March 16

"There remaineth therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God."—HBR. iv. 9 (R.V.).

THERE remaineth a Sabbatism for the people of God.

The Sabbath here brings release from task-work and solicitude; but the eternal Sabbath—throughout it the very service will be repose and the very labour peace and joy. The irksomeness of toil will be gone for ever. The burdensomeness of care will not be felt again. Through all my duties I shall carry music in my heart.

The Sabbath here brings the sweet and solemn worship of God's holy house; but the eternal Sabbath—throughout it my praises will ring louder, and my prayers will have more thanksgiving and triumph in them than they could have meantime, and His truth will shine with brighter meaning and glow.

The Sabbath here brings happy communion with the saints; but the eternal Sabbath—throughout it I shall walk in company with the seraphim, and with the redeemed taken from every country and kindred. O goodly fellowship! O banquet-hall of Christ, thronged by the guests robed in fair linen clean and white!

The Sabbath here brings the sight by faith of my Lord's dear face; but the eternal Sabbath—throughout it faith will give place to undimmed vision. My eyes will look into His. My hand will grasp His pierced hand. My feet will follow His blessed feet, through the sinless, sorrowless, deathless land.

Too soon the Sabbath on earth is ended and past. But the Sabbath of heaven has no ending at all. Its day never passes into night. Its glory lasts through cycle after cycle of blessedness. May the Lord of the Sabbath lead me to its consummate joy!