Daily EncouragementSample

These words of our Lord - more characteristic of the fourth gospel than of the Synoptics and hence reminding us that there is no division between them - lift us into the heavenly realm. The air is rare on these heights, where we catch a glimpse of the relationships within the Godhead. We had better take our shoes off and bow down. Josiah Conder’s great hymn can help us:

Thou art the Everlasting Word,
The Father’s only Son;
God manifestly seen and heard,
And Heaven’s beloved One:

In thee most perfectly expressed
The Father’s glories shine;
Of the full Deity possessed,
Eternally Divine:

True image of the Infinite,
Whose essence is concealed;
Brightness of uncreated light;
The heart of God revealed:

But the high mysteries of Thy name
An angel’s grasp transcend;
The Father only - glorious claim! -
The Son can comprehend:

Worthy, O Lamb of God, art Thou
That every knee to Thee should bow.

To whom does the Son choose to reveal the Father? It is surely significant that the Lord’s very next words are those associated with the Gospel call: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). There is no ultimate conflict between his choice and his open invitation.