Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

by H. J. Vine.

The Ear

God is very jealous as to how we use our ears.

Satan gained entrance to the citadel of man’s soul through the ear of Eve. We all know the man-degrading and God-dishonouring results of that.

Those who are saved by grace and sealed by the Spirit, are warned again and again in regard to what is permitted to enter their ears. At the cleansing of the leper and at the consecration of the priests, both types or pictures of the blessing and privileged place in which Christians are set by the death of Christ, the blood was put first upon the right ear, then the oil was put upon the blood. The ear is claimed by the precious blood, and the Spirit typified by the oil is the power given of God that it might be used well-pleasing to Him (Leviticus 14:14, 17).

In Mark 4:24, our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Take heed WHAT ye hear!” and in Luke 8:18, “Take heed therefore HOW ye hear!” Often He said when teaching, “He that has ears to hear, let him hear!” and to those who did listen to His wonderful unfoldings, “Blessed are your ears!” Moreover, in the final word given as to the assemblies, it is said seven times, “He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies” (Revelation 2 and 3). And it is solemnly foretold concerning the very days in which we live, “They will turn away their ears from the truth” (2 Timothy 4:4). The reason being they will hearken to what is not the truth of God, for they have “ITCHING EARS.”

Our Lord Jesus Christ spake the words of God,” “the words of eternal life.” He said, “The words which I have spoken unto you are spirit and are life”! These communications are divine, vital, and infinitely blessed! What time or taste have we, then, for the vain and often destructive entertainment of this passing world? From the excellent glory the voice of God the Father has been heard, saying concerning Jesus, “This is My Beloved Son, HEAR HIM” (Luke 9:35). To do so is to receive into our lives that which brings peace and joy and blessings which abide.

The Eternal Love of God

“Can you fix the time when God began to love you?”

“No. I do not see how anyone could do that, for His love is eternal.”

“Can you fix the time when the love wherewith God loves you will end?”

“No. It will never cease. It cannot have an ending.”

“If you cannot fix a time for its beginning or its ending, can you tell when it expressed itself towards you in all its infinite perfection.”

“Yes. When my precious Saviour and Lord hung on Calvary’s cross for me. There the love of God fully told out its perfectness in Christ Jesus: ‘God commendeth His love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us’ (Romans 5:8).”

“That is right; and we are also told, ‘Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins’ (1 John 4:10). It is as we take these great facts into our hearts in faith, and in the power of the Spirit, that our appreciation of them is deepened, and our joy in them increased.”

The eternal God knew us and loved us before time began, “before the foundation of the world,” therefore no time for its beginning can be fixed. His love, like Himself, is eternal, therefore there is no ending. The cross, however, appears in between and tells out, at a fixed time, the great love of God. “In the due time Christ died for us” (New Translation). He died for our sins. Blessed be God. What a sight! The love of God telling out its greatness to me in Christ putting away my sins and bearing my judgment at Calvary! How eloquent is such a scene! How perfect and divine is its “commendation” of itself!

“Love that on death’s dark vale

Its sweetest odours spread.”

Let its holy blessedness fill thee, O my soul, and cause thee to overflow in praise and worship before Him who loves thee; before Him who from eternity to eternity is God.

“The Faith” or Something Else?

A notable conversion took place when Gamaliel’s zealous disciple turned to the Lord. The news quickly spread amongst the believers, “that he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed” (Galatians 1:23).

Paul himself tells us that though he had profited in religion above others, yet he “persecuted the assembly of God excessively, and wasted it.” Nevertheless, God called him by His grace, and revealed His Son in him.

And the race once entered upon is run till the end; the fight of faith is fought to the finish; then he thankfully takes up his pen, and writes to his “true son in the faith”: “The time of my release is come … I have kept the faith.” Happy warrior!

How many keep the faith today? Nay; may we not ask, How many truly possess the faith as it was delivered at the beginning? This is a day, alas! of departure from the faith once for all delivered to the saints.

We might have been taken by surprise at the widespread departure of the present day, had we not been told that even in the apostles’ days there was a turning away from the faith; and that it would be worse still in the latter days. God foresaw and foreknew all, and wisely foretold what was coming, so that true believers might not be moved.

The root of all evil—the love of money, we are told, accounts for many taking the wrong road; “which some having aspired after, have wandered from the faith, and pierced themselves with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). Balaam, the clairvoyant, stands out as a type of some. His doctrine, his error, and his way mark them. The love of reward governs them. “The Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall apostatize from the faith, giving their minds to seducing spirits” (1 Timothy 4:1).

It is not that the form of religion is abandoned; it is the faith that is given up, “having a form of piety, but denying the power of it.” There is an imitation of the real thing, just as the magicians imitated Moses up to a point. They failed when life was produced from the dust—from that of which man was made—from that out of which the Saviour rose after being brought “into the dust of death.” They had to own, “This is the Finger of God,” even though Pharaoh’s heart was hardened. But the Scriptures tell us the truth about such imitators, whatever they may profess. They are “men corrupted in mind, found worthless as regards the faith” (2 Timothy 3:8); and eventually “their folly shall be completely manifest.” On all sides men are departing from the faith; not necessarily from religion.

Having been told these things beforehand, the true believer need neither be dismayed nor discouraged; but rejoice rather in the God of his salvation, who, in His perfect omniscience and wisdom, foresaw all, and forewarned him, so that he might be forearmed; and being stirred up to see that he himself is in the possession of the faith which God has delivered to us, he might be found faithfully keeping it in the face of all that is contrary.

This is the important matter for us. The faith has been revealed once and for all. We are to possess it; and to keep it. There can be no advance upon it; no development or evolution in connection with it, for it is always up to date. Surely no one would question the ability of God to fully and finally reveal the faith! It is just this that He did nearly two thousand years ago. The question to be raised is rather, How far have we apprehended that revelation? In itself it is perfect; though our apprehension of it is imperfect; and our practice of it also.

The last epistle in the Bible speaks much of the corrupters of the faith, but exhorts those who are called by grace, beloved in God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, to “CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH ONCE DELIVERED TO THE SAINTS” (Jude 3).

Mark, the faith is not a development of something else, as we have said—it was “once delivered”! Some speak of it as Christianity. It would be safer and healthier, and preserve from misunderstanding, if we used the Spirit-given word. For “the faith” we are absolutely dependent upon the blessed God—upon His making it known. It is not a human production; but, from God, it was “once delivered to the saints.”

Notice again, it is not a faith delivered to the world. It was delivered to the saints who were still in the world; and the world might be benefited by it through them. It has been so in a great measure. And then, many have imitated it; worldly religionists have professed it, without possessing it, having personal profit and advantage in view. Nevertheless, mark it well. It was delivered “to the saints”! It is for them to have and to hold faithfully. It is for those who are “not of the world,” even as our Lord Jesus Christ is not of the world, to possess, to practise, to preach, and to keep till the end. There is but this “one faith,” even as Scripture tells us.

Unlike Judaism in the past—which had an outward religious organization with a visible centre, as ordained of God—the centre of the faith is invisible to nature’s eye. And unlike the kingdom, in its millennial splendour in the future, which will again be marked by a visible centre of glory and administration, the faith finds its centre and Head in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is hidden from sight in the heavens. He is there the exalted Head of all things, and Lord over all, and the present “administration of God is in faith” (1 Timothy 1:4, New Translation). Therefore, those who walk rightly before God today “walk by faith and not by sight.”

If we think of believers walking through this world as Israel walked through the wilderness, their faith embraces the one and only High Priest raised up of God for them. He has “passed into the heavens,” having first put away our sins by His sacrifice on the cross, and having secured eternal salvation for us. If we think of them as children of God, their faith embraces an unseen Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. If we think of them as of the assembly, members of the body of Christ, they are livingly linked up with Him, their unseen Head in heavenly glory. These, and other important verities of the faith, involve a present practical walk in accordance with them. To walk in another priestly system is manifestly inconsistent. To acknowledge any other Mediator or Advocate is clearly to transgress the truth that Jesus is the only Mediator and Advocate for us. To hold any other Head of the assembly than Christ is necessarily to dishonour Him. Is it the faith or something else that holds us? How are we walking before God?

In contrast to those of whom Jude speaks, who turn “the grace of God into dissoluteness,” we are told that “the faith of God’s elect, and knowledge of the truth” is “according to piety.” Godly practice is the outcome of it. Where that fruit is not found, the tree is wanting altogether. If the religious systems of the world produce other fruits than true piety, it is because they do not possess the faith of God’s elect. By their fruits ye shall know them.

Moreover, the ascended Head of the assembly has given gifts to men. Their work is in view of the edifying of the body of Christ, the members of which are embraced in a unity called “the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3). But the ministry of these gifts has been going on, and is going on, under the direction of the unseen Head of the assembly, “until we all arrive at the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God” (verse 13). Nor will this blessed work fail to reach its desired end. It is, however, of immediate importance for each one to ask himself how he stands in relation to it. To drift is a serious matter at a time like the present. Energy is needed. And true believers have this. It is seen in their earnestness in regard to the faith once delivered to the saints. Soon the fight of faith will be over, and all will be presented in glory with exceeding joy; for such will abide in the faith founded and firm, and not be “moved away from the hope of the gospel.” A bright and blessed prospect lies before us!

Wherefore, “beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God,” looking for Him to come, whom, having not seen, we love. To Him be glory and majesty and power for ever! The faith is enough! we do not need additions or imitations!

“And till we reach our rest where war is heard no more,

The flag of faith shall cheer us on! The Lord is gone before!”

The Faithful Witness

His Words (John), Walk (Luke), Works (Mark), And Ways (Matthew)

There have been, and there are, many faithful witnesses, but only one could be designated without qualification “The faithful Witness”. In Revelation 1:5 our Lord Jesus Christ is thus named, and in chapter 3:14 (in the address to the lukewarm Laodicean assembly) He is further spoken of as “The faithful and true Witness”. It is important to understand what is involved in this, for we live in days of religious boasting as to “our testimony” and “our witnessing”; and that, strange to say, where there is glaring inconsistency and where the witness is neither ‘faithful’ nor ‘true’.

We are told in Proverbs 14:5, “A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies”. To witness truly means to rightly represent what is true. This our Lord Jesus Christ did though it cost Him His life. Others followed in their measure, and the Greek word for witness (μαρτυς) passed into English as martyr. Indeed the same word is translated witness in Revelation 1:5, and martyr in 2:13, just as it is said today, So-and-so is a martyr for the truth.

In the case of Antipas (mentioned in the latter scripture), he was the Lord’s faithful witness in the assembly at Pergamos, and he was slain there. It had sunken so low morally that it dwelt experimentally where the throne of Satan was. Lust and pride captured them, though we are told, at the same time, they held fast the Lord’s name and had not denied His faith, yet some held Balaam doctrine and others Nicolaitain teaching. This happened before the apostles had gone to be with Christ above, so we need not be surprised at the happenings of today when there are no apostles on the earth. There may not be manifest violence in Christendom at present, but the corruption is none the less, and faithful and true witnesses are greatly needed.

Creation, The Law, and Christ

The two witnesses of Psalm 19 still bear their uncorrupted testimony (1) “The heavens declare the glory of God”; and (2) “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul” (1:7). These witnesses plainly speak the truth according to their measure. The first declares God’s power and divinity. All men, including the heathen, have this witness continually testifying to them, therefore all who do not consequently turn to God are ‘without excuse’ (Romans 1:20). The second (sent to the nation of Israel primarily) speaks of the holiness of God, and exposes the sinfulness of man, shutting him up to God alone for mercy, and rendering him inexcusable likewise if he does not seek this from Him.

Neither of these witnesses, however, did, nor could, make God Himself known. Much concerning Him was made known in Old Testament times, but He Himself remained unrevealed. We are told in John 1:18, “No man has seen God at any time”!—not Adam, not Noah, not Abraham, not Moses, not David, not Isaiah, nor any of the holy prophets—“No man”! Another, therefore, must come; and this has taken place as the verse continues to tell us—“The only-begotten Son, Who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him”! He alone was capable of so doing, and in Him God has become visible, even as it is said, He is “the Image of the invisible God”; and, “God has been manifested in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16).

Not only in His words and His walk, but also in His works and His ways He has rightly represented the truth. He is the faithful and true Witness. Some may set forth the truth in words and in walk deny it, or their works may do so and their personal ways be inconsistent. In our Lord Jesus Christ all was perfect. There was no flaw. We see this in the four Gospels. He was the true Light which shone for every man, and He was also the Truth to be known by all those who came into the light.

John bore witness concerning Him. His words and His works testified also. The Father’s voice singled Him out, and the Spirit descended upon Him as a dove. The Scriptures all point to Him as He Himself said, “These are they which bear witness concerning Me, and ye will not come to Me that ye might have life” (John 5:39); Moreover, the resurrection proclaims Him to be the Son of God, the One who could and did make God known, the One who rightly represented the truth in every way. The resurrection was God’s justification of our Lord Jesus Christ, and He is declared to be “the faithful Witness, the Firstborn from the dead” (Revelation 1:5). If we heed His words, therefore, we shall prove their reliability, for there was no disparity between what He was and what He said—He was altogether that which He said (John 8:25).

His Words

The witness of His words are given to us specially in John’s Gospel. There He is the Word become flesh (1:1, 14), that ‘Prophet’ promised in Deuteronomy 18 Who should speak the words of God (1:21, 23, 25; 4:19, 44; 6:14; 7:40, 52; 9:17 also 3:31-34); and He said to the Father, “I have given them Thy words” (17:8). He also said, “The words which I speak to you I speak not from Myself” (14:10). The voice from heaven said, “Hear Him”. The apostle Paul charged Timothy before God and before Christ “Who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate” to keep the commandment given to him in regard to the things of God spotless and irreproachable until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Example set before Timothy was the faithful and true Witness. To utter words that were true and to be faithful to those words might mean suffering and death. It was so in the case of our Lord Jesus Christ, though false witnesses arose against Him. He told Pilate that His kingdom had not its origin in this world, and when Pilate inquired if He were a King, Jesus answered, “Thou sayest it, that I am a King. I have been born for this, and for this I have come into the world, that I might bear witness to the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears My voice”. Pilate inquired of Him, “What is truth?” (John 18:36). He did not know it, but “the Truth”, the expression of what is true, stood before him. Pilate vacillated and tried to get Him liberated, for he knew He was innocent of the charges brought against Him, yet he delivered Him over to be put to death. They crucified the Witness of the truth whom God had sent to men.

The Son of God is ‘the Light’ which makes manifest the truth as to God and man, and He is also ‘the Truth’ which is seen and known in the light. He is likewise the Revealer of the Father, the effulgence of God’s glory and the exact expression of all that He is. John 1:1 introduces Him to us as ‘the Word’ Who was God; and, as becoming flesh, the One Who makes known the mind of God to us; it is no exaggeration, therefore, for John to say as he closes his Gospel that he supposed not even the world itself would contain the records, were the things written that such an One as Jesus did. How could it? In chapter 1 He is seen to be the Creator of all things! Could the whole of the creation even contain the Creator?

How then could this small part of it contain the records of the things done by One who Himself is infinite? John says, “If they were written”, but could any finite being write them?

These last words which the Spirit gives us through John (probably the last words given in the inspired writings) may well be weighed by us, “This is the disciple who bears witness concerning, these things and who has written these things; and we know that his witness is true. And there are many other things which Jesus did, the which if they were written one by one, I suppose that not even the world itself would contain the books written”. Enough, however, is recorded to show the faithful Witness Himself; and the Spirit of God is in and with all true believers, giving them to know the truth revealed in the words of the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us full of grace and truth; showing them that which is true—that which is rightly represented in Him who is Himself the Truth personified; leaving them without a shade of doubt, and in possession of the peace and fullness of joy of which John wrote, being made glad in the presence of the faithful and true Witness.

His Walk

We have said a witness might represent the truth in His words and deny it by His walk. This has become proverbial of a certain class of religious leader—he says in effect, “Do as I say, but not as I do”. The Witness of whom we speak was as perfect in the witness of His walk as He was in the witness of His words. To see this the Gospel of Luke should be considered carefully in dependence on the gracious guidance and teaching of the Spirit.

It is in this Gospel, which is written in such an exceptionally elegant style, we have portrayed the wonderful walk of the perfect Man. For the blessing of the needy and sinful, and for the glory of God, He is seen walking with feet washed and anointed with costly myrrh, wiped with the hair of one who also kissed them, for they had brought to her the blessed Witness of the saving and peace-giving grace of God. Those holy feet ever carried that faithful Witness in paths where Divine grace was mercifully manifested under all circumstances, so that the needy and the sinful were attracted, and the heavy-laden found rest.

At the very commencement of Luke we find Him lost by His earthly father and mother, who, when they discovered Him, found Him diligent in His true “Father’s business”; yet, perfect in every relation, we read, “He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He was in subjection to them”. What a beautiful picture! What a lovely lesson for the homes of believers nowadays, when insubjection to parents is so rife, even as God’s Word has foretold! No wonder that these disobedient and insubordinate children of today know neither the favour of men nor of God. What a contrast we find in Jesus—He “advanced in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and men” (Luke 2:52).

In His service for the Lord, the apostle Paul exercised himself to maintain a good conscience void of offence Godward and manward. To witness rightly in our walk this is necessary. Even in the warfare of Ephesians 6 our ‘feet’ are to be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, and as to our brethren in the Lord we are to ‘walk’ ‘according to love’ (Romans 14:15), and we are exhorted to “walk in wisdom towards them that are without” (Colossians 4:5). Words are not enough to bear witness truly; one has often heard it said, So-and-so’s life gives the lie to what he says! By their fruits ye shall know them! On the other hand we have known cases where the children of God have been mentioned, and it has been said, If any hold the right thing, they do, for they are as consistent on week-days as they are on Sundays! That is just what it should be.

The faithful walk of our Lord Jesus Christ, however, in the path of God’s will, involved misunderstanding and suffering when He stepped forth in public testimony. Frowns instead of smiles then greeted Him. Isaiah 50 foretells that wonderful walk of grace and faithfulness. He ministered sustaining words to the weary ones, He turned not back but went forward in the path which God had appointed for Him; they smote His back, they plucked the hair from His cheeks, they spat in His face, yet He set His face as a flint (Isaiah 50:7) steadfastly to go up to Jerusalem (Luke 9:5)! Nothing turned the feet of the faithful One aside! Man and Satan might oppose, but He went forward! Dark clouds might gather thickly around Him, but He faltered not! The mutterings of violence might yield to the ragings of the tumultuous tempest, yet He walked onward! Blessed Lord and Saviour, faithful and true Witness, they all forsook Thee and fled then, but Thou didst not fail! Thou didst not turn back!

“Faithful amidst unfaithfulness,

’Mid darkness only light,

Thou didst Thy Father’s name confess,

And in His will delight

Unmoved by Satan’s subtle wiles,’

Or suffering, shame, and loss,

Thy path uncheered by earthly smiles

Led only to the cross.”

There they crucified Him; they pierced those feet that had been washed, wiped, kissed, and anointed by one who experienced the forgiveness, salvation, and peace He brought from God for sinful man. Unlike those who hated Him without a cause, she loved Him much for she had been forgiven much. Man rejected the witness of Jesus, but God declared that it was true by raising Him from among the dead.

The world saw Him not again after His burial, but to His disciples (Luke tells us) He appeared, and showed them His hands and ‘His feet’ (24:40). The Spirit of God with infinite wisdom calls attention in John to ‘His side’ (20:20), for thereout came the blood and the water, which along with the Spirit form the threefold ‘witness of God’ (1 John 5:7-11) that believers on the Son have life in Him. Luke closes by showing us the risen Son of God sending the feet of His witnesses with the Gospel to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, for, “Ye are witnesses of these things”, He said to them; but first He led them out as far as Bethany. It was there that His witness had been lovingly appreciated when the official and royal city on the other side of Mount Olives had rejected it, and there He blessed those who accompanied Him. From thence also He ascended to heaven even while His uplifted hands were still outstretched in blessing. What a significant close to the walk of the only perfect Man who has trodden the soil of this sin-stained world, the One who has represented the truth rightly in both His words and His walk, the faithful and true Witness. May we be led by the Spirit to appreciate this more deeply.

His Works

There is also the witness of His works as well as that of His words and walk. The Gospel of Mark shows us the Divine Servant diligently working in this world for God’s glory and man’s blessing. Unlike the other Gospels which introduce us to our Lord Jesus Christ in some special way previous to His public service, Mark shows Him to us straightway taking up the work of God. The use of the word Eutheos (which is variously translated ‘straightway’, ‘immediately’, and ‘forthwith’) some forty-nine times, shows with what perfection of energy Mark sees His labours carried through.

In accord with Christ’s witness in John, the Spirit first tells us in that Gospel of His eternal distinction as the Word who was with God and who was God. In Luke, with the same exactness of purpose, He is traced back to Adam, for He is to be presented as the perfect Man walking amongst men as we have seen. Matthew also, with equal precision, introduces us first to the royal genealogy of the King of whom his Gospel is to speak; but Mark shows Him at once working as the servant of God’s pleasure, and indeed in the very last verse of that Gospel we find these words—“The Lord working with them”. How significant!

Isaiah had foretold the coming of this Servant, and that just as distinctly as it was foretold that He should come as the Prophet, and the Priest, and the King.

Mark begins by citing the first chapter of that part of the prophet which introduces the Servant (Isa. 40:3; Mark 1:3). It should be observed he gives no other quotation after this, though the Lord Jesus Himself does. Isaiah foretells the personal Servant of God (42:1-12; 52:13-13, etc.), the national servant also (41:8; and witnesses, 43:9-12, etc.), and ‘the servants’ after God’s personal Servant has “instructed many in righteousness” (53:11; see 54:17, etc.). The Gospel of Mark, however, shows Him come into and at work in a world of need, faithfully witnessing in all that He does, and rightly representing the truth in His wonderful works of grace and power at which men were astonished and said, “From whence has this Man these things? and what wisdom is this that is given unto Him, that even such mighty works are wrought by His hands”; and King Herod also heard of the ‘mighty works’ which showed forth themselves in Him (Mark 6:2, 14).

The very first work which is detailed by Mark is the casting out of an unclean spirit, and he cried out, Art Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God. This true Servant did His works always in a way that connected God with them before the eyes of others. It was His glory that He always sought, and in this Gospel of deeds rather than words we specially observe this. When the people saw the palsied man arise at His word, and carry his couch out of the house before them, “they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion” (Mark 2:12)! They might well glorify Him whose power was thus manifested in mercy and grace through our Lord Jesus Christ.

There was a faultlessness about the works of the Lord which impressed the beholders, and even in the manner in which He did the works of divine power they saw something which contrasted greatly with that of other men. When He gave hearing and speech to the man of whom we read in Mark 7:32-37, having first looked up to heaven, the people “were beyond measure astonished, saying, He has done all things well. He maketh both the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak”. Every work which He did for the blessing of men was done in a way that honoured God. It was this which pre-eminently marked Him, whether in word, or walk, or work, for all blended together in the faithful and true Witness to represent God perfectly.

What good reason we have to rejoice in Him at all times! How great the grace which has given us to trust in Him and know His great salvation!

“And when on that bright day we rise,

And join the anthems of the skies,

In heavenly songs this note shall swell,

Our Saviour has done all things well.”

His Ways

The ways of our Lord Jesus Christ are rightly designated ‘Royal ways’. They could be nothing else, for though He ‘humbled Himself’ He ever remained who He was, and no less a person could represent God in this world. He was God’s King and also God the King. It is Matthew who thus presents Him to us, and Psalms 2 and 45 foretold His coming in this royal manner along with other Old Testament Scriptures. The first Gospel begins by showing to us the One of whom God speaks as ‘My King’ in Psalm 2 the Son of David, “King David’s greater Son” (1:1); but He is also God the King of whom we read in Psalm 45, and who is named in Matthew 1:23 ‘Emmanuel’ which being interpreted is ‘God with us’. The ways of such an One must be therefore Royal ways indeed, and His ways alone could be a perfect revelation of the truth of God.

A star in the east guided the magi to Him “to do Him homage” (2:2). King Herod and all Jerusalem were troubled at the coming of this greater King to Bethlehem. There, the prophet had centuries before said, He should appear whose goings forth had been from eternity (Micah 5:2). It was the city of David, and that was the way for the Royal One to come. Sad to say, but it is significant to observe, the mere religious students of prophecy were instructing the debased monarch Herod concerning His coming, whilst these eastern Gentiles were on their way to honour Him with “gold, and frankincense, and myrrh”! Consistent, too, with that aspect of the truth which is unfolded in Matthew, the Gospel closes with homage rendered to Him as to a King upon a mountain in Galilee, ‘all power’ in heaven and earth having been given to Him. Therefore ‘all nations’ are to own Him, and ‘all things’ commanded by Him are to be observed. He is the Divine King whose ways faithfully witness as to the truth of God.

These ways give character to the Gospel. Because He has come, “the kingdom of the heavens has drawn nigh”. Only Matthew so speaks of the kingdom. His baptism fulfils righteousness and the heavens own Him as He goes up from the water. His victory over Satan in the wilderness manifests a stronger than he.

The words uttered by Him to those assembled upon the mountain (still closely studied by the thoughtful) declares the principles of His reign. When He descends, a leper does Him homage (for so the word worship should be translated), and he is cleansed by a touch of the Lord’s hand and a word from His lips.

A Greater than the greatest of earth’s princes or prophets is there John the Baptist was very great—“more than a prophet”! “Among them that are born of women there has not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of the heavens is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11)! How much greater, therefore, is the King Himself! Yet this King’s yoke is easy and His burden light: rest is found by those who come to Him. Jonah was great, and King Solomon was great and wise too, but a Greater than Jonah, a Greater and Wiser than Solomon is there! He is the Lord. He is Emmanuel, and He is the Son of Man, the Lord of the Sabbath day, who is to build His assembly for the day when the Son of Man shall come in His kingdom and glory; and in view of this, with royal right, He gave the keys into Peter’s hands for the opening of the door. This Peter did at Pentecost for the Jews, and later in Cornelius’ house for the Gentiles. Mark, these are not called “The keys of the Church” (Peter never speaks of ‘the assembly’) but “the keys of the kingdom of the heavens”.

Again, when the Son of Man is seen upon the holy mount by the favoured three, “His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was as white as the light”, and “a bright cloud overshadowed them”. Here the Son of Man Himself is seen in His glory (Matthew 16:28). In Mark, where His works of power are in question, it is “the Kingdom of God with power” that is displayed (9:1), while we have simply “the kingdom of God” mentioned in Luke (9:27).

If, as we said, at the coming of Christ to Bethlehem, a star in the heavens guided the magi for Him to receive homage from them, so at His death the temple veil was rent from top to bottom! the earth shook! rocks were rent! tombs were opened! and the Roman centurion on guard said, Truly this was the Son of God (Matthew 27:51-54)! Moreover, when in resurrection, Jesus met the women who were returning from the sepulchre, and said, All hail; they also bowed in homage at His feet. The faithful and true Witness had rightly represented the truth in all His ways—His perfect ways—His divinely royal ways, and God raised Him from among the dead, bringing some thus to own Him, rendering the homage due to such an One though rejected by the world. Our hearts also have been tuned by the Spirit to sing:

“Worthy of homage and of praise,

Worthy by all to be adored

Exhaustless theme of heavenly lays,

Thou, Thou art worthy, Jesus, Lord.”

When Paul exhorts Timothy to be faithful and true, he reminds him of the witness of our Lord Jesus Christ before Pilate, also of His future appearing in the glory which shall manifest “The blessed and only Potentate”, the King of those that reign, the Lord of those who exercise lordship, to whom belongs honour, majesty, and eternal might. Pilate inquired of Him, as we have pointed out, concerning Kingship, and when the Jews observed his indecision, they cried out, If thou releaseth this Man thou art not a friend of Caesar! The Representative of the Roman empire was in a dilemma! and he handed over the true Witness, God’s King, to be crucified! The Jew and the Representative of the revived Roman empire must, however, face Him again when He returns in power and glory, as we shall see.

It is striking that the worthy Witness is singled out so definitely in this connection in the last book of the Bible. John has shown Him as ‘the Word’ become flesh, full of grace and truth, but Revelation reveals Him as “the Word of God” executing judgment (19:13). Luke has presented the lovely walk of those anointed ‘feet’ among men; but Revelation shows ‘His feet’ like “fine brass as burning in a furnace” (1:15), to tread down wickedness. Mark has shown us His works of power in blessing, but Revelation shows us His works of government in judgment. Matthew has given us to see His royal ways upon the earth, but Revelation shows us His ways of judgment from the throne. The worthy Witness was faithful and true in all His words, walk, works and ways in His lowly path of humiliation even unto death, and He will be faithful and true to God in all that He does from the throne to which He has been exalted.

When He rides triumphantly forth from heaven upon a white horse to deal with an apostate and blaspheming world, he is called ‘Faithful and true’ and ‘The Word of God’ (Revelation 19:11-13). There is no question of Kingship allowed to be raised then! no question of His acceptance or rejection is permitted! The wicked leader of the Jews, ‘the false prophet’ and the blasphemous head of the revived Roman empire, ‘the beast’, are both dealt with as we said; both are taken alive and cast into the lake of fire (v. 20). Once the representatives of Jew and Gentile combined to reject Him, now the representatives of Jew and Gentile are rejected for ever by the One they disowned so cruelly, as He comes out of heaven in might and majesty clothed in vesture dipped in blood upon which in shining splendour is seen a name—as it is also emblazoned upon His thigh—being His by right and by might—“King of kings and Lord of lords”, the One who once witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, the worthy Witness.

Once again He is found in Revelation. This time He addresses Himself to a lukewarm assembly, a picture of the last Laodicean phase of Christendom before His return, which gives no true witness, but is steeped in self-satisfaction and worldliness. He says, “I am about to spue thee out of My mouth” (3:16). Nor need anyone think there is no witness because of the humiliating failure of the assemblies, for the One who speaks is Himself “the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of the creation of God”. We can therefore glory in the Lord, and rejoice in Him always, even as we are exhorted to do.

Finally, let us notice, at the very beginning of this last book of the inspired volume, which is to show the judgment of God upon the assemblies, the Jews and the nations, a greeting is given “from Jesus Christ, the faithful Witness, the Firstborn from the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth”. The faithful One abides! The true One remembers His own! The worthy One sends greeting! This revives the heart and gives joy to those who are truly His! Therefore response is immediately given—“Unto Him who loves us, and has washed us from our sins in His own blood, and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father; to Him be the glory and the might to the ages of ages. Amen” (1:5-6).

What a relief it is amidst all the unreality and inconsistency, of Christendom to turn to the One who faileth never, the ever worthy One! What joy it imparts to know One who abides faithful and true! How it moves our hearts to utter the praises of the worthy Witness! to sing songs of the glory of Him, who rightly represents the truth as to God and man, our ever to be adored Lord Jesus Christ.

The Father in the Revelation

There is special instruction and encouragement for us in the Way THE FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST is mentioned in the prophetic and symbolic book of Revelation. Five times He is there named. Three times our risen and ascended Lord speaks of Him as “My Father,” and twice He is named as “His Father” by the Holy Spirit.

FIRST (chapter 1:5-6). What a joy it is to know that the One who loves us, has removed our sins in His own blood, and has made us—as we are here told—a kingdom of PRIESTS TO HIS GOD AND FATHERS. Well might we praise Him.

This is blessedly true today of all His redeemed; they are priests, and their happy privilege is to approach unto God to perform their priestly service in holy freedom, offering thanksgivings, praise and worship. When religious formalism would exclude from this the majority of those who are saved, and make it the special privilege of a class, we should ponder these words the more deeply and rejoice in them.

SECOND (chapter 2:27). Here our exalted Saviour, the Son of God, encourages the overcomer to be faithful in the midst of ecclesiastical corruption and presumption. There are those who would seek national authority for their religious system, and exercise political power in the world, while Christ is still in rejection; but the overcomer waits in faith for His coming again—“Who is he that gets the victory over the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:5, New Translation). The Lord gives encouragement to the overcomer by announcing to him that He is coming again, when He Himself shall reign over the nations publicly, saying, “As I also have RECEIVED FROM MY FATHER” (see Psalm 2:8). The Crucified shall reign and that by His Father’s just decree. So He will give, along with Himself then, to the overcomer, “authority over the nations,” as it is said. And, meanwhile, before that day of His kingdom rule, Christ as “the Morning Star” is his glad portion as be waits for Him.

THIRD (chapter 3:5). A still more intimate word of cheer is found here. It is to stimulate the faith of the overcomer in the midst of a worldly and dead state of ecclesiastical formalism, where there is a name to live but a lifeless profession prevails. The reward here is more of an inward nature, whereas the former is outward. The Lord Jesus has the plenitude of power and direction at His disposal, therefore none who trust in Him need falter in the path of faith, though they be surrounded by chilly indifference He assures the heart of the overcomer. “White garments” in glory await him! His name will “not be blotted out of the book of life!” and He Himself will “CONFESS HIS NAME,” as He says, “BEFORE MY FATHER AND BEFORE HIS ANGELS.” That our glorious Lord finds pleasure in confessing the name of such an one before His Father and before His angels, surely imparts joy and courage to the believer in Him.

FOURTH (chapter 3:27). Still greater are the difficulties which arise in the so-called Christian world. Overcoming may be found where ecclesiastical corruption and presumption are; also where a dead formalism obtains; but a nauseating lukewarmness as to the Lord’s own glory, along with Laodicean wilfulness and boastfulness, present very grave snares and difficulties for true believers who seek to be loyal to their living absent Lord. The rush of pleasure and self gratification without Christ the Lord flows on at flood-tide, and it is no easy matter to withstand and to stand and heed the Lord’s Word. Self-will breaks forth impatient of all right authority, and God’s Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, alone can sustain those who are truly His own amidst it all. To the overcomer, His encouraging Word promises a place along with Himself, “in His throne,” when His authority shall be publicly established, even as He Himself overcame in the midst of worldly Judaism, and is, as He says, “SET DOWN WITH MY FATHER IN HIS THRONE.”

The rewards are great and glorious! But how precious to our hearts it is to view our Saviour along with His Father, receiving from Him authority over the nations of this world; and then His owning the worth to Him of the overcomer—confessing his name before Him; and also placing him with Himself in His throne!

FIFTH (chapter 14:1). This Scripture is not connected with the Assembly. It speaks of a specially favoured company connected with Zion on earth—“the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth”—“the firstfruits unto God and the Lamb,” having a place of peculiar blessing though still on the earth; and they catch the heavenly music of the new song, which others could not learn. Just before the beams of the Sun of Righteousness shine over all the earth, these appear at Zion along with Him, the Lamb—at Zion, whence His administration for the earth will flow forth to all. And not only does this virgin throng catch the strains of heavenly music, but the heavenly favour of God is reflected by them, as they company with the Lamb, “HAVING HIS NAME, AND THE NAME OF HIS FATHER WRITTEN UPON THEIR FOREHEADS” (New Translation). At the very centre of earthly government with the Lamb, the Lord of lords and King of kings; heavenly grace will impart its wondrous character to them, and be reflected, as they share in the glorious reign of righteousness.

We would refer again to the first Scripture (1:5-6). There, as in the last, we read of “His Father.” It is here a company favoured with peculiar priestly nearness, which ascribes to our Lord Jesus Christ glory and dominion for ever and ever. Knowing their holy place divinely given to them before His God and Father, they take full advantage of this portion and knowledge, granted to them through the atoning blood of the One who loves them, and they render loyal homage. It cheers and rejoices our redeemed souls to observe this, recorded at the very commencement of a book which faithfully describes prophetically the opposite to this in the churches, the nations and peoples of the world, which will bring down upon them God’s sweeping judgments. The notes of loving harmony sound very sweet before the harsh tones of men’s discords are spoken of, and the thunders of righteousness are justly uttered.

The Spirit of God’s Son has been given to us, and the cry of relationship is ours—“Abba, Father.” Moreover Christ Himself loves us with an unchanging love; and having removed our sins in His atoning blood, it is not only that He loved us, He “loves” us now. It is a present love, and the love of One who has put away our many sins. The Father Himself loves us also.

And, being given by our Lord Jesus Christ such a priestly place of nearness to His Father, how beautifully the glad chords of praise break forth—“Unto Him!”—Yes, “UNTO HIM WHO LOVES US!” It is thus that the hearts of the loved ones respond—“UNTO HIM WHO LOVES US, AND HAS WASHED US FROM OUR SINS IN HIS BLOOD, AND MADE US A KINGDOM, PRIESTS TO HIS GOD AND FATHER; UNTO HIM BE THE GLORY AND THE MIGHT TO THE AGES OF AGES. AMEN.”

This ends our reading for this session. Until next time, have a great day, and God bless.