179. The Lord In Our Assemblies.

And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. - John 10:22-23.

THE presence of Jesus brings into prominence ---

· The place: "at Jerusalem, in the temple."

· The exact part of it: "Solomon's porch."

· The time — the season — the exact date: "it was winter."

· The proceedings: "it was the feast of the dedication."

The main feature in all history, and in all the events of a private life, is the presence or absence of Jesus.

At the time mentioned, the Lord Jesus walked manifestly among the people.

We greatly desire his spiritual presence now.

I. WILL HE BE HERE? Will he be in our assembly?

The place may be a very Jerusalem; but will he be there? Our meeting place may be a temple; but will he be there. It may be a high day; but will the Lord be with us? It may be cold and wintry; but what of that if he be there? Our one eager inquiry is about his presence, and we feel sure that he will come, for—

1. We have invited him, and he will not refuse his friends.

2. We are prepared for him. We are waiting to welcome him.

3. We have great need of him, and he is full of compassion.

4. We have some of his brethren here among us, and these bring him with them: indeed, he is in them.

5. We have those here whom he is seeking. He seeks lost sheep, and such are here.

6. He has promised to come (Matt. 18:20).

7. Some declare that they have already seen him. Why should not others of us enjoy the same privilege?

II. WILL HE STAY? He will ---

1. If we prize his company, and feel that we cannot live without it. We must by earnest prayer constrain him to abide with us (Luke 24:29).

2. If we love his truth, and delight to make it known.

3. If we obey his will, and walk in sincerity and holiness.

4. If we are diligent in his service and worship.

5. If we are united in love to him, to one another, and to poor sinners.

6. If we are humbly reverent, and sit at his feet in lowly confession. The proud he will never favor.

7. If we are jealously watchful.

III. WHAT WILL HE DO IF HE COMES?

1. He will walk among us, and observe what we are doing, even as he noticed those who went to the temple at Jerusalem.

2. He will grieve over the spiritual condition of many, even as he mourned over the ruin of Jerusalem.

3. He will wait to give audience to any who desire to speak with him.

4. He will teach by his servant; and his Word, whether received or rejected, will be with great authority and power.

5. He will this day explain to us the temple itself, by being himself the key to it. Think of Jesus, who is the temple of God (Rev. 21:22), in the temple, and then understand, by the light of his presence—

· The temple (Heb. 9:11; Rev. 15:5).

· The altar (Heb. 8:10; Rev. 8:3).

· The Sacrifice (Heb. 9:28; 1 Cor. 5:7).

· The shewbread (Heb. 9:2).

· The veil (Heb. 10:20).

· The ark and mercy-seat (Heb. 9:4-5; Rev. 10:19).

· The Priest (Heb. 10:12).

6. He will to his own people reveal his love, as once the Lord's light shone above the mercy-seat.

7. He will take us where he always walks, but where there is no winter: to the New Jerusalem, to the temple, to a more beautiful building than Solomon's Porch (Rev. 21:10-11).