November 22

Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?

GEN. xviii. 17.

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth; but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. — JOHN XV. 15.

THESE inspiring and comforting words of Jesus were addressed to the eleven on the night before he suffered. The revelations made to them at the passover table, in the early evening, concerning his betrayal and death, had blasted all their earthly hopes and expectations. They saw themselves poor, outcast, and alone in the world; and "sorrow had filled their hearts." Could they have grasped the blessed import of these wonderful words, what light would have fallen on their darkness! "Henceforth" the relation of the disciple to his Lord is no more that of a servant (the conception of rabbinical discipleship) not knowing what his Lord does, but the endearing, confidential relation of friend, loved even as the Father hath loved his only begotten Son, and admitted to the secrets of his Lord through the abiding Comforter, and made co-worker together with him, constrained by his unspeakable love. Yea, more; having received "the adoption" he is made "joint-heir" with him, "if he abides in his love," "if so be that he suffers with him," "that they may be glorified together."

J. Fred Sutton

Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word, But as thou dwell'st with thy disciples, Lord, Familiar, condescending, patient, free, Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.

LYTH.