelessly. It would be a terrible thing if through our negligence any soul should be marred. They are Christ’s lambs and Christ’s sheep — whom we are set to shepherd; we must be faithful.
December 31. Follow Me "When he had spoken this, he said unto him, Follow me!" John 21:19
We have come now to the last day of the year. For a whole year in these daily readings, we have been walking with Christ. Is there any better word with which to close this book and close the year than this last invitation of Jesus, "Follow me!" This is the true outcome of all learning of Christ. Mere knowledge, though it be of spiritual things, avails nothing — except as it leads us to follow Christ.
We have seen Jesus in all the different phases of His life. We have heard many of His words. Now it remains only for us to follow Him. The outcome of seeing and knowing — should be holy living and doing. The last day of the year suggests also the same duty. Who is satisfied with his life as it appears in retrospect from these evening shadows? The past, however blotted, must go as it is; we cannot change it, and we need not waste time in regretting. But the new year is before us, and if we would make that better than the stained past, it must be by following Christ more closely. To follow Christ is to go where He leads — without questioning or demurring. It may be to a life of trial, suffering, or sacrifice — but it does not matter; we have nothing whatever to do with the kind of life to which our Lord calls us. Our only simple duty is to obey and follow. We know that Jesus will lead us only in right paths, and that the way He takes slopes upward and ends at the feet of God! The new year on which we are about to enter is unopened, and we know not what shall befall us; but if we follow Christ we need have no fear. So let us leave the old year with gratitude to God for its mercies, with penitence for its failures and sins, and let us enter the new with earnest resolve in Christ’s name to make it the best and most beautiful year we have ever lived.