John 19:42

REFLECTIONS

My soul! never give over thy meditations of this unequalled subject! Follow the footsteps of thy Lord from place to place, the hall of Pilate, the hill of Calvary, from Gabbatha to Golgotha, and through all the painful process of the wonderful sights exhibited on that memorable day, and hear the voice of thy Lord at every one; Behold! and see! if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger!

But do not barely contemplate the astonishing scene, but meditate the cause. Read the inscription on the cross. He was wounded for our trangressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed! Matchless love! The Son of God becomes man that man might become a son of God. Jesus the Holy, harmless, undefiled Jesus, is made sin who knew no sin, that his people might be made the righteousness of God in him.

From the cross let my soul in holy meditation follow the Lord to the tomb. And why not hear the same voice as the holy women did, which said, Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Never, surely, did the grave receive such a Prisoner, though but for a short space! Never had death and the grave their full triumphs, when in the same hour their empire received a full overthrow. Precious Jesus! thou hast the keys of death, hell, and the grave. Oh! for grace frequently by faith to visit the garden and the tomb where the body of Jesus hath lain. Here let my soul meditate the wonderous subject, until He who hath the key of David, opens my little spot and grave to receive my body. Even now I hear the voice of consolation, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord!