Devotional Library / Morning and Evening
John 17:23
Morning • 7/31
Primary Scripture: John 17:23
If such is the union that exists between our souls and the person of our Lord, how deep and broad is the channel of our communion! This is no narrow pipe through which a thread-like stream might wind its way; it is a channel of amazing depth and breadth, along whose glorious length a massive volume of living water may roll its floods.
Behold, He has set before us an open door; let us not be slow to enter. This city of communion has many pearly gates, every single gate is of one pearl, and each gate is thrown wide open so that we may enter, assured of welcome. If there were only one small loophole through which to talk with Jesus, it would be a high privilege to thrust a word of fellowship through the narrow door; how much we are blessed in having so large an entrance!
Had the Lord Jesus been far away from us, with many a stormy sea between, we should have longed to send a messenger to Him to carry Him our love, and bring us news from His Father’s house. But see His kindness: He has built His house next door to ours; indeed, more, He takes lodging with us, and tabernacles in poor, humble hearts, so that He may have perpetual communion with us.
Oh, how foolish we must be if we do not live in habitual communion with Him. When the road is long, dangerous, and difficult, we need not wonder that friends seldom meet each other; but when they live together, will Jonathan forget his David? A wife, when her husband is on a journey, may go many days without speaking with him, but she could never endure being separated from him if she knew him to be in one of the rooms of her own house. Why, believer, do you not sit at His banquet of wine? Seek your Lord, for He is near; embrace Him, for He is your Brother. Hold Him fast, for He is your Husband; and press Him to your heart, for He is of your own flesh.
Scripture References
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