When He comes to us in the garb of pain or sorrow

(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)

"He came unto His own — but His own did not receive Him." John 1:11

We say that the Jews, "His own," were very ungrateful to treat their Messiah in this way; and also that their rejection was a terrible wrong to themselves, for they thrust away in Christ, the most glorious things of Heaven and eternity!

But how is it with ourselves? Christ comes to us. He is continually coming. His hands are full of blessings. Do we really take from the hand of Christ — all that He offers to us? Do we not daily grieve Him and rob ourselves of blessings — by declining what He brings?

Especially do we reject Christ often — when He comes to us in the garb of pain or sorrow. Many times the blessings which He brings to us then — are the very richest and the most precious in all His treasury of grace!

But how many of us receive Christ as gladly, and take the gifts from His hand as cheerfully and gratefully, when He comes in grief or suffering — as when He comes in the garb of joy or worldly prosperity?

Why should we not do so? Can we not trust His love and wisdom?

He never sends pain — unless pain is best for us.

He never chastens us — unless there is a blessing in the chastening.