August 21

Touched with the feeling of our infirmities. — HEB. iv. 15.

I thirst. — JOHN xix. 28.

THESE words fulfilled Scripture, though not spoken simply to fulfil it. They thus became one of the many fingers with which prophecy pointed to Jesus as the one of whom "Moses and the prophets did speak." Every incident of his death was foretold, — the time, the gambling of the soldiers for his coat, the mocking cry of the mob: each act in the mighty tragedy. "He died according to the Scriptures." Thus these words helped to tell the world, even in his death, that he was the Son of God. We rest then with glad confidence on his finished work. "He is able to save to the uttermost." He is God.

Yet he was a real sufferer. Wounded soldiers make the battle-field pitiful with their cries for "Water!" Jesus felt the thirst. His body was tortured. He knows how to sympathize with us. He wept with Martha and Mary. He ever sympathizes with his people.

We cannot hesitate to trust him, for he is God. We cannot fear to draw nigh to him with confidence, for he is also a loving and tender man.

J. M. Rosebro

Touched with a sympathy within,

He knows our feeble frame.

He knows what sore temptations mean,

For he has felt the same.

WATTS.