January 27

"And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."—1 let. v. 4

THIS passage refers principally to ministers, but will apply to all believers. Mark

THE ILLUSTRIOUS CHARACTER INTRODUCED. "The chief Shepherd;" that is, the Lord Jesus Christ. Think of

The interest he takes in his flock. He makes them to lie down in the green pastures of Divine ordinances, leads them beside the still waters of the sanctuary, and takes an interest in all that concerns them.

The patience he exercises. When the sheep wander from his fold, how he bears with their infirmities, and brings them back again.

The superiority he claims. There are many under shepherds whom he employs, but he is designated by way of eminence the chief Shepherd; all others are his servants, act under his direction, and bow to his authority.

THE FUTURE APPEARANCE EXPECTED. There are several appearances he has already made. He appeared to our forefathers as the angel of the covenant, and in human flesh, in the fulness of time; he now appears in the ministry of the Gospel and the influence of his Spirit; he shall appear at death to conduct his flock safely over Jordan's streams into Canaan's happy land, where he shall feed them and lead them by living fountains of waters; and he shall appear at the last day in glory and majesty, to judge the world in righteousness.

THE GLORIOUS REWARD ANTICIPATED. "A crown of glory that fadeth not away." A crown, unlike the garlands presented to the successful racer or wrestler in the Grecian games, which were made of dying leaves, and soon lost their beauty. This is a purchased crown. By sin the crown has fallen from our heads, by grace it is restored. An unmerited crown. The believer's is not a hard-earned living, but an inheritance. He deserved the curse rather than the crown. A splendid crown. A crown of glory. No stain can tarnish its lustre, no imperfection diminish its worth. A crown unattended with cares. Earthly crowns often sit uneasy on the brow of the monarch, vexations attend royalty, and misery is found in a palace. An incorruptible crown. It fadeth not away. Be it my highest ambition to wear it.