March 10

“Because I live, ye shall live also.” John 14:19

God has given to us his Son to be to us our life as well as our substitute on the cross. To understand this, we must first be clear on what life is. When someone who is difficult calls on you, you know at once that the situation requires you to be patient, but whence does your patience originate? To supply it, you know you must draw from your very life. Often to be patient you must call forth the very best that is in you. You know this all too well,

Or let us suppose you have a big task ahead, and you feel you should be diligent and not slothful. To be diligent, too, calls you to put forth all your energies. Or again, someone is in trouble and you know you should show him love and helpfulness. But where does your power to help come from? It is your life, your nature, that causes you to love. The drain upon you is immense, as again and again you exercise your very life to meet outside demands. And here is the wonderful thing: God has given us Christ, with the purpose that he should be to you your life.