Jesus comforted the heart of a sorrowful widow by restoring her dead son to life again. Could he not also, by the power of his Spirit, console the hearts of his dear disciples, without preaching outward rules and directions to them? Yes, but he will be heard as our Prophet. Those disciples only who obey the word of his doctrine, shall enjoy the consolations of his love. Troubles are the common lot of God's dearest children; "many are the afflictions of the righteous." They feel and groan under heart troubles, inward disquietudes, which carnal men are amazed to hear of, are utterly free from, and congratulate themselves that they are not troubled about.
Ah, this inward insensibility is a bad sign! But the troubles of his people are the concern of Jesus. He has a remedy against them. He will give comfort under them. Believing in an absolute God will not do this For the glory of his majesty, the greatness of his power, the perfection of his justice, appear in dread array against us. We dare not think of God out of Christ, knowing ourselves to be poor sinners. Therefore says Jesus, "Believe also in me." Believe my humanity: that I became man for your sakes; died for your salvation; and rose again, in your nature, to pray for you. Remember the covenant that is established between the Father and me, on your account. When your poor hearts are troubled with finding you are still but "unprofitable servants," you see much cause for sorrow, mourn and complain that there are so many things amiss in you; that you do not believe so perfectly, love so devotedly, obey so cheerfully as you wish. Yet, ever remember I am your Mediator before the throne: you stand not in the Father's love for your work's sake; but he loves you, and is well pleased with you for my sake. Sorrow not as without hope; but believe in me, and be comforted. You have no sin but what my blood atoned for; you want no perfection but what my righteousness supplies; you stand in need of no holiness and conformity to me but what the Spirit bestows. Thus believe on me as your living Head; thus daily look on yourselves as my dear members; thus live on me, and glorify me, as your only Saviour.
This is to obey Christ's command. Thus is the troubled heart comforted. This is our sweetest privilege: let it be our daily employ. Shortly all our troubles shall end; for "we shall meet the Lord in the air; and be ever with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thess. 4:17, 18.
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