 |  |
Do we sometimes feel resentful regarding our circumstances, our health, our most
prized schemes, our pilgrim trials? If we have been redeemed with "precious" blood, is it
reasonable, or possible, that God can forget to be gracious? Let the preciousness of our
redemption minister its blessed comfort to our hearts, knowing that the ransom paid for
our redemption has also made us precious in the sight of Him Who paid it:--
"I gave . . . . . for thy ransom . . . . . Since thou wast precious in My sight, thou hast
been honourable, and I have loved thee" (Isa. 43: 3, 4).
#4.
The elect and living stone.
pp. 91 - 93
The precious blood of Christ having accomplished the redemption of His people,
opens a door that leads to blessings beyond all that heart can think. In view of the riches
that are the fruit of redeeming love, it is difficult to single out one as of more worth than
another. We are therefore glad that the selection has been made, and made by the Lord
Himself Who knows the value of every one of His blood-bought gifts.
The next precious thing in order of occurrence is the precious foundation stone upon
which the redeemed are built. Redemption delivers from death, which is followed by
newness of life:--
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God,
which liveth and abideth for ever" (I Pet. 1: 23).
These new-born babes grow by feeding upon "the unadulterated milk of the Word"
(I Pet. 2: 2).
Having been redeemed, given life and growth, the redeemed reach the stage where
their hope, destiny and calling become prominent. In I Pet. 1: 3 we read:--
"According to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
Therefore the next precious thing we are to consider is "the living Stone" upon Whom
these "living stones" can be built:--
"To Whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of
God, and precious. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house . . . . . Behold,
I lay in Sion, a chief corner stone, elect, precious; and he that believeth on Him shall not
be confounded" (I Pet. 2: 4-6).
The transition from "babes" to "buildings" is not so extraordinary as at first sight it
may appear, for these stones are "living", and like the temple of Eph. 2:, the house of
which they form part is not only "built" but "grows".