Checkbook of the Bank of Faith

SURELY he will come a second time, and then, when he sees us, and we see him, there will be rejoicings indeed. Oh for that joyous return!

But this promise is being daily fulfilled in another sense. Our gracious Lord has many "agains" in his dealings with us. He gave us pardon, and he sees us again, and repeats the absolving word as fresh sins cause us grief. He has revealed to us our acceptance before God, and when our faith in that blessing grows a little dim, he comes to us again and again, and says, "Peace be unto you"; and our hearts are glad.

Beloved, all our past mercies are tokens of future mercies. If Jesus has been with us, he will see us again. Look upon no former favor as a dead and buried thing, to be mourned over; but regard it as a seed sown, which will grow, and push its head up from the dust, and cry, "I will see you again." Are the times dark because Jesus is not with us as he used to be? Let us pluck up courage; for he will not be long away. His feet are as those of a roe or young deer, and they will soon bring him to us. Wherefore let us begin to be joyous, since he says to us even now, "I will see you again."