SELECTIONS by Am. Messenger

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 15, 1857

SELECTIONS.

By Am. Messenger

"The Joy of thy Lord."

This expression occurs in one of our Saviour's descriptions of the judgment-day. It alludes to the rendering unto Christ a blissful recompense for his self-sacrificing work in the redemption of man. "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied"—satisfied at seeing his work completed, not one jot or tittle of his plan unfulfilled—satisfied in beholding the countless numbers of his redeemed; in contemplating his own image perfected in each heart; in seeing every eye gazing upon him with unutterable thankfulness and love, while each thinks of the way in which he himself was plucked from the fire and brought to glory; and in hearing their united song, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing."

The revelations of that day will give infinite glory to the Saviour. Not the redeemed alone will extol him, but every creature in heaven will cry, "Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto the Lamb, for ever and ever." Never before has there been such joy as that "joy of thy Lord!" Heaven itself knows no higher bliss; only the heart of "the mighty God" could contain the Saviour's joy on that day of days. Every humble contrite soul shall be partaker of that joy. To one and another he will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." We cannot conceive of a Paul, an Isaiah, or a John who will not at hearing such a greeting, shrink back with an astonished, "When, Lord?" and lay down the proffered honor at his feet. But his love will not be thwarted; some must enter into his joy. Who will not accept the heavenly boon, and be one of those "faithful in a few things."