November 19

Received up into glory.—1 Timothy 3:16.

THIS is the last link in this chain of holy mysteries. The despised, condemned, and crucified Jesus, who was deemed a deceiver of men, and unfit to live, was approved of God, raised from the dead, and finally exalted to glory. This reception of Jesus to glory, occurred as he stood on Olivet, and while he was blessing his disciples. For as he blessed them, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. The glory to which he was received, was the glory of dignity and majesty, and power, which he had with the Father before the world was. It was the glory of that palace, which had been his royal residence during all the ages of eternity. The glory of that crown, which had irradiated his sacred head, as the prince of the kings of the earth, and universal Lord of all: — the glory of that throne, which is above every throne, and which abideth for ever and ever: — the glory of that worship and homage which the myriads of the hosts of heaven are constantly yielding to him, as their Lord and their God. It was the glory of victory after he had overcome his foes, and spoiled principalities and powers: — the glory of celestial joy and felicity, after the griefs and sorrows of a humiliating life, and a shameful and ignominious death. And into this glory he entered. Into this glory he was publicly received. Angels ministered to his reception, and cried "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in." And the Father received his illustrious and well-beloved Son, and said unto him, "Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."

Thus Christ was highly exalted, and received a name which is above every name; and was crowned with glory and honour. In the possession of this glory, Jesus now lives and reigns, and shall do so for ever and ever.

"Beyond the glittering starry skies,

Far as th' eternal hills,

There in the boundless worlds of light,

Our dear Redeemer dwells.

Bright angels, strike your loudest strings,

Your sweetest voices raise;

Let heav'n and all created things,

Sound our Immanuel's praise."