Jesus All-sufficient

James Smith, 1855

It is a very beautiful and glowing account which the Apostle gives of the resurrection, ascension, and glorification of our beloved Lord — in the close of his first chapter to the Ephesians. He shows that he is exalted above all created beings, that all things are put under his feet, and that, as thus dignified, he is given "to be the head over all things . . . the fullness of him who fills all in all." Let us look at this last expression, "Him who fills all in all." He is not only supreme — but omnipresent. His agency is universal — extending to all worlds, and to all creatures. What a proof that our Lord is divine, that he is the eternal God. How could a mere creature fill all things, in all places, at all times? But Jesus "fills all in all."

He fills Heaven and earth with his presence, as the omnipresent God; his nature being infinite, his agency is unconfined (Jeremiah 23:24). He fills all his creatures with good, as their bountiful preserver and benefactor (Psalm 104:28). He fills the throne of Deity — and the mansions of glory (Psalm 110:1; Rev. 5:6). He fills the hearts of angels — who eternally admire, adore, and praise him. And he fills the redeemed around the throne with joy unspeakable and glorious (Rev. 5:11-12). He filled the hearts, the sermons, and ministrations of the Apostles, who were determined to know nothing among men — but Jesus Christ, and him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). He now fills the hearts and discourses of all his sent servants, who love to exalt him and extol him, and set him on high.

He fills the hungry with good things — but sends the rich empty from his presence (Luke 1:25). He fills the treasures of those who love him with substance, making over to them his unsearchable riches, which fills their mouths with blessings and praises on his name (Proverbs 8:21; Psalm 81:10). He can fill us with the knowledge of his will (Colossians 1:9); with the fruits of righteousness, and keep us sincere and blameless unto his own glorious day (Philippians 1:8, 11) He fills his people with all joy and peace in believing, and reveals to them his truth and love that their joy may be full (Romans 15:13; 1 John 1:4). He can fill us with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19). And he will fill the cup of wrath and Divine vengeance for his foes (Psalm 11:6; 75:8). He is determined to fill the earth with his kingdom (Dan. 2:35); and the whole world with his glory and praise (Psalm 72:19; Hebrews 2:14). He fills backsliders with their own ways, making them drink of wormwood and gall, filling them with bitterness (Proverbs 14:14).

He fills . . .
all the purposes of God,
all the predictions of the Bible,
all the promises of Jehovah, and
all the desires of his people.

He fills . . .
all useful relations,
all necessary offices, and
all the petitions of poor sinners.

He fills all space, all spiritual expectations, and he will fill up all the deficiencies of his chosen people.

He is the All-filling One. But to be this . . .
he must be Divine,
his essence must be infinite,
his resources must be boundless,
his grace must be inexhaustible,
his power must be omnipotent, and
his glory must be inconceivable!

What a glorious person is the Lord Jesus!

O Savior, fill . . .
my heart with your love,
my intellect with your truth,
my conscience with your peace, and
my whole person with your glory!

Beloved let us look to Jesus frequently as thus presented. He has all we can possibly need or desire, and he gives all that is really good, to his dear people. There is . . .
no desire which he cannot fill,
no work which he cannot perform,
no foe which he cannot subdue.

Our views of him have been too low — and our expectations from him have been too contracted.

Oh, for larger minds to conceive of his greatness and glory more adequately!

Oh, for warmer hearts to love him more fervently!

Oh, for holier lives to adorn his doctrine in all things! He is . . .
the brightness of glory,
the center of excellence,
the fountain of life,
the ocean of blessedness,
the fullness that fills all in all.

Oh, to be filled by Jesus! Oh, to be filled with Jesus! Oh, to be filled with zeal for Jesus! Oh, to be filled with grace, and thus be made, in one sense, like Jesus! Lord, fill . . .
the earth with your truth,
your Church with your glory,
and your saints with your praise.
I would forever speak his name,
In sounds to mortal ears unknown;
With angels join to praise the Lamb,
And worship at his Father's throne!