IT KNEW HIM NOT.

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JUNE 16

 

1 John 3:1

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, 

that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world

 knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

 
The world knew not Jesus when he sojourned below; 

 the generality of men do not know him now.
 
They do not know the love which glows in his bosom, 

 which brought him to tabernacle in the flesh, and 

 made him a man of sorrows, and the familiar of grief.
 
They knew not the sweetness of his disposition, or 

  the kindness of his intention toward fallen, polluted man. 

They know not his willingness to receive, 

  his determination to bless, and 

  his engagement to save, 

  all who flee for refuge in his arms.
 
They know not the glory of his person, 

  the extent of his authority, or

   the value of his atoning blood.
 
They have no just idea of the condescension he displays, 

  the extent of the sufferings he endured, or 

  the invaluable blessings which he freely bestows on the lost and undone.
 
No one knows the Saviour who does not love him.
 
Every one who believes in him, knows him; and 

 every one that knows him will believe his word, 

 rest on his glorious atonement, and rejoice in his veracity.
 
Jesus, to be known must be revealed.
 
The Holy Spirit must enlighten our minds, 

  unfold his character, and apply the word 

   or we shall not know him.
 

Come, Holy Spirit, now reveal

The Son of God to me;

THY powerful influence let me feel,

And all HIS glories see.

 
James Smith