The Great Commission. Miscellaneous Writings of C. H. Mackintosh, vol. IVMackintosh, Charles Henry
Religion
The Great Commission. Miscellaneous Writings of C. H. Mackintosh, vol. IV
Mackintosh, Charles Henry
Theology
These words fell with peculiar power upon the hearts of two of John's
disciples. Not that the words were specially addressed to them; at
least, we are not told so. But they were words of life, freshness, and
power--words welling up from the depths of a heart that had found an
object in the person of Christ. On the preceding day, John had spoken
of the work of Christ. "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the
sin of the world." And again, "The same is he which baptizeth with the
Holy Ghost."
But let the reader note particularly John's testimony to the _person_
of the Lamb of God. "John stood," riveted, no doubt, by the object
which filled the vision of his soul. "And looking upon Jesus, as he
walked, he said, Behold the Lamb of God." It was this that went right
to the very heart of the two disciples who stood beside him, and so
affected them that they left their master to follow this new and
infinitely more glorious Object that had been presented to their
notice.
There is always immense moral power in the testimony that emanates
from an absorbed heart. There is nothing formal, official, or
mechanical, in such testimony. It is the pure fruit of heart
communion; and there is nothing like it. It is not the mere statement
of true things about Christ. It is the heart occupied and satisfied
with Christ. It is the eye riveted, the heart fixed, the whole moral
being centred and absorbed in that one commanding object that fills
all heaven with His glory.
This is the kind of testimony we so much want both in our private life
and in our public reunions. It is this that tells, with such marvelous
power, on others. We never can speak effectively for Christ, unless
our hearts are filled with Him. And so it is also, in reference to our
meetings. When Christ is the one absorbing object of every heart,
there will be a tone and an atmosphere which must tell in some way or
other on all who enter the place. There may not be much gift, not much
teaching--very little charm in the singing, for persons of musical
taste; but oh! there is heart-enjoyment of Christ. His name is as
ointment poured forth. Every eye is fixed on Him; every heart is
centred in Him; He is the commanding object--the satisfying portion.
The unanimous voice of the assembly seems to say, "Behold the Lamb of
God," and this must produce its own powerful effect, either in
attracting souls to Him, or in convincing them that the people in that
assembly have gotten something of which they know nothing at all.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account