Evening Devotions (Historical Cfax Broadcast #2)
Jesus' love and presence are available to us at all times, and can bring comfort, joy, and rest to our lives.
In this sermon, Dr. J.B. Roll discusses the concept of Love's approach. He emphasizes that love annihilates distance in order to be with those who are loved. He highlights how Jesus, despite the doubts and fears of his disciples, revealed himself to them and stood in their midst. Dr. Roll reminds the listeners that the presence of the Lord is not limited to the early disciples but is available to all believers. He encourages the audience to embrace the change that comes with Jesus entering their hearts and to live in the enjoyment of the Savior's presence.
Full Transcript
In cooperation with the Churches of Victoria, Radio CFAX presents Evening Devotions, a message of inspiration from a member of the local clergy. Our speaker this week is Dr. J.B. Rowe, well-known lecturer and former minister of First Baptist Church. I am glad to have this time of cooperation with Station CFAX to continue my message from last night on Love Radiant, or Radiant Love.
And tonight I want to ask you to think with me of love's approach. Love annihilates distance in order to be with those who are loved. Consequently we find, as we might well expect to find, our risen Lord was not long parted from his beloved disciples.
He loved them in spite of their doubts and fears. Two of them were almost heartbroken as they journeyed to emerge. Divine omniscience observed them.
Would the Lord who loves us leave them to their sorrow, unrelieved? How could he, being what he is? No, the love story is told. Jesus himself drew near and went with them. The result was, as it always must be, when the Lord leads his own into this holy fellowship.
For love's sunshine broke in on their dismal thoughts and sombre forebodings, and they cried, Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us by the way and while he opened to us the scriptures? Jesus came. I like those words. Jesus came.
Observant love makes the approach. And so, to the disciples, assembled behind closed doors for fear of the Jews, came Jesus. He could not stay away.
They needed him so much. None other could bring the comfort they needed, so Jesus himself came to them. And here we find something concerning love's presence.
For even though every step was bringing Jesus nearer to them, the disciples were distressed with doubts and fears. It may be that through the maze of tender circumstances, Jesus himself is drawing near to some to whom I am speaking just now. Cast fear and doubt aside, for he has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Just when the disciples needed him most, he revealed himself. His drawing near is in order that his presence may become real to us. And so we are thinking of love's presence.
Jesus came and stood in the midst. Troubled hearts need nothing less than the conscious experience of our Savior's loving presence. In the midst, this scripture says, the Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty.
He will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy, he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. The Lord in the midst was not a blessing for the early disciples alone, but for his own at all times. Did he not say, where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Even so, every believer might well say, what a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart. And may you live in the enjoyment of the Savior's presence. Good night and every blessing to everyone.
You have just heard Dr. J.B. Rohl, well-known lecturer and former minister of First Baptist Church. Dr. Rohl will continue this devotional period tomorrow evening at the same time. Evening Devotions is presented each evening at close of day by Radio CFAX.
Sermon Outline
- I. Love's Approach
- A. Love annihilates distance to be with those loved
- B. Jesus' love for his disciples was not limited by their doubts and fears
- II. Love's Presence
- A. Jesus came to his disciples in their time of need
- B. His presence is real and available to believers at all times
- III. The Blessing of God's Presence
- A. The Lord in the midst is mighty and will save
- B. His presence brings joy and rest
Key Quotes
“Love annihilates distance in order to be with those who are loved.” — J.B. Rowell
“Jesus came. I like those words. Jesus came.” — J.B. Rowell
“The Lord in the midst is mighty.” — J.B. Rowell
Application Points
- We can experience Jesus' presence by seeking Him in prayer, reading His Word, and gathering with other believers.
- We can apply the concept of love's presence to our daily lives by seeking to be present with others, listening to their needs, and showing them God's love through our actions.
- We can trust in Jesus' promise 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee' and know that He will always be with us.