March 5

For your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. - 2 Corinthians 8:9.

THIS is the medium of all a believer’s attainments. If we are rich, it is because “he was poor, and that through his poverty we might become rich;” that is, by his emptying himself we are filled; that by his descending to earth, we can ascend to heaven; that by his bearing the shame, we are crowned with glory and honour; that by his dying alone we live. If he saved others, himself he could not save. If he redeemed us, it must be with the price of his own most precious blood. If we are saved, and enriched, and glorified for ever, it must be in a way in which the law is not dishonoured, but magnified and made honourable; in which sin must be condemned while pardoned; in which all the attributes of God must be blended in perfect harmony. “Mercy and truth meet together, righteousness and peace kiss each other,” in a way which blends and mingles “glory to God in the highest” with “peace on earth, good will to men.” And here it is that all are displayed. “Therefore he was made perfect through suffering, and thus became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”

Thus it was that “He who was rich, for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich;” that “he once suffered for sin, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.” It is here we see the value of our souls; it is here we see the importance of our salvation; it is here we see what difficulties stood in the way of it, and how remotely, infinitely remotely they are removed. It is here we learn our full obligation to the Saviour.

“Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.”