October 8

The Forerunner.--Hebrews 6:20.

Jesus came to open a glorious passage from earth to heaven, from this world of sin and suffering, to the blissful realms of eternal day. This way he personally trod, and has left the impress of his feet, that we might follow him in his course below, and be raised finally to his dwelling and kingdom. He as our forerunner, has gone first to lead the way, and it is ours to follow in his illustrious steps.

His course he commenced at his baptism, when his heavenly Father attested to his Divinity and glory; then he went onwards, fulfilling all the duties of his private life, and exerting all his powers in the public discharge of his official engagements. As our forerunner, he never rested, till all his work on earth was done, and his life and labours finished together on the cross. As our forerunner, he passed through the gate of death, explored the gloomy regions of the grave, and came forth as the resurrection and the life of his people. As our forerunner, at last he ascended on high, led captivity captive, entered into the holiest place of all, sprinkled the eternal mercy-seat with his own blood, and took possession of the celestial mansions, that where he is, all his saints may be also. These mansions he has prepared for his disciples, and if we live to him, we shall live with him, and if we die to him, then shall we be with him for ever, which is far better. But Christ must be loved and followed as the forerunner, we must ever keep him before our eyes, and as he is the author, so he must be the finisher of our faith. Let us rejoice that the way to the holiest is open, and that the forerunner for us hath entered, even Jesus, who is a priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec.