A VISION of the glory of the Lord always results in a sense of our own littleness and sinfulness. We may well fall down before Him in humiliation and self-abasement, but even as we do so we will hear His sweet and reassuring voice bidding us fear not, because we are precious in His sight, and have to do with Him who is the Eternal One, the First and the Last, who in grace became the Son of Man that He might redeem us to God.
We need not fear death for He has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. He went down into the dark domain of the underworld and came forth in triumph. Now as the Risen One He wears at His girdle the keys of death and of the world unseen. Death for us is therefore a vanquished foe. As the all-conquering One He now sends forth His messenger to His churches that all may know what is in accordance with His will in order to do it, and what things are contrary to His desires in order that we may avoid them. Nothing ever takes Him by surprise. He knows the things which have been, those that are, and all that yet shall be.
“Why should I fear the darkest hour,
Or tremble at the tempest’s power?
Jesus vouchsafes to be my tower.
Though hot the fight, why quit the field?
Why should I either flee or yield,
Since Jesus is my mighty shield?
Against me earth and hell combine,
But on my side is power divine:
Jesus is all, and He is mine.”
—John Newton.