January 19

I know that my Redeemer libeth. — Job xix. 25.

Fear not; I am the first and the last; I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive, for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. — REV. i. 17, 18.

A SOLEMN exultation burns along these words. Each throws its light on some dark place in our thoughts, our lives.

I. "Fear not." Why should we fear? If Christ be the First and the Last, that secures that all between goes well. He is beginning and end. — "author and finisher." A strong, all-including hand bears us along, its grasp stronger than death, because it is the grasp of Life. "Fear not!"

II. "The 'Living One' was dead." How came one who was Life to die? Saint John, to whom these words were spoken, well knew, for he was with him in Gethsemane and at Calvary. So the reddened door opens into Atonement. Life was also Love, and therefore died for us. Now, he is "alive forevermore" to apply the atonement which he has made. On his work we may now rest in peace.

III. He holds in his imperial grasp the "keys." What are keys for? There is but one answer, — to lock in, and to lock out. O child of God, you cannot die until the time comes! You are locked out of your grave, and Christ has the key. No fierce disease or cruel accident can swing the door and thrust you in untimely. The key is in Christ's hand. He and he only can use it.

The First Begotten of the dead, For us he rose, our glorious Head, Immortal life to bring; What though the saints like him shall die? They share their Leader's victory, And triumph with their King!

KELLY.