Thirty-one Meditations on Christ

Alas, how often have we wandered and g<strong>one</strong> away, even before we were sensible of
our departure. How blessed is it then to see and know that Jesus’ eye is upon us, and
that before we return to Him, He is coming forth to us. His love, His pity, [and] His
compassion are the security of His people’s recovery.
Yes, Lord, it is You that restores my soul. Praises to Your name, for You do it all
in such a way as proves it to be for Your great name’s sake, that Your grace comes
freely and without upbraiding. 55 “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness for his name’s sake.”
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“The day dawn, and the day star”
—2 Peter 1:19
And what is “the day dawn, and day star” arising in the hearts of God’s people, but
Jesus, “the dayspring 56 from on high” visiting us (Luk 1:78)? Is not Jesus “the bright
and morning star” (Rev 22:16), the light and the life of men (Joh 1:4)? Yea, is He not
the “Sun of righteousness” arising “with healing in his wings” (Mal 4:2)? And when
He arises on our benighted 57 minds, may He not be called, “the day dawn, and the day
star”?
Pause, my soul, over the sweet thought. It was all darkness in the creation of God
until Jesus arose. And His coming was as the breaking forth of the morning, the sure
harbinger 58 of day. Indeed, Jesus was “the day dawn, and the day star” in the light of
redemption, before the world was formed; for in the council of peace, 59 He came up
as man’s light and salvation at the call of God from all eternity. And in time, during
all His eventful ministry upon earth, was not Jesus “a light to lighten the Gentiles,
and the glory of thy people Israel” (Luk 2:32)?
And what is Jesus now but “the day dawn, and the day star” of all the promises?
Until we see Christ in them, they are nothing. It is He that makes them all yea and
amen, and is “the day dawn, and the day star” of all dispensations. 60 His Word, His
providences, 61 His grace, His ordinances—all are dark until Jesus arises as “the day
55
upbraiding – reproving; rebuking.
56
dayspring – dawn.
57
benighted – overcome by night; involved in moral darkness or ignorance.
58
harbinger – messenger or sign that gives notice of what will soon follow.
59
council of peace – eternal purpose of the Triune God for salvation.
60
dispensations – arrangement of events by divine providence.
61
providences – God’s work of preserving and governing all His creatures and all their actions.
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