By B. McCall Barbour (1865 – 1943)
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” (Heb. 12:2).
The greatest and the grandest of all themes is Jesus. Jesus is the source, the substance and the sum of all genuine and lasting joy. It is in Jesus that reality is found. It is contact with Jesus that makes our own lives real.
Who Jesus is, what Jesus says, what Jesus does and is going to do, is the confidence, the comfort and the encouragement of all who put their trust in Him.
Jesus is the solace, the supply, the satisfaction for every human heart oppressed by sin and sorrow, suffering and care. This then is what Jesus is and does. This He alone can do. He is able. He is willing. He is ready.
Listen then, O soul! Are you in sin? Are you in sorrow? Are you wounded by the cruel treatment of the world? Are you misunderstood and misrepresented? Is your spirit crushed? Is your heart perplexed? Have your oft-repeated failures cast you down? Is life to you a mystery, a weariness, a dread? Are you fearful about the future? Have you a hunger and a thirst for something – yes, rather for a someone who will satisfy?
Jesus Himself
Jesus! Behind that precious name is the peerless person Himself. It is the PERSON who satisfies. It is not what others say about Him that can meet our need. It is not a system or a creed, not His gifts, however generous, nor His glories, however grand, that can comfort us. It is not for things our hearts are hungering. It is for HIM – JESUS HIMSELF.
As we experience the intimacy of His person and know His presence with us in our hearts, the joy that the Lord gives becomes our strength (Neh. 8:10). Only as He comforts are we made confident. Only as Jesus fights for us are we made conquerors. Only as Jesus speaks is there power. Only as Jesus rules is there peace. Such is the blessedness of having Jesus in our lives!
Learn now, O soul, that Jesus is the embodiment of all His gifts. When He is our portion, and our experienced possession, then is our every need supplied in Him.
Just as there is no salvation apart from the acceptance of Jesus and the possession of Him as the Savior, so there can be no success in service or support in suffering apart from submission to Him and following closely in His steps. O soul, make no mistake! He comes to you to be your very life. He is your life (Col. 3:4). If today your hopes are blighted, your heart is weary, your lot is hard, and your future dark – trust Jesus! Trust Him! Trust Him!
Speak to Jesus by Name
Make it the habit of your life to speak to Him by name. Say, “Jesus.” Yes, say it! Train your heart to speak it in silence and your lips to voice it in sound. Whisper “Jesus,” say “Jesus,” sing “Jesus,” till that name becomes to you your “shelter,” your “shield,” your “pillow,” your “power,” your “refuge,” and your “strength.”
When Jesus fills your vision, occupies your heart, engages your thoughts, and lingers on your lips, you shall be safe from all that would disturb or distress from “the world, the flesh, and the devil.” When unwelcome thoughts pervade, and would pollute the mind – say “Jesus!” His presence will prevail.
When the concerns of business are confusing – say “Jesus!” He will clear your vision, calm your heart, and carry you quietly through. When the affairs of the family are harassing – say “Jesus!” “Jesus knows all about your trouble.” He will sweeten with His sympathy your lot, and will direct your paths.
When troubles arise on every hand – say “Jesus!” He will transform your troubles into triumphs of His grace.
When the way is doubtful and the future dark – say “Jesus!” He will go before and banish all your fears. When fear assails, and faith is well-nigh wrecked – say “Jesus!” His “fear not; I am with you,” will suffice. When your prospects have been clouded o’er – say “Jesus!” He will remind you of His promise, “Surely I come quickly,” and give a prospect brightened by “that Blessed Hope.”
When your motives are misunderstood and your actions misrepresented – say “Jesus!” When friends forsake and companionships grow cold – say “Jesus!” He will draw near and fill the aching void of your desolated heart. When the clouds of sorrow cast their shadows on your course – say “Jesus!” He will clear the clouds away.
When sickness separates you from the throng and you are laid aside – say “Jesus!” His companionship will creep into your heart, and refresh your feeble frame. When in the silent sleepless watches of the night the hours drag on – say “Jesus!” He will soothe and solace, and His presence will give peace.
When the waywardness of those you love brings grief and pain into your life – say “Jesus!” He can stop the wanderers in their course, and bring them in repentance back again. When the thoughts of dear ones far away in danger zones distress – say “Jesus!” He can reach them, protect, preserve and bless. When the darkness of death descends upon the heart and home – say “Jesus!” In the hush you will hear Him speak His comfort in your soul.
O soul, what you have lost in lacking Jesus! Days have been dreary, nights have been sleepless, hearts have been burdened, friendships have been broken, work has been wearisome, tasks have been toilsome, pleasures have been passing, efforts have been vain, the outlook has been dark, all – all for lack of Jesus. We have kept Him on the doorstep of our lives when He has longed to be a partner in our daily lot, and to make our hearts His home. And still He stands! Still He waits! Still He pleads!
“…If any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20). O soul, will you not then behold Him with the eye of faith and invite Him with the lip of love. Open! Open! Say “Jesus!” Let Him in! This is the satisfaction that He seeks. When we have given to Him His heart’s desire we too shall find our own. We shall be satisfied and safe.
“…The Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul…” (Isa. 58:11).
