Required reading
The attraction of the cross by Gardiner Spring (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 18 (All things tributary to the cross).
My summary
Today Spring teaches us that there is nothing within the compass of the created universe, which is not, directly or indirectly, voluntarily or by coercion, made tributary to the great work of Christ.
Spring demonstrates the truth of this claim by looking at:
(i) the material creation;
(ii) the intellectual creation (composed as it is of the unfallen and fallen angels and of good and bad men).
What grabbed me
I liked this encouragement from Spring: 'The Christian's highest interests are bound up in that redemption to which everything in the universe is made subservient. No envenomed dart can reach him that does not first strike the heart of his divine Lord, there lose its sting, and thence be turned back on the foe. His severest afflictions are to be numbered among his choicest mercies, and as certainly subserve his welfare as they do the kingdom of his adorable Master. "All things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come ; all are yours; and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's." The bond which unites the believer to Christ is an impervious shield against every enemy and evil. Tribulation may come ; those he loves and whom Jesus loves, may die and be gathered home ; death may invade his own pillow, and he may dwell beneath the clods of the valley ; but their flesh shall rest in hope, and because Jesus lives he shall live also. " All things" be they what they may, and where they may, light and darkness, joy and sorrow, good and evil, friends and foes, though often by wonderful combinations and contrast, "work together for good to them that love God." If the omniscient Saviour knows how to promote their highest and holiest happiness ; if the gracious Saviour is disposed to do this ; if there is no restraint upon his power, and the omnipotent Saviour is able to bring about a result so glorious ; then have his people the assurance that he will bring good out of evil, and light out of darkness, and may "cast their care upon him, knowing that he careth for them." " Dominion is with him !" His " eyes run to and fro throughout the earth, to show himself strong in behalf of those whose heart is perfect' toward him." Jesus reigns, and let the earth rejoice!'
Rejoice indeed!
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 19 (The cross the admiration of the universe).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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