THE CITY

NOVEMBER 3

THE CITY

God is not ashamed to be called their God:
  for he hath prepared for them a city. 

                                        Hebrews 11:16
 
Wonderful fact, that poor, depraved, and
as sinful as we now are,  

God is not ashamed of us!

By the faith which he has given us,
we "have come to Mount Zion,

  to the heavenly Jerusalem,” and 

  consider this our home: 

  as Paul says “Jerusalem which is above is free, 

  and she is the mother of us all.”

Jesus calls it, "the city of my God!"
John in vision saw "the holy city, 

  new Jerusalem, coming down from 

  God out of heaven,”

Such a city, for
  costly materials,
  excellent workmanship,
  vast extent,
  perfect purity, and
  for the health and happiness 

  of the inhabitants,
 was never known.
 
No sin,
no sorrow,
no tears,
no disease there!
for “he that sat upon the throne said,

  Behold, I make all things new.”

On that city the glory of God rests for ever, 

 and there the Lamb for ever dwells.

Here we shall find every delightful accommodation,
 the saints will be connected in bonds of holy   citizenship,
 they will enjoy perfect satisfaction, 

 and be elevated to the highest honor.
 
This city was founded before time;
 it is even now preparing for our reception,

 it will be stored with all that can gratify

 and delight us; and we shall possess
  and enjoy it for ever.
 

How wonderful that, poor, mean, and vile as we are, the infinitely great and glorious Jehovah should not be ashamed to be called our God;
but that he should prepare for us a city, and such a city!

How good, how gracious, how deep God's thoughts of us must have been!

Well may David say, "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them."

Blessed be God for thinking of us, providing for us, and revealing to us such astonishing things;
may we be daily preparing to pass over Jordan and possess them!
 
For our conversation is in heaven; 

from whence also we look for the Saviour, 

the Lord Jesus Christ: 
                                Philippian 3:20,
 
JAMES SMITH 1869