We Would See Jesus by I. H. Evans

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Mar 30, 1905

“We Would See Jesus”

By I. H. Evans

NINETEEN hundred years ago word came to the Master’s ear that some Greeks were waiting outside who desired to “see Jesus.” They were foreigners and strangers. They dared not enter the assembly of the Jews where Jesus was, but modestly waited outside with the hope that they might receive an invitation to enter, or that Jesus would come to them.

We fancy their hearts beat fast as they reverently stood, abiding an answer to their bold request. They were not Israelites. They could claim no kinship to him whom they desired to see. They were hated by the Jews. This man whom they came to see was a Jew. They had heard of his holiness and purity, and they well knew they were greatly lacking in these graces, but still their desire was, “We would see Jesus.”

All down the ages there have been men and women who have longed to see him. Since the guardian angel kept the way of the tree of life, the cry of many a heart has been, “We would see Jesus.”

When once this passion has kindled its fires in the heart of man, its light dims all the glories of earth. Its illumination palsies the charms of riches, and in its presence wealth can but become an instrument to be used to the glory of God. Before its light the honors of earth are accounted as shadowy nothingness, and every position of social influence will be used to hasten the “day of his coming.” At its call “to duty” the strength of manhood and womanhood is laid on his altar for service.

When once this desire, “We would see Jesus,” has entered into the life, all the atmosphere of earth is changed. What once satisfied now palls. That which once lured us on in mad pursuit has now lost its charm to attract. The dreams of earthly pleasure and honor give place to rapturous visions of “the kingdom to come.” Under the inspiration of this desire toil is no longer drudgery, and the marches of earth’s wilderness-wanderings are sweetened by the prospects of “joys to come.” Its uplifting influence despoils the disappointments of earth of their sting, and crowns e’en the agonies of the grave with the radiance of hope. Whoever has tasted the sweets of this desire to “see Jesus” will never find satisfaction at any other fountain; for the song of their hearts is, “Jesus alone can satisfy, Jesus is mine.”

This desire to “see Jesus” has transforming power. He who has this hope in him “purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” He who expects to “see Jesus” will want no stain of earth upon his character. All will be confessed and made right. Every neglected duty will be taken up. Those who have been robbing God will pour their tithes and offerings into his treasury. Hard feelings between brethren will be put away. The soul temple will be cleansed. The desire to “see Jesus” will spur the heart to make ready for his welcome.

Does not your heart cry, “O, transforming power, come into my life”? Truly we are tired and sick of wounding and grieving those we love. The blurred and blotted pages of life hold but few treasures of reward for which we can hope. We can only say,—

“The mistakes of my life have been many, The sins of my heart have been more.” “The wounds I might have healed, The human sorrow and smart! And yet it never was in my soul To play so ill a part; But evil is wrought by want of thought As well as want of heart!”

And yet who would not fain “see Jesus”? He who stilled the bosom of billowy Galilee, I fancy would look into our hearts and say, “Peace, be still.” He who sent the poor publican away with his benediction would hear even our feeble prayer for help. O, we would stretch forth our hand and touch but the hem of his garment, that the life current of sinning may be healed!

But we shall see him soon, and then we shall know him as he is. We shall see him in his glory, and in the power of his might. We shall see him beyond this sin and sinning. Death shall yield her treasures then, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

“He comes, and lo, the world is glad! The hours forget the gloom of night, Mirth cheers the hearts that once were sad, The landscape lies in floods of light, And all is bright. “And so I think that when, ere long, I meet the time I sometimes fear, My heart will sing its joyful song, And gladly say, ‘Be of good cheer, Thy Lord is here!’”

I. H. EVANS.