April 10

Let us not rent it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be.

—John 19:24.

How remarkably was every scriptural prediction realized in reference to the Son of God. His upper garments had been divided among the soldiers, but his inner coat or vesture, being without seam, they do not tear it, but agree to dispose of it by lots, thus, unconsciously fulfilling a prophecy which had been delivered eleven hundred years before. For David had predicted and said, "They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture." (Psalms 22:18.) In this interesting event several lessons are communicated. By the seamless vesture of Christ we are reminded of the completeness and perfection of his religion. All preceding dispensations had been imperfect and temporary, Christ came to establish a system which should abolish all these, one in which all truth should be exhibited, and which should abide to the end of the world. By Christ's seamless vesture, we are also reminded of the unity of his church. All his people are one. For this he especially interceded in his valedictory prayer, "That they all may be one, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that they may be all one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." (John 17:21.) How desirable it is that all Christ's professed friends should say, as the soldiers did of his vesture, "let us not rent it." Perfect uniformity is not likely to be effected by any process here, but perfect love and harmony may notwithstanding be cultivated. God is displeased with the jarrings and strifes of his people. By this the Holy Spirit is grieved, and the seamless vesture of Jesus is degraded and torn. Let us not forget that Christ not only came to unite us to God, but also to unite our hearts in the indissoluble bonds of peace and love. By this said the blessed Jesus, shall all men know that ye are my disciples, "if ye love one another."