What a sweet thought: Jesus Christ did not come forth without his Father's permission, authority, consent, and assistance. The Father sent him to be the Savior of men.

We are too apt to forget this. While there are distinctions between the persons in the Trinity, there are no distinctions of honor. We too frequently ascribe the honor of our salvation—or at least the depths of its benevolence—more to Jesus Christ than to the Father. This is a very great mistake!

What if Jesus came? Did not his Father send him? If he spoke wondrously, did not his Father pour grace upon his lips, that he might be an able minister of the new covenant? He who knows the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost as he should know them, never sets one before another in his love. He sees them at Bethlehem, at Gethsemane, and on Calvary—all equally engaged in the work of salvation.

O Christian, have you put your confidence in the Man Christ Jesus? Have you placed your reliance solely on him? And are you united with him? Then believe that you are united unto the God of heaven! Since to the Man Christ Jesus you are brother, and hold closest fellowship, you are linked thereby with God the Eternal, and the Ancient of Days is your Father and your friend.

Did you ever consider the depth of love in the heart of Jehovah, when God the Father equipped his Son for the great enterprise of mercy? If not, be this your day's meditation. The Father sent him! Contemplate that subject. Think how Jesus works what the Father wills. In the wounds of the dying Savior see the love of the great I AM. Let every thought of Jesus be also connected with the Eternal, ever-blessed God, for "It pleased the Lord to bruise him; he has put him to grief."