May 5

PART V.—Luke 24:5, 6.

THE resurrection of Christ was not only necessary, as a proof of his divinity, as a foundation of believing hope, and as a pledge of our resurrection; but also it was necessary on his own account. It was necessary, 1st, that he might complete his me diatorial work. It behoved him to enter into the holiest place of all, that the mercy-seat might be sprinkled with his precious blood; and that thus, as our great High Priest, he might appear in the presence of God for us. This work also, involved his intercessions for his people, at the right hand of the majesty on high, as well also, that he might be the way of access to God, and the channel of all communications from God to us, and especially that he might send down the Holy Spirit. Then as the King of Zion, he had to defend his church, enlarge his kingdom, and extend his reign, until all his enemies should be made his footstool. It was necessary that Jesus should rise from the dead, that he might be rewarded for his toils and sufferings. He endured the cross and despised the shame, for the joy that was set before him. God had covenanted with him, that he should "see his seed prolong his days, and that the pleasure of the Lord, should prosper in his hand." In virtue of that covenant, God did raise his son, and exalted him above all principalities and powers, and gave him a name above every name, and said, "rule thou in the midst of thine enemies;" "Thy throne O God, is for ever and ever, a sceptre of righteousness, is the sceptre of thy kingdom; thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity, therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness, above thy fellows. (Hebrews 1:8—9.)

P