the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
John Gossner's Treasury
And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body. Luke 12:4. For which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren. Hebrews 2:11. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. Ephesians 5:30. But now thus saith the Lord that created thee fear not; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned. Isaiah 43:1-2.
What can be likened to love? Christ calls us "friends," ’’brethren. " He says to every one. Thou art mine. He will be "with us" in fire and in water. We are "members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. " Dear soul, repeat this seven times, and seventy times seven times, to yourself and rejoice each time more intensely and more heartily therein; draw therefrom all that you are able to draw. What brother will not exert himself for his brethren? What person does not above everything else look to his own members, his own flesh and bones? What should we fear when we have such an exalted Friend and Brother, such a Head? Where is your confidence, your faith, your love for this great yet condescending Brother? But do you really stand in a close, brotherly, friendly and cordial relationship to Him? Is He really that to you which He may be? Do you permit Him to be a brother to you? On His side, nothing is lacking. If you have not experienced that He is your brother, O take pity on yourself and do not miss this unspeakable, great happiness. Do not neglect this invaluable, matchless grace, to have God on high as your friend and brother, to enjoy His brotherly love and His friendliness. Let Him be dearer to you than all your dear ones, the first, greatest and best friend among all your other friends. He wants to give Himself to you. Oh, then, receive Him!
Love divine, all love excelling,
Joy of heaven, to earth come down!
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling.
All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion.
Pure, unbounded love Thou art,
Visit us with Thy salvation,
Enter every trembling heart!
