ARE WE LOOKING FOR HIM?
By S. C. R.
While reading the article in Review of Aug. 17, “No Room for Christ,” the words went home to my heart with great force; and I could see plainly that among the masses of people, in any place or in any organization under the sun, there is no room for the “Prince of Peace.” Then, coming a little nearer, I wondered if, even in the ranks of the people who say they are looking for him, there were not those who would fail to welcome him back to earth with joy. According to the works of many of us—I believe there are noble exceptions—I should think he would be a most unwelcome visitor. Still nearer, to my own heart I put the question, and found with deep humiliation that it is almost ready to speak the words of the “unwise,” “My Lord delayeth his coming.” O “peculiar people,” where are we drifting? What is the reason for all this languor and stupidity? Do we believe the word of God; or do we think he has forgotten and will let the earth remain in its present state, for centuries to come? Dear brethren and sisters, “Jesus of Nazareth” will soon appear in the clouds of heaven. We have professed to believe this, and to be getting ready to meet him in peace at his coming, for some time. That great event is just so much nearer now than when we first believed, and have we told any one that he is coming? Yes; a long time ago I used to speak to strangers about it; but I do not mention it any more, except to some of “our people.” Let us think for one moment of the patience of the lowly Saviour when he labored for such as we. Did he get weary of answering so many questions; or of visiting so many on errands of love and mercy? Do we ever agonize before God and weep because the people will not hear? If I only had more of his sweet Spirit, I could do something for humanity too. I could at least visit one family each day, and talk with them of these things, and I remember he has said, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end.” May God help us each to get this miserable, unsatisfying selfishness out our hearts, and make room for the dear Saviour. Let us get our affections off our houses, lands, furniture, etc.; and let us look and pray for our Lord’s return as we would for that of a very dear friend whom we had not seen for a long time. How tender have been the mercies of God toward us! and let us draw near to him, and love him with true hearts, so that we may be found in a short time, clothed with the wedding garment, looking and waiting with joy for our “Elder Brother.”