Practical Religion by JC Ryle (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example)
Today we look at how Jesus is the best friend we could ever know.
Firstly, Jesus is a friend in need and we are the neediest creatures on God's earth because we are sinners.
Secondly, Jesus is a friend in deed - particularly his work at the cross.
Thirdly, Jesus is a mighty and powerful friend who can pardon the chief of sinners, convert the hardest of hearts, preserve to the end all who believe and give the best gifts to those who love him.
Fourthly, Jesus is a loving and affectionate friend and we see this particularly in his reception of sinners and in his dealings with sinners.
Fifthly, Jesus is a wise and prudent friend who never spoils His friends and makes no mistakes.
Sixthly, Jesus is a tried and proved friend. He has had friends of:
(i) every rank and station in life;
(ii) every age;
(iii) every possible temperament and disposition;
(iv) every condition in life;
(v) almost every nation and people and tongue.
Seventhly, Jesus is an unfailing friend who never changes, never goes away from His friends and goes with His friends wherever they go.
Particularly liked one of the points of application at the tend: 'Know, in the next place, that "if you are not one of Christ's friends, you are a poor miserable being." I write this down deliberately. I do not say it without thought. I say that if Christ is not your friend, you are a poor miserable being. You are in the midst of a failing, sorrowful world, and you have no real source of comfort, or refuge for a time of need. You are a dying creature, and you are not ready to die. You have sins, and they are not forgiven. You are going to be judged, and you are not prepared to meet God: you might be, but you refuse to use the one and only Mediator and Advocate. You love the world better than Christ. You refuse the great Friend of sinners, and you have no friend in heaven to plead your cause. Yes: it is sad but true! You are a poor, miserable being. It matters nothing what your income is: without Christ's friendship you are very poor.'
If any of you who may stumble across these words on this blog and do not know Jesus as your friend, please realise that you are missing the greatest friendship you could ever have. Put your faith in Jesus today.
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 14 (Sickness).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
1 comment:
I love ch.13 and Jesus is the best friend. I read the chapter twice! It was soooo good. I especially like that Jesus is a friend that never changes and He never leaves you.
Chapter 14 on 'Sickness' I found interesting. One thing that has stuck with me is that sickness is a 'remembrancer' of death.
I found this really helpful in his opening paragraph:
'To look inward to our love towards Christ is painfully unsatisfying: to look outward to Christ's love towards us is peace.'
Such a little gem!
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