"Ephraim my dear son." Jeremiah 31:20
POOR, fickle, backsliding Ephraim, is thus called by our infinitely gracious God. Adopted by grace into the heavenly family, taught by the Spirit, and united to Jesus, God views us through Him; and having predestinated us to be conformed to the image of His Son, He views things which are but purposed as accomplished, and we are comely through the comeliness He has put upon us. His love to us is wonderful; He says, "He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of His eye." He rejoices to do us good, and gives His angels charge over us. He will not suffer any one really to hurt us; but lest this should be the case, He will keep us night and day. Let us then abide in Jesus; let us cultivate communion with this gracious God; let us follow on to know the Lord; trust in Him at all times; wait upon Him continually; and rejoice in this delightful fact, God calls us "HIS DEAR SONS, HIS PLEASANT CHILDREN." He not only calls us so, but treats us as such; and addresses us as such in His holy word; Let us call Him our Father, and look to Him for all we need; so shall we honour Him, conquer Satan, and enjoy peace. Our Father is God: our God is our Father.
If I’ve the honour, Lord, to be
One of Thy numerous family,
On me the gracious gift bestow,
To call Thee, ABBA, FATHER! too.