January 31

"Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus."—Hebrews 3:1.

NATURE presents us with a lovely mirror, in which we see much of God in his nature and perfections; but the view is contracted, when compared with the brighter exhibition furnished in the glass of the Gospel, where his whole name appears complete, and his attributes shine with a united, harmonious and magnificent splendor. The glory of God is best seen in the face of Christ. Here is

A GLORIOUS SUBJECT. "The Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus." Look at the terms which Paul uses in speaking of the Saviour: "The Apostle," that is, one sent of God. Jesus was sent on a glorious work, involving the endless happiness of millions of the human race. "The High Priest of our profession." Our profession, if we are true Christians, is a holy, honorable, solemn, and sacred one; and Jesus, as our High Priest, has made an atonement, and is now interceding for his people. They are priests, but he is the High Priest; they offer sacrifices, but he presents them to the Father. As an Apostle, he was superior to Moses, and as an High Priest greater than Aaron. The design of the Epistle to the Hebrews is to prove this.

A SOLEMN INJUNCTION. "Consider" his pre-existent glory, his sovereign grace, his matchless excellences, and his boundless dominion. Consider the scenes of his life, the severity of his sufferings, the circumstances of his death, the triumph of his resurrection and ascension, and the magnitude of his work. Consider the example he has left, the ordinances he has enjoined, and the privileges he has entailed on his people. Wrapt in a contemplation so glorious, brighter beams than those of the natural sun shall irradiate your path; instead of the desolating tempest, you shall have the refreshing shower; sweet and fragrant flowers shall be seen here and there, among the thorns and briars of the wilderness. Jordan's streams shall not ingulf you, for your High Priest has gone before, and is waiting to welcome you on the peaceful shores of the celestial Canaan. Will you not consider Him?