Jesus's Pleadings by Eliza J. Burnham

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 1, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 25.

Jesus's Pleadings.

By Eliza J. Burnham

AFTER the resurrection, when Jesus was about to leave his disciples and to return to his Father, he gave them this precious promise: "Lo, I am with you alway." But in his messages to the seven churches, in which he gives to each reproof, counsel, instruction, and promises suited to their respective needs, these words are addressed to the Laodiceans: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." He thus expresses his great love for his remnant people—those who are waiting for the Son of man to be revealed, when he shall come to crown his people with everlasting life in his kingdom which shall not be destroyed. Knowing the perils that surround them, he renews the promise of his presence, offering to take them into a relationship with himself especially near.

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock." Jesus does not wait till his people feel their need of him. He seeks them. He does not leave if he is repulsed. He stands at the door. It is closed, and he is left long to knock and wait. He represents himself as chilled and damp while he waits for the bolts to be withdrawn from the heart that is locked against him. His head is "filled with the dew," and his "locks with the drops of the night." Shall his patient love go unrewarded?

Some will not heed the Saviour. Some will not admit this royal guest; for he says, "If any man hear my voice, and open the door." His offers of mercy are disregarded, yet he not only knocks, but he pleads also. He pleads for admittance to the cold heart—cold and dark now, but warm and bright when cheered by his sweet presence. His voice is heard. It is the voice of him who was wounded for our transgressions. He would say to the sin-sick soul as to the disciples of old, in the beautiful language of Oriental salutation, "My peace I give unto you."

"I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." This is but the renewal of a previous promise. Jesus was about to leave his disciples in a world full of peril, and in which the enemies of God and of righteousness are many and powerful. Long and bitter persecutions were before his followers. But he left this promise to all who should love him and keep his commandments: "I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." The disciples doubtingly queried how he would manifest himself unto them, and not to the world; but he reaffirmed his promise, making it more emphatic. "My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." Who will refuse to admit such guests? Who will refuse to partake of the "bread of life" offered to all who will accept?

How must the heart of Jesus yearn toward his erring creatures that he will thus perseveringly plead for permission to become their guest, their companion, their intimate friend. He promises the peace and joy that are to be found only in his presence. He enters into our plans. Our hopes and fears, trials and successes, interest him; for he is our friend.

Jesus pleads for sinners now. He waits to be gracious. The language of inspiration is: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord of hosts; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." The stains of sin are deep, but the blood of Jesus can wash them all away.

But soon Jesus will cease to knock at the door of the sinner's heart. The voice of mercy will be heard no longer. Jesus will cease to act as our Advocate. There will be a famine in the land—not for bread or for water, but for hearing the word of the Lord. Then to the plea for mercy the response will be, "Nay, alas, thou guilty creature, Hast thou then forgot How I waited long to know thee: Now I know thee not."

Seek Jesus while he may be found. Call upon him while he is near. They that put their trust in him are safe. In the days of his flesh, when the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew, his word stilled the tempest, and brought deliverance to his followers. Another storm is arising, which will sweep over the whole earth; and in that day only those who have made Jesus their refuge will escape the vengeance of an offended and just God.