August 23

PART II.—Luke 1:76.

Jesus is not only the Highest in his essential nature, attributes, and illustrious works, but he is exalted to the HIGHEST THRONE. He is highly exalted above all principalities and powers, even to the right hand of the Majesty on high. Jesus also receives the highest honours. Hence, the Father addressing him, saith, "Thy throne O God is for ever and ever," and again, he saith, "Let all the angels of God worship him." And John beheld "Thousands of thousands," and heard them saying, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing, for ever and ever." (Revelation 5:12.)

"Him while the first Archangel sings,

He hides his face beneath his wings,

And ranks of shining hosts around

Fall worshipping, and spread the ground."

What a glorious being is the Redeemer! What claims has he justly upon all those who profess to be his disciples. As the Highest and most glorious and best of beings, he ought to have the highest affections of our souls. Our love to him ought to be of the superlative degree. We ought to love him with unbounded intensity and delight. He should ever be held in our affections, as the fairest among ten thousand, and the altogether lovely. Then as the Highest, he justly claims the highest homage of praise and worship. We must honor him in all religious acts, even as we honour the Father. To him our highest strains of song, must constantly ascend,—

"Let every creature, every tribe,

On this terrestrial ball,

To him all Majesty ascribe,

And crown him Lord of all."

Then as the Highest, he ought to possess our cheerful, unreserved, and constant obedience. He is our rightful Lord, — to him we are in all things to be subject: and the genuineness of our profession of love and praise, must be evidenced by a holy life of subjection to his authority and laws. When he speaks, let all the earth keep silence before him; when he commands, let all his creatures reverently obey him.