have a common basis of fellowship which is the cross. This ought to guarantee our closeness. All of us are condemned because of sin in our natural state. Our salvation is all of grace. This ought to bring us to our knees on common ground. How sad to see differences and jealousies among believers! Note how anxious the Lord was for the interest of others in spite of His own suffering. He understood the anguish of a mother who would be seeing her son die, even though she knew, because of spiritual in struction, the very purpose of His coming into the world. Our Lord chose to bear the responsibility of others even at a time when He was going through great agony. He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” To the women who were weeping over the fact that He was going to the cross, He admonished, “Weep for your selves, because of that which will come upon you.” As He looked upon Peter, there was real concern. He dealt compassionately with the men who were dying with Him on the cross. I’m afraid many of us have discounted what real love is. Dr. Harry A. Ironside told the story of a woman who had written him telling that she loved him. She explained that it wasn’t Christian love but “real love.” Many times our attitude toward Christian love has been brought down to a much lower level than the Lord ever intended. Then see how that John was obedi ent to Christ’s command. There were no rewards mentioned. It was expect ed that he would serve because of love. All the way through the New Testament this is the basis for our love. John was used to write the gospel which stresses evangelism. A heart for souls is clearly shown in John 3:16. He was also God’s hu man instrument in the penning of three epistles. In I John 3:16 we find the blessed truth, “Hereby per
ceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” But John was also used to write the book of Revelation, which while speaking of judgment, always does so with a heart of love. There is underlined the great invita tion Christ wants to give each of us. “The Spirit and the bride say come, and let him that heareth say come. And let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.” Who knows to what extent God will use you if you’ll obey His com mand? To hear move close to the cross. Think about what the Lord did for you there. See Him dying for a lost world! See the love demon strated to you as well as to all round about as He demonstrated His indifference to His own needs and His deep concern for others. All over this world there are those in need of your help. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Fattier, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teach ing them to observe all things what soever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (age).” Think about these truths as you consider those in need of your care. Draw them to the Saviour, as you your self first have drawn close to Him. Ask Him to use you in leading them in the way of the Lord. Word Four by Dr. Douglas Friederichsen C OMING as the fourth word from the Cross, Matthew records in chapter 27 verses 45-49 the dark picture of the crucifixion. It was about the ninth hour when Jesus cried with a loud voice saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani.” By interpre- 7
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