January 8

Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. - Matthew 25:34.

OBSERVE four things. First, The possession-a kingdom -not only a building of God-a house not made with hands eternal in the heavens-not merely an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away; but something more excellent and dignified. A crown sparkles in the eye of ambition; a throne is the highest pinnacle of honour; but the highest throne of an earthly monarch will be nothing compared to the throne of the humblest Christian.

Secondly, The attribute attached to it-prepared for you. For it was not a natural acquisition; neither of easy attainment; nor an inexpensive endowment. Oh, how many things had to be removed and done before we could receive it! What a system of mediation was to intervene between God and us! and, therefore, says the Saviour, “I go to prepare a place for you.” His death, his resurrection, ascension, intercession, advocacy with the Father, and his possession of the whole dispensation of the Gospel, the means of grace, and the agency of the Holy Ghost, were necessary.

Thirdly, Observe the earliness of the design-a kingdom prepared “from the foundation of the world.” Christianity is not only as old as the creation, but much older. “The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting as well as to everlasting.” Do we think of the sacrifice that procured it? It is “The Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world;”-Of the promise that conveys it? “In hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began;”-Of the love which was the source of it? “I have loved thee with an everlasting love, and therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.” So true is it that he has “saved us and called us with an holy calling; not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”

Fourthly, The period of its actual possession. It is future. “Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit,” &c. They are now heirs, but heirs under age; and, as such, are in some respects no more than servants. As Young finely says-

“Creatures of yesterday we are,

Nor into manhood rise,

Till death pronounces us of age,

And crowns us for the skies.”

They are now indeed the sons of God; but it doth not yet appear what they shall be, and the world knoweth them not. They are like David now, anointed, but not crowned; and, like him, through much tribulation they also are entering into their kingdom. Then they will be as kings sitting upon thrones, and reigning for ever and ever.