Morning, May 12
Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings
John 14:21
"And will manifest myself to him."
John 14:21
The Lord Jesus gives special revelations of himself to his people. Even
if Scripture did not declare this, there are many of the children of
God who could testify the truth of it from their own experience. They
have had manifestations of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in a
peculiar manner, such as no mere reading or hearing could afford. In
the biographies of eminent saints, you will find many instances
recorded in which Jesus has been pleased, in a very special manner to
speak to their souls, and to unfold the wonders of his person; yea, so
have their souls been steeped in happiness that they have thought
themselves to be in heaven, whereas they were not there, though they
were well nigh on the threshold of it--for when Jesus manifests himself
to his people, it is heaven on earth; it is paradise in embryo; it is
bliss begun. Especial manifestations of Christ exercise a holy
influence on the believer's heart. One effect will be humility. If a
man says, "I have had such-and-such spiritual communications, I am a
great man," he has never had any communion with Jesus at all; for "God
hath respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off." He
does not need to come near them to know them, and will never give them
any visits of love. Another effect will be happiness; for in God's
presence there are pleasures for evermore. Holiness will be sure to
follow. A man who has no holiness has never had this manifestation.
Some men profess a great deal; but we must not believe any one unless
we see that his deeds answer to what he says. "Be not deceived; God is
not mocked." He will not bestow his favours upon the wicked: for while
he will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he respect an evil
doer. Thus there will be three effects of nearness to Jesus--humility,
happiness, and holiness. May God give them to thee, Christian!