Just a Thought

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another;" (2 Cor.3.18 RSV). We may spend time amid the wonders of Creation admiring and searching the natural world and also have an exact knowledge of Genesis but unless all this makes us more like Jesus, it matters little. We may know the words of the prophets by heart and have a clear vision of the Revelation to John but unless this knowledge makes us gentle and patient like Jesus we are wasting our time. We may serve our brethren faithfully and entertain them regularly but unless they begin to see the hands and feet of Jesus at work in us, it will all be forgotten. We may think we have clear insight into the Scriptures and understand the intricacies of the covenants, but unless they make us love others as Jesus loved, then our knowledge is but a tinkling bell. We may be able to recite the words of Jesus perfectly but unless He lives in us every moment of every day, those words stored in our memories are not doing their work. We may move among some of God's people and enjoy their company but unless we are prepared to wash the feet of everyone who knows the Lord and… beyond ...we may not be ready to see Him as He is. We may give a helping hand to a weary traveller but unless we can love the unlovable and touch the untouchable we have not become fully like Jesus.

O to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer,

This is my constant longing and prayer;

Gladly I'll forfeit all of earth's treasures,

Jesus Thy perfect likeness to wear.

O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee!

Come in Thy sweetness; come in Thy fulness;

Stamp Thine own image, deep on my heart.

W.J.Kirkpatrick

DN