Fear not, little flock; it is your Father's good plea. sure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
When sinners are converted, they become little in their own eyes, and they see but few, comparatively, who follow the Lamb. Their former friends turn enemies. Their former hopes are cut off. They know their own strength is perfect weakness; and they feel the burden of a body of sin and death. Hence they are often exercised with anxious cares and distressing fears. Their Saviour knows this; therefore speaks to them in love, forbids their fears, and administers the most reviving consolation.
Ye children, consider your dignity as adopted sons of God Call to mind your honorable state: heirs of a kingdom, heirs of God the King of kings, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, though, at present, ye are in a state of exile. The world know you not. Your kindred after the flesh may despise you. Carnal professors may revile and persecute you. Satan is enraged to tempt and accuse you. Yea, and your worst foes are most nearly allied to you: the flesh, with its corruptions and lusts, sin and unbelief.
Yet, saith the Head in glory, to his conflicting members on earth, "Fear not." Why? what consideration can dispel the anxious fears, and alleviate the distressing doubts of drooping disciples? Verily, the good pleasure of their Father; the eternal purposes of his grace; the immutable designs of his love.' A kingdom is prepared for you. Earth, with all its power; sin, with all its malignity; hell, with all its rage and malice, shall never deprive you of your Father's love. O disciple, how does this heighten the mercy, and secure the inheritance! It is a free gift by Jesus Christ.
Poor soul, thou art fearing about thy interest in the kingdom of glory. Verily thou canst find nothing in thyself to give thee the least right to it. But thy Saviour plainly assures thee, it is of "thy Father's good pleasure." What power can avert that? Hast thou a heart to seek the kingdom? dost thou believe in and follow the Lamb? dost thou see that in Jesus which attracts thy affections? is the desire of thy soul after him, and to the remembrance of his name? Then hath the glory of this kingdom shined upon thine heart by the Spirit. No marvel that sin is thy grief and burden, while Jesus is the delight and hope of thy soul. The Father's gift is sure: and so is the way also; it is by Jesus. And "through much tribulation thou (and all the heirs) must enter into the kingdom." Acts 14:22.
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