Ephraim My Dear Son

March 7

Ephraim my dear son.

Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child?

for since I spake against him, I do earnestly

remember him still: therefore my bowels are

troubled for him; I will surely have mercy

upon him, saith the LORD.   Jeremiah 31:20

Poor fickle, backsliding Ephraim, is thus called by our infinitely gracious God.

Adopted by grace into the heavenly family, taught by the Spirit, and united to Jesus.

God views us through Him; and having predestinated us to be conformed to the image of His Son, He views things which are but purposed, as accomplished, and we are comely through the comeliness He has put upon us.

His love to us is wonderful; He says, “He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of His eye.”

He rejoices to do us good, and gives His angels charge over us. He will not suffer any one really to hurt us; but, lest this should be the case, He will keep us night and day.

Let us then abide in Jesus; let us cultivate communion with this gracious God; let us follow on to know the Lord; trust in Him at all times; wait upon Him continually; and rejoice in this delightful fact, that God calls us “HIS DEAR SONS, HIS PLEASANT CHILDREN.”

He not only calls us so, but treats us so as such; and addresses us as such in His holy word. Let us call Him our Father, and look to Him for all we need; so shall we honour Him, conquer Satan, and enjoy peace. Our Father is God: our God is our Father.

If I’ve the honour, Lord, to be

One of Thy numerous family,

On me be gracious gift bestow,

To call Thee ABBA, FATHER! Too.

James Smith