This series is a group of six letters written by Robert Murray M’Cheyenne contained in The Memoirs and Remains of Robert Murray M’Cheyene by Andrew Bonar. I first heard about these letters on the Behold Your God podcast. I have adapted these letters (as in updating the language a bit and trying to find “easy” words when appropriate) in hopes of giving them to my own children when I think the time is right. I think these letters are well suited to be read and discussed. If you want to read this letter in its original style, visit Media Gratiae.
A Letter to a Soul Seeking Jesus: #2
Dear Friend,
I send you another line to tell you Jesus is the way. We are now looking forward to take the Lord’s Supper, and I am busy instructing young persons for that holy and blessed ordinance. I think you said you were a good deal impressed at our last communion, and wished that you had been one of those who could have participated: perhaps you may never participate on earth; perhaps your first communion may be in glory.
There is a text in Rom. 15:13 which expresses all my desire for you: “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.” You see here who is the author of salvation—”the God of hope.” He must open your heart to care about the things that are spoken. The truths that are presented to you will not convert your heart; the God of hope must breathe on your heart and give it life. Then see how He gives you joy and peace—”in believing.”
When Jesus revealed Himself to Thomas (John 20:28), Thomas cried out with joy, “My Lord and my God!” If Jesus reveals Himself to you in all the glory of His person, the completeness of His work, and the freeness of His love, you too will be filled with joyful faith, and will cry, “My Lord and my God!” It is a difficult thing to explain what it is to believe—I suppose it is impossible. But when Jesus shows you His matchless beauty, and gives you a sweet glimpse of His matchless face that was beat up and spit upon, then the soul joyfully clings to Him. This is believing, and this is joy and peace in believing.
The truest, purest joy flows from a discovery of Jesus Christ. He is the hidden treasure that gives such joy to the finder (Matt. 13:44). Do you think you have found that treasure? This is an important question! for if you have not found the treasure that is Christ, you are poor indeed.
But how much joy may you have in Christ? “The God of hope fill you with all joy.” You need not be afraid to take the full joy that Jesus gives. If you really come to Christ, you come to the love of God, and that is a filling love. The love of the creature does not fill the heart; but God’s love coming full upon the soul gives fullness of joy (1 John 1:4). It is holy love, sovereign love. Do decide the question of your eternity. One thing is needful! Have you closed with the great Mediator? Have you got saving knowledge of Jesus? Have you placed your faith in Jesus? Have you believed on Him? Only then will death lose its power, and the grave become the bed of peaceful rest.
Lean all your care for time and eternity on Jesus; that is the softest of all pillows—the warm embrace of our guardian Immanuel.
I am, ever yours,
Robert Murray M’Cheyne
(1841)
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