March 20

En him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead.

COL. ii. 9.

I and my Father are one. — JOHN x. 30.

WE have here one of the briefest and yet sublimest words spoken by the Son of God concerning his blessed person. A colossal word, akin to another, "Which of you convinceth me of sin?" and alike in majesty to his declaration, "I am the light of the world."

The Jews understood, for they answered, "Thou makest thyself God;" but they were hardened in unbelief, and took up stones again to stone him.

The rock of offence to the Jews is our unspeakably precious treasure. We know what Jesus designed to teach. One with the Father, so spake he, one in life and one in love, and gave as proofs his stupendous works as Saviour of mankind, - one in grandeur, power, and glory with the Father, of whom John also testified, "And we beheld his glory."

Concerning his redeemed the voice of Jesus says, "I give unto them eternal life. They shall never perish." Wherein lies the pledge that God will do as he has engaged? Where is our hope securely anchored? Who guarantees to the believer perfect assurance of salvation through life and through the swelling waves of Jordan?

"My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all." He gave them to be redeemed and "kept," and "I and my Father are one!"

Rudolf Koenig

Teach us to know the Father, Son, And thee, of both to be but One, That through the ages all along This, this may be our endless song: "Praise to thy eternal merit, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."

BISHOP J. COSIN (Translation).