Communion

by F. McCormick | Category: General | Jul 1958

Communion with God is the root and centre of the Christian's life; from it springs the worship of God which is the highest pinnacle of human experience, the zenith of human happiness. Communion is an unfailing source of spiritual strength and vitality. The possibility of it is a miracle of grace, and he who enjoys it is enriched with unspeakable blessings. Its basis is the cross of Christ; its sphere of operation is the heart of God and of His saints. It gives the stormtossed soul true tranquillity, and to the tried and troubled it imparts a peace that passeth all understanding. It is a flower of heavenly beauty in the garden of the soul (Jeremiah 31.12; Isaiah 58.11). It has a celestial fragrance, and is extremely delicate in its nature. It dies in the cold and darkness of sin, but thrives in the light and warmth of divine love. It gives joy to many, by others it is lightly esteemed. What then is this rare plant, which is so difficult to grow in this squalid scene, and yet is of such surpassing value ? It springs from God's desire for man, and man's desire for God, in which both find mutual delight, and become sharers in common; man becoming a sharer in divine things. It is a state of harmony with God in the soul of man, and is expressed thus-" He that abideth in love abideth in God, and God abideth in him" (1 John 4.16).

Moreover, it is essential to communion that such a man should also "walk in the light" (1 John 1.7), and abide in the light (1 John 2.10), which is the outward expression of dwelling in love, and is in beautiful harmony with the character of God, for" God is light" (1 John 1.5), and "God is love " (1 John 4.8). For this the godly have longed throughout the ages.

"0 God, Thou art my God; early (earnestly R.V.M.) will I seek Thee;

My soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee,

In a dry and weary land where no water is" (Psaim 63.1).

Oh that we might realize more and more the vital necessity of the nearness and presence of God in our lives; John-like, reclining on the bosom of infinite Love, listening to the secrets of His heart! All who are in union with God through Christ should also be found in communion with Him day by day, and we must not confuse our state in communion, which is ever changing, with our standing in Christ which is unchangeable. The believer may abide in hallowed communion with God when in self examination and self judgement sin

is confessed and forgiveness takes place. Then truly we may abide in fellowship with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. Then it may be ours to experience the truth of Psalm 91.1, " He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

"Hold Thou Thy cross before my faltering eyes,

Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies.

Morn soon shall break, and earth's vain shadows flee;

Till that bright dawning, Lord, abide with me."

F. McCormick | Jul 1958
General