II Corinthians 4:5-7
"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
June 26th
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48
GOD DEMANDS "PERFECTION"!
DIVINE LOVE does not "perfect" in a moment, but its flame consumes all dross in time.
This God knows. Therefore does He "dote" upon that "virgin," and hedges her round about - lest ought may stunt her "growth," or her beauty mar.
Yet in the LIGHT of Truth He also sees her flaws and knows her secret weaknesses as well as errors of the past. HE wants her in the fullness of 7's BEAUTY. Her errors of the past must be deeply seared into her soul - to the end that she shall pant for Him: even for HIM ALONE in the intensity of her being.
HIS BRIDE can be no sissy!
She must grow in stature and strength by bearing the consequences of past follies.
Yet in and through it all swells the enchanting symphony of Heaven's overture, BLESSING that life, and giving it REST (7).
Bear in mind that multitudes are those who believe they are in the Bride of Christ, yet many of them are "foolish virgins" (Matt. 25:2): even true to the spirit of what He said that "many are called, but few are the chosen" (Matt. 22:14)!
Discourses #7 (continued tomorrow...)