My Hearts Desire
Maynard Force
Chapter 20
What Time Is It?
It is time . . . Romans 13.11.
"What time is it?" This is a question we have asked many times. The answer has varied, depending upon the time of day in which we asked it. The answer has had various effects upon us. Let us, for a change, turn to God and ask Him that same question. Listen to His answer in the words of our text: "It is time for you to awake out of sleep'' (Romans 13.11). We are given three reasons why we should wake up right now:
1. "Salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed'' (v.11). Heaven never was as near as it is now. Most any time our earthly journey may come to an end. Such thoughts thrill a child of God to the very heart. With the apostle Paul we say we "have a desire to depart and be with Christ'' (Phil. 2.23).
2. "The night is far spent'' (v.12). It is just about over. We are told the darkest hours come just before dawn. Therefore, do not let the darkness of our day deceive you into believing that the night is not far spent. Every Christian has been saved for this coming day. "For ye are all sons of light, and sons of the day'' (1 Thessalonians 5.5).
3. "The day is at hand." Eternity's day is ready to dawn. The day of the Lord is upon us. Not a second can be lost. We have overslept. Surely, these three reasons should arouse the heaviest of sleepers.
Make haste, friend. God has called. "It is time to awake out of sleep."
"It is time" to remove our coverings-"cast off the works of darkness." God is asking us to throw off the coverings under which we have been sleeping. They have kept us snug and complacent long enough.
Three common coverings that have kept many a sleeping sinner warm are;
1. The blanket of hypocrisy. This covering looks so attractive. All who pull it over themselves are soon fast asleep.
2. The blanket of unbelief. It is thick and warm and is found wherever sinners sleep. How easy to snuggle under its protection and sleep the sleep of death.
3. The blanket of "pet sin." It is so easy to sleep enfolded in some pet sin, as lying, exaggerating, pride, jealousy, and the like. Many a careless child of God has fallen soundly asleep under this blanket.
We have mentioned but three blankets under which sinners are sleeping. There are many more. Listen again, dear friend. God is talking. "Throw off the works of darkness.'' If you have heard His voice, determine today to come out from under your covering. Confess your sins as you bring them into the open, and our Lord will forgive you.
"It is time'' to dress properly. God's Word tells us to "put on the armor of light'' (v.12). This is not a day for silks and satins, but for armor. A terrible battle is raging. Satan and all his forces are making their last stand. Every hellish weapon that he has is now in use. None can stand before him unless clothed in the armor of light. The Lord has commanded, "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able. to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6.11). Ample protection is given so that we can all "be strong in the Lord." But there is no protection for the back! Woe unto him, there- fore, who turns his back to the enemy! "He is not fit for the kingdom of heaven." Hurry, friend. Get dressed! Weary saints who have faced the enemy for some time need to be reinforced. Remember you are on the winning side. Therefore lose no time in putting on the armor of light, for "it is time for Jehovah to work'' (Psalm 119.126).
"It is time" also to arise and walk. "Let us walk becomingly as in the day." "Walk" means progress. This is not a day for naps. The end of the age is on us. "Time is shortened" (1Corinthians 7.39). We are admonished to "watch and pray," for "yet a very little while, he that cometh shall come, and shall not tarry" (Hebrews 10.37). "The coming of the Lord is at hand" (James 5.8). "Behold the judge standeth before the doors'' (James 5.9). Oh, friend, tarry not! "Walk while ye have the light'' (John 12.35). All heed the admonition, "Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise ; redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5.15-16) .
We have heard the time according to God's clock. His answer was a solemn one. Linger not, for that is dangerous. By the help of God, "let us not sleep as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober" (1 Thessalonians 5.6) .
Monday, September 14, 2009
19. Rivers of Blessing
My Hearts Desire
Maynard Force
Chapter 19
Rivers of Blessing
The river of God is full of water. Psalm 65. 9.
This is God's way of telling us that He has abundant blessings for us. He uses language we can all understand. He wants even the weakest individual to know that he, too, is invited to share in this abundant blessing. Let us draw near to the banks of the river and together enjoy its fullness.
The river of God satisfies. Not one of the millions who have drunk from it has said otherwise. Jesus, speaking about spiritual thirst, said, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst'' (John 4.14). That is a staggering statement. Ponder it, dear friend. If you have drunk from the river of God, your soul can say, "I know that is true." If not, the invitation is extended to you to come to the river of God and drink. "They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou wilt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life'' (Psalm 36.8-9).
The river of God never runs dry. It is full of water. There is no end to a full river. Water upon water keeps coming. Day and night its majestic flow is the same. What a perfect picture of God's "grace upon grace" (John 1.16). Where the need is great, the supply is even greater. "Where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly" (Romans 5.20). The rivers of pleasure and lust are seasonal. They merely fool those who flock to their banks, and they are left there to die in their thirst. Not so the river of God, for "everything shall live whithersoever the river cometh'' (Ezekiel 47.9).
The river of God waters the lowest places. It winds hither and thither among the alleys. It is those in the valleys who receive its blessings. If you find yourself in the valley of depression, do not give up in despair, for the river of God flows there. If you find yourself in the valley of grief, look for the river. It winds back and forth all through this place. If you find yourself in the valley of testing, with your vision limited by the mountains, fear not, but look for the river of God. "He sendeth forth springs into the valleys; they run among the mountains'' (Ps.104.10).
The river of God is free to all. A river is of such a nature that it can not be fenced. A small lake may be monopolized by some wealthy individual who can nail up "Keep-out signs all around it. Not so with a river. I have never heard of an individual being sole possessor of a river. A river winds back and forth so that many can enjoy it. If a straight line is the shortest distance between two points, may not a river be the longest distance between two points? Does it not seem that the reason it is so winding is to extend its blessings farther? Surely, that is true of the river of God. Has it not found its way even to you? Listen to our Lord Jesus as He speaks, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink'' (John 7.37). Jesus Himself is this river.
The river of God becomes a blessing only to those who will drink. One can not stand erect and expect to contact its blessings. Only those who humble themselves and kneel by its side can drink. Many a needy soul has thrown himself prostrate beside the river of God and has drunk to his heart's content. The song writer well expressed this experience when he wrote:
"I heard the voice of Jesus say,
'Behold, I freely give the living water, thirsty one,
Stoop down, and drink and live.'
I came to Jesus and I drank
Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in Him."
The river of God is full of water. It flows for our benefit. "He that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take the water of life freely'' (Revelation 22.17). "There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God'' (Psalm 46.4). Praise God for such a river! Oh, for grace to live on its banks!
Maynard Force
Chapter 19
Rivers of Blessing
The river of God is full of water. Psalm 65. 9.
This is God's way of telling us that He has abundant blessings for us. He uses language we can all understand. He wants even the weakest individual to know that he, too, is invited to share in this abundant blessing. Let us draw near to the banks of the river and together enjoy its fullness.
The river of God satisfies. Not one of the millions who have drunk from it has said otherwise. Jesus, speaking about spiritual thirst, said, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst'' (John 4.14). That is a staggering statement. Ponder it, dear friend. If you have drunk from the river of God, your soul can say, "I know that is true." If not, the invitation is extended to you to come to the river of God and drink. "They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou wilt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life'' (Psalm 36.8-9).
The river of God never runs dry. It is full of water. There is no end to a full river. Water upon water keeps coming. Day and night its majestic flow is the same. What a perfect picture of God's "grace upon grace" (John 1.16). Where the need is great, the supply is even greater. "Where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly" (Romans 5.20). The rivers of pleasure and lust are seasonal. They merely fool those who flock to their banks, and they are left there to die in their thirst. Not so the river of God, for "everything shall live whithersoever the river cometh'' (Ezekiel 47.9).
The river of God waters the lowest places. It winds hither and thither among the alleys. It is those in the valleys who receive its blessings. If you find yourself in the valley of depression, do not give up in despair, for the river of God flows there. If you find yourself in the valley of grief, look for the river. It winds back and forth all through this place. If you find yourself in the valley of testing, with your vision limited by the mountains, fear not, but look for the river of God. "He sendeth forth springs into the valleys; they run among the mountains'' (Ps.104.10).
The river of God is free to all. A river is of such a nature that it can not be fenced. A small lake may be monopolized by some wealthy individual who can nail up "Keep-out signs all around it. Not so with a river. I have never heard of an individual being sole possessor of a river. A river winds back and forth so that many can enjoy it. If a straight line is the shortest distance between two points, may not a river be the longest distance between two points? Does it not seem that the reason it is so winding is to extend its blessings farther? Surely, that is true of the river of God. Has it not found its way even to you? Listen to our Lord Jesus as He speaks, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink'' (John 7.37). Jesus Himself is this river.
The river of God becomes a blessing only to those who will drink. One can not stand erect and expect to contact its blessings. Only those who humble themselves and kneel by its side can drink. Many a needy soul has thrown himself prostrate beside the river of God and has drunk to his heart's content. The song writer well expressed this experience when he wrote:
"I heard the voice of Jesus say,
'Behold, I freely give the living water, thirsty one,
Stoop down, and drink and live.'
I came to Jesus and I drank
Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in Him."
The river of God is full of water. It flows for our benefit. "He that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take the water of life freely'' (Revelation 22.17). "There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God'' (Psalm 46.4). Praise God for such a river! Oh, for grace to live on its banks!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
18. A Potent Plea
My Heart's Desire
Maynard Force
Chapter 18
A Potent Plea
Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. John 11. 3.
This was the message Mary and Martha sent to Jesus when their brother, Lazarus, was at the point of death. Eight well-chosen words. No telegram today was better worded. They could have said, ''Our brother Lazarus is sick," but they chose to word the message, "He whom thou lovest is sick." "He whom thou lovest", what a fitting way of referring to their brother! Friend, do you realize that these words are a fitting description of you also? "He whom thou lovest'', that's you. For the Lord truly loves you, whether you realize it or not. "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins'' (1 John 4.10).
"Behold Lord; he whom thou lovest is sick." Lazarus had now become helpless even to the extent of having others wait upon him. He had met with a situation that had overcome him. Whereas his own strength had been sufficient in the past, now he had none. What a moment for Satan to strike! The afflicted often forget that the Lord loves them just as much in their helpless state as when they were strong and healthy. God's Word can not change even if our condition has changed to one of helplessness. We are still described as those "whom thou lovest." Let us never forget that our God is "a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat'' (Isaiah 25.4). How comforting to notice that it was while Lazarus lay in this helpless condition that they referred to him as "he whom thou lovest.''
"Behold, Lord, he whom thou lovest'' is now seemingly quite useless. How tragic if the Lord should cease to love us when we can no longer engage in some outward activity for Him! Such suggestions come from the devil. They seem very reasonable. The prophet Isaiah was tempted to say, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for naught and vanity'' (Isaiah 49.4). The Lord soon led the prophet out of this depression by bringing him to the conviction, "I am honorable in the eyes of Jehovah, and my God has become my strength'' (v. 5). What a blessed stopping place for a weary soul! Let us never move away from it. Remember, even though Lazarus lay apparently useless on a sickbed, still he was referred to as ''he whom thou lovest.''
"Behold, Lord, he whom thou lovest'' is at the point of death. What sweet words at a time like that, to be referred to as "he whom thou lovest''! Can it be true that at the end of life, when we are especially conscious of our many failures and shortcomings, we can still be referred to as "he whom thou lovest''? Is there not a danger of putting too much faith in the love of God? Never! Listen to the apostle Paul, "I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord'' (Romans 8.38-39) .
Regardless of where you are, or who you are, these words, "Behold, Lord, he whom thou lovest," describes Christ's relationship to you. May your memory grasp them fast. Let them sound and resound in your mind over and over again-"Behold, Lord, he whom thou lovest'' is sick, is tired, is weary, is discouraged, is sorrowful, is sinful, is in trouble, is distressed, is at death's door, or in any other possible situation. To any and to all we cry out with Paul, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . . Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us'' (Romans 8.35-37).
Maynard Force
Chapter 18
A Potent Plea
Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. John 11. 3.
This was the message Mary and Martha sent to Jesus when their brother, Lazarus, was at the point of death. Eight well-chosen words. No telegram today was better worded. They could have said, ''Our brother Lazarus is sick," but they chose to word the message, "He whom thou lovest is sick." "He whom thou lovest", what a fitting way of referring to their brother! Friend, do you realize that these words are a fitting description of you also? "He whom thou lovest'', that's you. For the Lord truly loves you, whether you realize it or not. "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins'' (1 John 4.10).
"Behold Lord; he whom thou lovest is sick." Lazarus had now become helpless even to the extent of having others wait upon him. He had met with a situation that had overcome him. Whereas his own strength had been sufficient in the past, now he had none. What a moment for Satan to strike! The afflicted often forget that the Lord loves them just as much in their helpless state as when they were strong and healthy. God's Word can not change even if our condition has changed to one of helplessness. We are still described as those "whom thou lovest." Let us never forget that our God is "a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat'' (Isaiah 25.4). How comforting to notice that it was while Lazarus lay in this helpless condition that they referred to him as "he whom thou lovest.''
"Behold, Lord, he whom thou lovest'' is now seemingly quite useless. How tragic if the Lord should cease to love us when we can no longer engage in some outward activity for Him! Such suggestions come from the devil. They seem very reasonable. The prophet Isaiah was tempted to say, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for naught and vanity'' (Isaiah 49.4). The Lord soon led the prophet out of this depression by bringing him to the conviction, "I am honorable in the eyes of Jehovah, and my God has become my strength'' (v. 5). What a blessed stopping place for a weary soul! Let us never move away from it. Remember, even though Lazarus lay apparently useless on a sickbed, still he was referred to as ''he whom thou lovest.''
"Behold, Lord, he whom thou lovest'' is at the point of death. What sweet words at a time like that, to be referred to as "he whom thou lovest''! Can it be true that at the end of life, when we are especially conscious of our many failures and shortcomings, we can still be referred to as "he whom thou lovest''? Is there not a danger of putting too much faith in the love of God? Never! Listen to the apostle Paul, "I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord'' (Romans 8.38-39) .
Regardless of where you are, or who you are, these words, "Behold, Lord, he whom thou lovest," describes Christ's relationship to you. May your memory grasp them fast. Let them sound and resound in your mind over and over again-"Behold, Lord, he whom thou lovest'' is sick, is tired, is weary, is discouraged, is sorrowful, is sinful, is in trouble, is distressed, is at death's door, or in any other possible situation. To any and to all we cry out with Paul, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . . Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us'' (Romans 8.35-37).
17. Freed From Bondage
My Heart's Desire
Maynard Force
Chapter 17
Freed from Bondage
Arise, take up thy bed and walk. John 5. 8.
These words of Jesus were spoken to a man who had been bedridden for thirty-eight years. Would it not have been enough had Jesus said, "Arise, and walk''? Why should this man be told to take his bed with him?
The sick man was to take up his bed and walk because he was never to live in this place of defeat again. He had struggled there for thirty-eight years to better his condition, but had failed. Neither was there anyone in this place who seemed to care enough to help him. His companions were classified as "sick blind, halt, and withered.'' The sick are too often self-centered people who think only of themselves and their ailments. The blind are those who have no vision, but sit in darkness all the time. The halt are those who limp around, but get no place. The withered are those who were once robust and strong, but are now dried up. In this depressing place, he had been kept a prisoner for these many years. Now that he had met Jesus, he, as well as his surroundings, was to be different. The past was to be forever gone. He was to be completely free, "For if the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed'' (John 8.36).
He was to take his bed with him so he would not be tempted to return to that place of misery again. There were "sick" people in that place from whom he might contract other diseases so that "the last state of the man'' would become "worse than the first" (Luke 11. 26). No doubt his bed was his sole possession, and Christ wanted not only him, but his meager belongings as well, liberated from this place of bondage. Too many people who have been set free by Christ never take their belongings with them into that freedom. Their possessions then become the bait that entices them back into bondage again. Moses realized this danger, and therefore told Pharaoh, "Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not a hoof be left behind'' (Exodus 10.16). He knew that if even a calf were left, some man would be tempted to sneak back and get it. Once a soul is set free there is to be no going back into the place of bondage. This truth was demonstrated when God chose to lead Israel out of Egypt by way of the Red Sea. Once they were safely on the other side He closed the passage, never to open it again, for there was to be no back-tracking. Christ stands ready to liberate not only us, but also all our possessions. "Stand fast, therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage'' (Galatians 5.1). Be sure your belongings also are set free, that they do not become your ''yoke of bondage.''
The man was to take his bed, for now he had power to do so. Until now his bed had carried him, but now that he had met Christ he was to carry his bed. This bed, which was a symbol of his possessions, had held him fast for many years. Christ had reversed the situation. Now that he was a free man, he was to be master of his bed. Christ did a similar thing for Zacchaeus, the rich man. Zacchaeus had become a slave to his wealth, and lived only for himself. When Jesus. saved him be became master of his wealth and immediately began to make right use of it. Listen to him as he exercises his freedom for the first time, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor'' (Luke 19.8). Once he worked for his money. Now his money worked for him. Arise, take your possessions, and be master of them!
He was to take up his bed for it was to be placed in new surroundings. Both he and his surroundings were to be different. The anxiety of the past was to be forever over. Now he was to rest in a new place where he could lie down in peace. He had been set free that he might fellowship with free people.He was not only to meet free people, but to make his abode with them. From this day on, he would be numbered with the free. He would be free to forget "the things which are behind'' and to stretch for- ward into the things which are before" (Phil. 3.13). He was now free to start life over again. He had become a new man. "Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new" (2 Cor.5.17).
When you see a person moving out his bed, you know that he is really leaving his former place of abode. Those who take only a suitcase or two will eventually return. Jesus wants us to break all our connection with our former defeated lives. He wants us and our possessions to be free. Therefore he gives the command, "Arise, take up your bed and walk."
Maynard Force
Chapter 17
Freed from Bondage
Arise, take up thy bed and walk. John 5. 8.
These words of Jesus were spoken to a man who had been bedridden for thirty-eight years. Would it not have been enough had Jesus said, "Arise, and walk''? Why should this man be told to take his bed with him?
The sick man was to take up his bed and walk because he was never to live in this place of defeat again. He had struggled there for thirty-eight years to better his condition, but had failed. Neither was there anyone in this place who seemed to care enough to help him. His companions were classified as "sick blind, halt, and withered.'' The sick are too often self-centered people who think only of themselves and their ailments. The blind are those who have no vision, but sit in darkness all the time. The halt are those who limp around, but get no place. The withered are those who were once robust and strong, but are now dried up. In this depressing place, he had been kept a prisoner for these many years. Now that he had met Jesus, he, as well as his surroundings, was to be different. The past was to be forever gone. He was to be completely free, "For if the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed'' (John 8.36).
He was to take his bed with him so he would not be tempted to return to that place of misery again. There were "sick" people in that place from whom he might contract other diseases so that "the last state of the man'' would become "worse than the first" (Luke 11. 26). No doubt his bed was his sole possession, and Christ wanted not only him, but his meager belongings as well, liberated from this place of bondage. Too many people who have been set free by Christ never take their belongings with them into that freedom. Their possessions then become the bait that entices them back into bondage again. Moses realized this danger, and therefore told Pharaoh, "Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not a hoof be left behind'' (Exodus 10.16). He knew that if even a calf were left, some man would be tempted to sneak back and get it. Once a soul is set free there is to be no going back into the place of bondage. This truth was demonstrated when God chose to lead Israel out of Egypt by way of the Red Sea. Once they were safely on the other side He closed the passage, never to open it again, for there was to be no back-tracking. Christ stands ready to liberate not only us, but also all our possessions. "Stand fast, therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage'' (Galatians 5.1). Be sure your belongings also are set free, that they do not become your ''yoke of bondage.''
The man was to take his bed, for now he had power to do so. Until now his bed had carried him, but now that he had met Christ he was to carry his bed. This bed, which was a symbol of his possessions, had held him fast for many years. Christ had reversed the situation. Now that he was a free man, he was to be master of his bed. Christ did a similar thing for Zacchaeus, the rich man. Zacchaeus had become a slave to his wealth, and lived only for himself. When Jesus. saved him be became master of his wealth and immediately began to make right use of it. Listen to him as he exercises his freedom for the first time, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor'' (Luke 19.8). Once he worked for his money. Now his money worked for him. Arise, take your possessions, and be master of them!
He was to take up his bed for it was to be placed in new surroundings. Both he and his surroundings were to be different. The anxiety of the past was to be forever over. Now he was to rest in a new place where he could lie down in peace. He had been set free that he might fellowship with free people.He was not only to meet free people, but to make his abode with them. From this day on, he would be numbered with the free. He would be free to forget "the things which are behind'' and to stretch for- ward into the things which are before" (Phil. 3.13). He was now free to start life over again. He had become a new man. "Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new" (2 Cor.5.17).
When you see a person moving out his bed, you know that he is really leaving his former place of abode. Those who take only a suitcase or two will eventually return. Jesus wants us to break all our connection with our former defeated lives. He wants us and our possessions to be free. Therefore he gives the command, "Arise, take up your bed and walk."
Sunday, August 16, 2009
16. When The Teacher Calls
From: My Heart's Desire
Maynard Force
When the Teacher Calls
The teacher is here and calleth thee. John 11. 28.
Death had visited the home of Martha and Mary. Lazarus, their beloved brother, had been suddenly snatched from them. With his passing had gone also their joy and happiness. It left them stunned. After four days of grief Jesus came, and word was sent to Mary,
''The teacher is here and calleth thee." How blessed a message for such a time as this! "The teacher is here and calleth thee" is a call to the heavy-hearted. No one but Christ can satisfy a heavy heart. Well-meaning friends try their best, but what are human beings at a time like this? It was Jesus alone who dared to say, "Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me" (John 14. 1). Faith is the only cure for heavy hearts. Faith in the Lord Jesus is also the key that will open the door of the dark prison of Heavy Heart and lead us into the freedom of God's sunlight. There are two truths that can help create such a faith. The first is: "He hath done all things well'' (Mark 7. 37). The second is: "For we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8. 28).
"The teacher is here and calleth thee" is a word for those who think it is too late. Mary felt it was now too late, therefore she said, "Lord if thou hadst been here my brother had not died." This is a common mistake! Many are tempted to think it is already too late. Let us not forget that this is the day of grace, and it is not too late for Jesus to help us. He is able to take all those who belong to the ''too late'' class and change the whole situation for them. Many of His faithful followers today once belonged to this group. Remember, He "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Ephesians 3. 20). The apostle Paul saw this truth and triumphantly wrote, "I can do all things in him that strengthens me" (Philippians 4.13).
"The teacher is here and calleth thee" is a call to return to Jesus' feet. Mary "rose up quickly and went out . . . and fell down at his feet" (John 11.31-32). It was at Jesus' feet she had received such great blessings in the past. Now, in this moment of sorrow, she found her way back to His feet. What a blessed place to come to when one's heart is full of grief! How wonderful that the Master "is here and calleth thee"! He invites us to come to Him. Have you, by chance, been so overwhelmed by problems and sorrow that you have neglected your former place at His feet? Perhaps there was a time when you came there in quietness and poured out your heart to Him in prayer. Listen carefully, for the call is to you. "The teacher is here and calleth thee."
What a tragedy it would have been if unbelief had hindered Mary from answering this invitation! She would have missed witnessing the resurrection of her dear brother. What a tragedy for any soul to turn down such a blessed call! Regardless of what your condition is when these words find you, remember, "The teacher is here and calleth thee." Let us answer as Mary of old, by rising up quickly and falling "down at his feet."
Maynard Force
When the Teacher Calls
The teacher is here and calleth thee. John 11. 28.
Death had visited the home of Martha and Mary. Lazarus, their beloved brother, had been suddenly snatched from them. With his passing had gone also their joy and happiness. It left them stunned. After four days of grief Jesus came, and word was sent to Mary,
''The teacher is here and calleth thee." How blessed a message for such a time as this! "The teacher is here and calleth thee" is a call to the heavy-hearted. No one but Christ can satisfy a heavy heart. Well-meaning friends try their best, but what are human beings at a time like this? It was Jesus alone who dared to say, "Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me" (John 14. 1). Faith is the only cure for heavy hearts. Faith in the Lord Jesus is also the key that will open the door of the dark prison of Heavy Heart and lead us into the freedom of God's sunlight. There are two truths that can help create such a faith. The first is: "He hath done all things well'' (Mark 7. 37). The second is: "For we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8. 28).
"The teacher is here and calleth thee" is a word for those who think it is too late. Mary felt it was now too late, therefore she said, "Lord if thou hadst been here my brother had not died." This is a common mistake! Many are tempted to think it is already too late. Let us not forget that this is the day of grace, and it is not too late for Jesus to help us. He is able to take all those who belong to the ''too late'' class and change the whole situation for them. Many of His faithful followers today once belonged to this group. Remember, He "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Ephesians 3. 20). The apostle Paul saw this truth and triumphantly wrote, "I can do all things in him that strengthens me" (Philippians 4.13).
"The teacher is here and calleth thee" is a call to return to Jesus' feet. Mary "rose up quickly and went out . . . and fell down at his feet" (John 11.31-32). It was at Jesus' feet she had received such great blessings in the past. Now, in this moment of sorrow, she found her way back to His feet. What a blessed place to come to when one's heart is full of grief! How wonderful that the Master "is here and calleth thee"! He invites us to come to Him. Have you, by chance, been so overwhelmed by problems and sorrow that you have neglected your former place at His feet? Perhaps there was a time when you came there in quietness and poured out your heart to Him in prayer. Listen carefully, for the call is to you. "The teacher is here and calleth thee."
What a tragedy it would have been if unbelief had hindered Mary from answering this invitation! She would have missed witnessing the resurrection of her dear brother. What a tragedy for any soul to turn down such a blessed call! Regardless of what your condition is when these words find you, remember, "The teacher is here and calleth thee." Let us answer as Mary of old, by rising up quickly and falling "down at his feet."
15. Great Faith
From: My Hearts Desire
Maynard Force
Great Faith
When Jesus heard these things he marveled at him, and said . . . I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Luke 7. 9.
Scripture records two occasions when Jesus marveled. Once "He marveled because of their unbelief" (Mark 6. 6), and the second time "He marveled'' at the faith of the centurion.
What was it about the centurion that caused Jesus to "marvel" and say, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel''? Was it that the centurion had faith that Jesus could heal his servant? It could not have been that, because many others also had faith in Jesus' healing power. Yet He did not marvel at their faith. Could it have been that the centurion came requesting healing for someone else, rather than for himself? But there are several incidents in Scripture where others did this, yet Jesus did not marvel or give a special recognition. Was it because of the humility of the centurion when he said, "I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof, wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee'' (Luke 7. 6-7)? Had it been that, Jesus would have commented on his humility, rather than on his faith. There must, therefore, have been something then about his faith that was different from the faith of others which caused Jesus to "marvel" and say, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in all Israel''?
The centurion had found a secret that all Israel had missed. In fact, he had found a truth that most people miss today. He had come to see the power of Christ's word. He knew that if Jesus would but speak "the word'' something would happen, for there was authority in what He said. Therefore he requested, "Say the word, and my servant shall be healed.''
God's blessings are wrapped up in His Word. All who were blessed during Jesus' ministry on earth received the blessing through His word. It was not until He had spoken the word that the cure was complete. When in simple faith they believed His word, the miracle happened. Their feelings of joy came after they had accepted in faith the words that Jesus had given them. Let us note some of the words that He spoke at that time. To the leper He said, "Be thou clean." To the man with the withered hand, "Stretch forth thy hand." To the one that was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, "Be opened.'' To the thief on the cross, "Today thou shalt be with me in paradise.'' To the disciples, "Ye are clean because of the Word which I have spoken unto You." In each case it was His word that brought the miracle.
In our day also, God's blessings come through the Word. That is why Satan makes it so hard for us to feed systematically on the Word. He knows only too well that "the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword'' (Hebrews 4. 12). He also knows that the Word of God has the answer to every problem that may arise in our life. Therefore he causes doubt, indifference, and neglect to keep us away from it. The need of the hour is to learn again the value of God's Word. Jesus said, "Is it not for this cause that ye err, that ye know not the scriptures, nor the power of God?" (Mark 12. 24). God's power lies in His Word.
The centurion's secret is worth knowing and putting into practice. Religious Israel missed it. A Roman soldier found it. He has passed it on to us. It is ours for the taking. With the Psalmist let us pray, "Give me understanding according to thy word'' (Psalm 119. 169).
Maynard Force
Great Faith
When Jesus heard these things he marveled at him, and said . . . I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Luke 7. 9.
Scripture records two occasions when Jesus marveled. Once "He marveled because of their unbelief" (Mark 6. 6), and the second time "He marveled'' at the faith of the centurion.
What was it about the centurion that caused Jesus to "marvel" and say, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel''? Was it that the centurion had faith that Jesus could heal his servant? It could not have been that, because many others also had faith in Jesus' healing power. Yet He did not marvel at their faith. Could it have been that the centurion came requesting healing for someone else, rather than for himself? But there are several incidents in Scripture where others did this, yet Jesus did not marvel or give a special recognition. Was it because of the humility of the centurion when he said, "I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof, wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee'' (Luke 7. 6-7)? Had it been that, Jesus would have commented on his humility, rather than on his faith. There must, therefore, have been something then about his faith that was different from the faith of others which caused Jesus to "marvel" and say, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in all Israel''?
The centurion had found a secret that all Israel had missed. In fact, he had found a truth that most people miss today. He had come to see the power of Christ's word. He knew that if Jesus would but speak "the word'' something would happen, for there was authority in what He said. Therefore he requested, "Say the word, and my servant shall be healed.''
God's blessings are wrapped up in His Word. All who were blessed during Jesus' ministry on earth received the blessing through His word. It was not until He had spoken the word that the cure was complete. When in simple faith they believed His word, the miracle happened. Their feelings of joy came after they had accepted in faith the words that Jesus had given them. Let us note some of the words that He spoke at that time. To the leper He said, "Be thou clean." To the man with the withered hand, "Stretch forth thy hand." To the one that was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, "Be opened.'' To the thief on the cross, "Today thou shalt be with me in paradise.'' To the disciples, "Ye are clean because of the Word which I have spoken unto You." In each case it was His word that brought the miracle.
In our day also, God's blessings come through the Word. That is why Satan makes it so hard for us to feed systematically on the Word. He knows only too well that "the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword'' (Hebrews 4. 12). He also knows that the Word of God has the answer to every problem that may arise in our life. Therefore he causes doubt, indifference, and neglect to keep us away from it. The need of the hour is to learn again the value of God's Word. Jesus said, "Is it not for this cause that ye err, that ye know not the scriptures, nor the power of God?" (Mark 12. 24). God's power lies in His Word.
The centurion's secret is worth knowing and putting into practice. Religious Israel missed it. A Roman soldier found it. He has passed it on to us. It is ours for the taking. With the Psalmist let us pray, "Give me understanding according to thy word'' (Psalm 119. 169).
Thursday, August 13, 2009
14.Look on the Fields
From, "My Heart's Desire"
By Maynard A. Force
Look on the Fields
Lift up your eyes and look on the fields that they are already white unto harvest.
John 4. 35.
"Look on the Fields," admonishes our Saviour. They are in desperate need of our attention just now. He is referring to the vast fields of humanity, this world of ours. "They are already white unto harvest." A harvest field can ripen quickly after it reaches a certain stage. This is what happened the day Jesus first spoke these words. Therefore He wanted His disciples to be harvest-conscious.
The disciples had been interested chiefly in themselves. They had just returned from the village of Sychar, where they had gone to "buy food." Little did they realize as they walked the streets of this despised village that one of the greatest awakenings in Jesus' ministry would take place there. When they mingled with the people, they did not think of the possibility that they might become believers in Jesus Christ. They had come for the sole purpose of getting something out of this place for themselves. It never dawned on them they had something to give these people that was far more important than daily bread. This is a common mistake. Many are the followers of Christ today who look upon their places of work just in terms of what they can carry out. It never dawns upon them that their main purpose for being there is not the pay checks they can carry out, but the testimony they can carry in.
When Christians leave Christ out of their daily places of work, their main ambition then is to receive and not to give. Then the very principle upon which a Christian thrives is lost. For "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20. 35). No one who claims to be a follower of Christ has any right to go in pursuit of his daily bread without having Christ's presence go with him. How dare we accept any position, regardless of salary, without having first been led there by Christ! This explains why there are practically no awakenings in factories, shops, offices, schools, and other places where Christians work today. The apostle Paul could say, "For to me to live is Christ" (Philippians 1. 21). Should not that be our motto, too? Would it not also imply, "For me to work is Christ"?
The awakening at Sychar did not come through the disciples. They did not return with encouraging reports that these people were hungry for the Word of God. They walked the streets of this village, saw and talked to the people, left a few coins in exchange for some food, and were ready to move on. They were satisfied that their work was done. How little it takes to satisfy some of us! Jesus used the person in Sychar one would least expect to be His witness, rather than these disciples. It was the testimony of the sinful Samaritan woman, "Come see a man who told me all things that ever I did," that brought souls to Christ. After she had met with Jesus she had more to say for Him than all the disciples.
This is indeed a warning to every Christian. Will our Lord have to repeat the same thing today? Will He have to raise up someone poor and despised, like the Samaritan woman, to bring about an awakening in the place where we earn our daily bread, because we who claim to be His followers are so blind? Surely He has given us ample time, just as He did the disciples then.
Thus we have seen that the place where we get our daily bread is much like Sychar. It needs Christ. We are the ones appointed to bring Him there. We go there, of course, to earn our daily bread, but that is not our main purpose for being there. This place is our mission field. We are admonished today to "look on the fields," for Christ wants to do a great work there. Perhaps our Sychar, too, is "white already unto harvest."
By Maynard A. Force
Look on the Fields
Lift up your eyes and look on the fields that they are already white unto harvest.
John 4. 35.
"Look on the Fields," admonishes our Saviour. They are in desperate need of our attention just now. He is referring to the vast fields of humanity, this world of ours. "They are already white unto harvest." A harvest field can ripen quickly after it reaches a certain stage. This is what happened the day Jesus first spoke these words. Therefore He wanted His disciples to be harvest-conscious.
The disciples had been interested chiefly in themselves. They had just returned from the village of Sychar, where they had gone to "buy food." Little did they realize as they walked the streets of this despised village that one of the greatest awakenings in Jesus' ministry would take place there. When they mingled with the people, they did not think of the possibility that they might become believers in Jesus Christ. They had come for the sole purpose of getting something out of this place for themselves. It never dawned on them they had something to give these people that was far more important than daily bread. This is a common mistake. Many are the followers of Christ today who look upon their places of work just in terms of what they can carry out. It never dawns upon them that their main purpose for being there is not the pay checks they can carry out, but the testimony they can carry in.
When Christians leave Christ out of their daily places of work, their main ambition then is to receive and not to give. Then the very principle upon which a Christian thrives is lost. For "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20. 35). No one who claims to be a follower of Christ has any right to go in pursuit of his daily bread without having Christ's presence go with him. How dare we accept any position, regardless of salary, without having first been led there by Christ! This explains why there are practically no awakenings in factories, shops, offices, schools, and other places where Christians work today. The apostle Paul could say, "For to me to live is Christ" (Philippians 1. 21). Should not that be our motto, too? Would it not also imply, "For me to work is Christ"?
The awakening at Sychar did not come through the disciples. They did not return with encouraging reports that these people were hungry for the Word of God. They walked the streets of this village, saw and talked to the people, left a few coins in exchange for some food, and were ready to move on. They were satisfied that their work was done. How little it takes to satisfy some of us! Jesus used the person in Sychar one would least expect to be His witness, rather than these disciples. It was the testimony of the sinful Samaritan woman, "Come see a man who told me all things that ever I did," that brought souls to Christ. After she had met with Jesus she had more to say for Him than all the disciples.
This is indeed a warning to every Christian. Will our Lord have to repeat the same thing today? Will He have to raise up someone poor and despised, like the Samaritan woman, to bring about an awakening in the place where we earn our daily bread, because we who claim to be His followers are so blind? Surely He has given us ample time, just as He did the disciples then.
Thus we have seen that the place where we get our daily bread is much like Sychar. It needs Christ. We are the ones appointed to bring Him there. We go there, of course, to earn our daily bread, but that is not our main purpose for being there. This place is our mission field. We are admonished today to "look on the fields," for Christ wants to do a great work there. Perhaps our Sychar, too, is "white already unto harvest."
13. They Knew Him
From "My Hearts Desire"
By Maynard A. Force
They Knew Him
Their eyes were opened, and they knew him.
Luke 24. 31.
The first Easter was just about over and still two disciples were "looking sad'' (24.17). They had been "amazed" at the story the women had to tell about the empty tomb, but these things did not satisfy them for "him they saw not'' (v.24). They did not know what to make of the whole thing. Finally, they decided to go to Emmaus, a village a short distance from Jerusalem, and it was while there that "their eyes were opened'' and they received a blessing that changed them completely. Let us notice what led to this wonderful experience.
First, the disciples were willing to open their hearts to Jesus and receive Him into their fellowship. When He joined their company along the road He did not immediately identify Himself as He had done to others. He had a greater and more lasting blessing in store for them. Therefore "beginning from Moses and from all the prophets he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself'' (v. 27). Notice, He went back to the books of Moses which are in the very first part of the Bible. Then to "all the prophet's," and finally "He interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.'' What a blessing it was that these men were familiar with the Scriptures, so that Jesus could reveal these truths to them! How sad that in our day so few people read and study the Bible! Very few people have read it through even once. What a pity! This accounts for the fact that so few have met the resurrected Christ. Jesus Himself said, "Man should not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God'' (Matthew 4.4). ''Every word,'' He said. That means we should feed our souls from all the Scriptures. Our spiritual diet should have in it all the vitamins of God's Word in order "that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work'' (2 Timothy 3.17). If we are to meet the resurrected, living Christ, we must first open our hearts to Him and hear His word, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly'' (Colossians 3.16).
Secondly, the disciples were willing to receive Christ into their homes. They extended a personal invitation, saying, "Abide with us." How simple the invitation, and yet how effective! The greatest blessing of our lives came in response to these simple words. They might have thought that since it was toward evening, the greatest happenings of the day were over. Surely, the exciting news of the women returning from the empty tomb would be the high point of the day, even if it did leave them "looking sad." Can a "far spent'' day have anything to offer? Is there any hope for a "far spent'' life? Yes, a thousand times yes, providing we do as these Emmaus disciples, and constrain Christ to "abide with us." Such an invitation can change any life in a hurry.
Thirdly, we notice that the disciples were willing to share their very necessities with Him. They had learned to love this stranger, so now they were willing to invite Him to their table. They thought they were going to give Him something, but instead He "took the bread and blessed; breaking it he gave to them'' (Luke 24.30). The hand that reaches out to give to Christ is the hand that comes back full. Our Lord asks us to give Him a portion of what we have so that He may have the opportunity of opening "the windows of heaven and pour (you) out a blessing that there shall not be room to receive it'' (Malachi 3.10). It was by this simple act of giving them back the blest bread that "their eyes were opened, and they knew him'' (Luke 24.31).
Words can not describe the blessing that came to these two disciples when ''their eyes were opened.'' Immediately drastic changes took place, changes such as will take place in the life of any one whose spiritual eyes have been "opened.'' First, their countenance was changed. Whereas they had been "looking sad," now floods of joy overwhelmed them. Then, too, their plans were changed. Before, they were going in one direction, now "they rose up that very hour'' and proceeded in the opposite direction. Perhaps the greatest change of all was in their testimony. Whereas, before, "they questioned together,'' Now they could give a united testimony, "The Lord is risen indeed'' (Luke 24.34). All this because their eyes were opened and they knew him!''
By Maynard A. Force
They Knew Him
Their eyes were opened, and they knew him.
Luke 24. 31.
The first Easter was just about over and still two disciples were "looking sad'' (24.17). They had been "amazed" at the story the women had to tell about the empty tomb, but these things did not satisfy them for "him they saw not'' (v.24). They did not know what to make of the whole thing. Finally, they decided to go to Emmaus, a village a short distance from Jerusalem, and it was while there that "their eyes were opened'' and they received a blessing that changed them completely. Let us notice what led to this wonderful experience.
First, the disciples were willing to open their hearts to Jesus and receive Him into their fellowship. When He joined their company along the road He did not immediately identify Himself as He had done to others. He had a greater and more lasting blessing in store for them. Therefore "beginning from Moses and from all the prophets he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself'' (v. 27). Notice, He went back to the books of Moses which are in the very first part of the Bible. Then to "all the prophet's," and finally "He interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.'' What a blessing it was that these men were familiar with the Scriptures, so that Jesus could reveal these truths to them! How sad that in our day so few people read and study the Bible! Very few people have read it through even once. What a pity! This accounts for the fact that so few have met the resurrected Christ. Jesus Himself said, "Man should not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God'' (Matthew 4.4). ''Every word,'' He said. That means we should feed our souls from all the Scriptures. Our spiritual diet should have in it all the vitamins of God's Word in order "that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work'' (2 Timothy 3.17). If we are to meet the resurrected, living Christ, we must first open our hearts to Him and hear His word, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly'' (Colossians 3.16).
Secondly, the disciples were willing to receive Christ into their homes. They extended a personal invitation, saying, "Abide with us." How simple the invitation, and yet how effective! The greatest blessing of our lives came in response to these simple words. They might have thought that since it was toward evening, the greatest happenings of the day were over. Surely, the exciting news of the women returning from the empty tomb would be the high point of the day, even if it did leave them "looking sad." Can a "far spent'' day have anything to offer? Is there any hope for a "far spent'' life? Yes, a thousand times yes, providing we do as these Emmaus disciples, and constrain Christ to "abide with us." Such an invitation can change any life in a hurry.
Thirdly, we notice that the disciples were willing to share their very necessities with Him. They had learned to love this stranger, so now they were willing to invite Him to their table. They thought they were going to give Him something, but instead He "took the bread and blessed; breaking it he gave to them'' (Luke 24.30). The hand that reaches out to give to Christ is the hand that comes back full. Our Lord asks us to give Him a portion of what we have so that He may have the opportunity of opening "the windows of heaven and pour (you) out a blessing that there shall not be room to receive it'' (Malachi 3.10). It was by this simple act of giving them back the blest bread that "their eyes were opened, and they knew him'' (Luke 24.31).
Words can not describe the blessing that came to these two disciples when ''their eyes were opened.'' Immediately drastic changes took place, changes such as will take place in the life of any one whose spiritual eyes have been "opened.'' First, their countenance was changed. Whereas they had been "looking sad," now floods of joy overwhelmed them. Then, too, their plans were changed. Before, they were going in one direction, now "they rose up that very hour'' and proceeded in the opposite direction. Perhaps the greatest change of all was in their testimony. Whereas, before, "they questioned together,'' Now they could give a united testimony, "The Lord is risen indeed'' (Luke 24.34). All this because their eyes were opened and they knew him!''
12. A Wonderful Invitation
A Wonderful Invitation
Come, for all things are now ready. Luke 14. 17.
This is another invitation from the Lord! It is simple and right to the point, so that no one can misunderstand it. He has arranged it so that this wonderful invitation should fall into your hands today.
It begins with the tender word "Come," which is so full of meaning. This is one of the first words we learned as children. Our parents used it when they opened their arms to receive us. We staggered and even fell in our first attempts to come. Later as we grew stronger, we could run and throw ourselves into their arms. Today this same word "Come" is spoken to us by our Lord, whose love far surpasses that of our parents. He has used the word "Come" in many other invitations. Two such that have been answered by many are: "Come now, let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool'' (Isaiah 1. 18), and "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest'' (Matthew 11. 28). Besides these, hundreds of other similar invitations have been given us to come to Him.
Here you are invited to an elaborate affair. Read your invitation again. Notice carefully its wording: "All things are now ready." Ponder the words "all things,'' for they are packed full of meaning. There has been no sparing of expense to make this feast possible. Before "all things" were ready it had cost God the Father an awful price. He gave His best, for we read, "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son'' (John 3. 16). It cost Christ His life, for He "gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil world'' (Galatians 1. 4). Nothing more could have been done than has been done. Indeed "all things are now ready."
The invitation ends with the words "now ready. "This is not something to take place a year from now. When we are told that dinner is "now ready" we do something about it right away. Our Lord also has prepared a feast and stands ready to serve us. If you are weary, tired, starved, weak or depressed, then come, for the serving is ready to start. Strange as it may seem, a place has been set for you. How fortunate then that God's invitation reached you today!
What shall be your answer to such an invitation? No one else can answer it for you. God addressed it to you, and He awaits your answer. It demands your immediate attention. There are three ways in which this invitation has been dealt with in the past. Some read it, but do nothing about it. To them God's word applies, "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?" (Hebrews 2. 3). Others read it and give excuses. God, however, accepts no excuses but says of all who make them, "None of those men that were bidden shall taste of my supper'' (Luke 14. 24).
The third and last group accept the invitation. They hurriedly send word back, "Lord I come." One of the best answers ever given to this invitation, one which you, too, can use as your answer if you so desire, is the words of the hymn writer:
"Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!''
Maynard Force
My Hearts Desire
Augustana Book Concern 1949
Come, for all things are now ready. Luke 14. 17.
This is another invitation from the Lord! It is simple and right to the point, so that no one can misunderstand it. He has arranged it so that this wonderful invitation should fall into your hands today.
It begins with the tender word "Come," which is so full of meaning. This is one of the first words we learned as children. Our parents used it when they opened their arms to receive us. We staggered and even fell in our first attempts to come. Later as we grew stronger, we could run and throw ourselves into their arms. Today this same word "Come" is spoken to us by our Lord, whose love far surpasses that of our parents. He has used the word "Come" in many other invitations. Two such that have been answered by many are: "Come now, let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool'' (Isaiah 1. 18), and "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest'' (Matthew 11. 28). Besides these, hundreds of other similar invitations have been given us to come to Him.
Here you are invited to an elaborate affair. Read your invitation again. Notice carefully its wording: "All things are now ready." Ponder the words "all things,'' for they are packed full of meaning. There has been no sparing of expense to make this feast possible. Before "all things" were ready it had cost God the Father an awful price. He gave His best, for we read, "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son'' (John 3. 16). It cost Christ His life, for He "gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil world'' (Galatians 1. 4). Nothing more could have been done than has been done. Indeed "all things are now ready."
The invitation ends with the words "now ready. "This is not something to take place a year from now. When we are told that dinner is "now ready" we do something about it right away. Our Lord also has prepared a feast and stands ready to serve us. If you are weary, tired, starved, weak or depressed, then come, for the serving is ready to start. Strange as it may seem, a place has been set for you. How fortunate then that God's invitation reached you today!
What shall be your answer to such an invitation? No one else can answer it for you. God addressed it to you, and He awaits your answer. It demands your immediate attention. There are three ways in which this invitation has been dealt with in the past. Some read it, but do nothing about it. To them God's word applies, "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?" (Hebrews 2. 3). Others read it and give excuses. God, however, accepts no excuses but says of all who make them, "None of those men that were bidden shall taste of my supper'' (Luke 14. 24).
The third and last group accept the invitation. They hurriedly send word back, "Lord I come." One of the best answers ever given to this invitation, one which you, too, can use as your answer if you so desire, is the words of the hymn writer:
"Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!''
Maynard Force
My Hearts Desire
Augustana Book Concern 1949
11. The God of All Grace
"The God of All Grace"
1 Peter 5. 10
In this short text we have found a spiritual nugget, which we greatly desire to share with others. Notice, our verse describes God as "the God of all grace." Not the God of much grace, but the God of all grace. Grace for every need in our life. No matter in what situation we may find ourselves, "the God of all grace'' has the help we need. Grace is the undeserved love of God given to us unworthy sinners to sustain us in every situation.
God has grace to save any sinner regardless of the nature of his sin. There is no place in all the Bible where certain sinners are excluded because their sins are too great. Rather, we read about Christ ''that by the grace of God he should taste of death for every man'' (Hebrews 2. 9). Weary sinners, take courage. Do you sense that your sins are many and great? Then remember, "Where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly'' (Romans 5. 20). There is more grace in this world than sin.
God can give us grace to suffer any affliction. The apostle Paul had "a thorn in the flesh" that troubled him greatly. Three times he prayed the Lord to remove it from him, but the only answer he received was, "My grace is sufficient for thee, for my power is made perfect in weakness'' (2 Corinthians 12. 9).
That was all Paul needed, for he could then say, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weakness that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Dear friend, are you suffering? Listen to the "God of all grace'' say to you, "My grace is sufficient for thee." And notice, He does not say it "will be'' sufficient, but it "is" sufficient.
God can give us grace to suffer the loss of loved ones. Have you ever had to face the loss of some loved one, and you did not know what to do? How easy at a moment like that to forget that we have a God who is "the God of all grace." Job lost in one day all ten of his beloved children. What a blow it must have been! That same day he also lost all his wealth. In this trying moment he looked to "the God of all grace'' and said, "Jehovah gave, and Jehovah hath taken away; blessed be the name of Jehovah'' (Job 1. 21). In the day of his greatest loss he gave one of his greatest testimonies. That is what the grace of God can do.
God can give grace not to worry. Worry is sin. It is a distinct mark of unbelief. One who worries has forgotten that we have a "God of all grace." And "all grace'' includes grace not to worry. His Word admonishes, "In nothing be anxious, but in every- thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God'' (Philippians 4. 6). In other words, tell God about it, and leave it there. "Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you'' (1 Peter 5. 7).
God can give us grace to die. Some people fear death. It haunts them constantly. Therefore they dare not think of it. How foolish! They have forgotten what our Saviour accomplished through death! He came "that through death he might bring to nought him that hath power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage'' (Hebrews 2. 14-15) . O1d Simeon was ready to die after receiving Jesus, and testified, "Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, according to thy word, in peace; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples'' (Luke 2. 29-31). He knew what it was to have grace to die.
Friend, do you sense the need of grace? It is free. "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble'' (1 Peter 5. 5). Ask "the God of all grace," and He will give it to you."
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt;
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Sin and despair like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the Refuge, the Mighty Cross.
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe;
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
JULIA H. JOHNSTON.
Maynard Force
My Hearts Desire
Augustana Book Concern 1949
1 Peter 5. 10
In this short text we have found a spiritual nugget, which we greatly desire to share with others. Notice, our verse describes God as "the God of all grace." Not the God of much grace, but the God of all grace. Grace for every need in our life. No matter in what situation we may find ourselves, "the God of all grace'' has the help we need. Grace is the undeserved love of God given to us unworthy sinners to sustain us in every situation.
God has grace to save any sinner regardless of the nature of his sin. There is no place in all the Bible where certain sinners are excluded because their sins are too great. Rather, we read about Christ ''that by the grace of God he should taste of death for every man'' (Hebrews 2. 9). Weary sinners, take courage. Do you sense that your sins are many and great? Then remember, "Where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly'' (Romans 5. 20). There is more grace in this world than sin.
God can give us grace to suffer any affliction. The apostle Paul had "a thorn in the flesh" that troubled him greatly. Three times he prayed the Lord to remove it from him, but the only answer he received was, "My grace is sufficient for thee, for my power is made perfect in weakness'' (2 Corinthians 12. 9).
That was all Paul needed, for he could then say, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weakness that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Dear friend, are you suffering? Listen to the "God of all grace'' say to you, "My grace is sufficient for thee." And notice, He does not say it "will be'' sufficient, but it "is" sufficient.
God can give us grace to suffer the loss of loved ones. Have you ever had to face the loss of some loved one, and you did not know what to do? How easy at a moment like that to forget that we have a God who is "the God of all grace." Job lost in one day all ten of his beloved children. What a blow it must have been! That same day he also lost all his wealth. In this trying moment he looked to "the God of all grace'' and said, "Jehovah gave, and Jehovah hath taken away; blessed be the name of Jehovah'' (Job 1. 21). In the day of his greatest loss he gave one of his greatest testimonies. That is what the grace of God can do.
God can give grace not to worry. Worry is sin. It is a distinct mark of unbelief. One who worries has forgotten that we have a "God of all grace." And "all grace'' includes grace not to worry. His Word admonishes, "In nothing be anxious, but in every- thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God'' (Philippians 4. 6). In other words, tell God about it, and leave it there. "Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you'' (1 Peter 5. 7).
God can give us grace to die. Some people fear death. It haunts them constantly. Therefore they dare not think of it. How foolish! They have forgotten what our Saviour accomplished through death! He came "that through death he might bring to nought him that hath power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage'' (Hebrews 2. 14-15) . O1d Simeon was ready to die after receiving Jesus, and testified, "Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, according to thy word, in peace; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples'' (Luke 2. 29-31). He knew what it was to have grace to die.
Friend, do you sense the need of grace? It is free. "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble'' (1 Peter 5. 5). Ask "the God of all grace," and He will give it to you."
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt;
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Sin and despair like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the Refuge, the Mighty Cross.
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe;
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
JULIA H. JOHNSTON.
Maynard Force
My Hearts Desire
Augustana Book Concern 1949
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
10. The Lowest Place
My Heart's Desire
Maynard Force
The Lowest Place
Go and sit down in the lowest place. Luke 14.10.
Jesus teaches us to take the lowest place. Such a command can never be carried out in our own strength, for our very nature craves the ''chief seats.'' In this respect we are no different from the Pharisees and lawyers to whom Jesus first spoke these words.
To "sit down in the lowest place'' means to be where you are not noticed. It really is "down." It is located far below the range of the natural man. It was here the Gospel writers sat, or they never could have written the Gospels without once using the pro- nouns I, me, or my. In fact, God uses only those who are in this humble place. Here they have free access to the grace of God, for He "giveth grace to the humble'' (James 4.6).
"The lowest place'' is despised by most people. There are no crowded conditions here. The natural man rebels at the thought of it, for he thrives on praise and honor. It would kill him to have to humble himself to this extent. In fact, only those who "put to death the deeds of the body'' (Romans 8.13), begin to live in this lowly place, for "the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot know them'' (1 Corinthians 2.14). The apostle Paul, speaking of those in this lowly place, said, "We are fools for Christ's sake'' (1 Corinthians 4.10). It was to this group also that Jesus referred when He said, "Whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many'' (Matthew 20.27-28).
Only when we are in "the lowest place'' can we be a blessing to others. The priests who carried the ark when the Israelites were crossing the Jordan stood "in the midst of the Jordan . . . until all the nation were passed clean over'' (Joshua 3.17). There in that "lowest place'' they could see a host of people march past them to higher ground. Their hearts must have been filled with joy for each one that passed on to safety. They not only endured standing in "the lowest place," but rejoiced in it, for there they could be next to the ark - the ark which was a type of Christ. It was only while they remained there that they could be a blessing to their fellow men. This is true of all whom God uses. Therefore, "Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly'' (Romans 12.16).
Only those who are in "the lowest place'' are invited "to go up higher.'' The summons comes to one after another to enter into eternal rest. We that are left miss them and sorrow for a time. But, praise God, we "sorrow not, even as the rest, who have no hope'' (1 Thessalonians 4.13). The time may soon come when we, too, "shall be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: so shall we ever be with the Lord'' (1Thess. 4.17). It will be a blessed day indeed when the summons comes "to go up higher.'' That is the day we are awaiting. We, too, can say with the apostle Paul, that it will be "far better to depart and be with Christ'' (Philippians 1.23). Then ''in the ages to come, he (God) might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus'' (Ephesians 2.7). Truly, "he that humbleth himself shall be exalted'' (Luke 14.11).
"Go and sit down in the lowest place." Jesus Himself did this and we are asked to follow Him. "Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God . . . emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross'' (Philippians 2.5-8) . Truly then the way up is first down-down in humility before God, and up to the "Father's house'' with its "many mansions'' (John 14.2).
Maynard Force
The Lowest Place
Go and sit down in the lowest place. Luke 14.10.
Jesus teaches us to take the lowest place. Such a command can never be carried out in our own strength, for our very nature craves the ''chief seats.'' In this respect we are no different from the Pharisees and lawyers to whom Jesus first spoke these words.
To "sit down in the lowest place'' means to be where you are not noticed. It really is "down." It is located far below the range of the natural man. It was here the Gospel writers sat, or they never could have written the Gospels without once using the pro- nouns I, me, or my. In fact, God uses only those who are in this humble place. Here they have free access to the grace of God, for He "giveth grace to the humble'' (James 4.6).
"The lowest place'' is despised by most people. There are no crowded conditions here. The natural man rebels at the thought of it, for he thrives on praise and honor. It would kill him to have to humble himself to this extent. In fact, only those who "put to death the deeds of the body'' (Romans 8.13), begin to live in this lowly place, for "the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot know them'' (1 Corinthians 2.14). The apostle Paul, speaking of those in this lowly place, said, "We are fools for Christ's sake'' (1 Corinthians 4.10). It was to this group also that Jesus referred when He said, "Whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many'' (Matthew 20.27-28).
Only when we are in "the lowest place'' can we be a blessing to others. The priests who carried the ark when the Israelites were crossing the Jordan stood "in the midst of the Jordan . . . until all the nation were passed clean over'' (Joshua 3.17). There in that "lowest place'' they could see a host of people march past them to higher ground. Their hearts must have been filled with joy for each one that passed on to safety. They not only endured standing in "the lowest place," but rejoiced in it, for there they could be next to the ark - the ark which was a type of Christ. It was only while they remained there that they could be a blessing to their fellow men. This is true of all whom God uses. Therefore, "Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly'' (Romans 12.16).
Only those who are in "the lowest place'' are invited "to go up higher.'' The summons comes to one after another to enter into eternal rest. We that are left miss them and sorrow for a time. But, praise God, we "sorrow not, even as the rest, who have no hope'' (1 Thessalonians 4.13). The time may soon come when we, too, "shall be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: so shall we ever be with the Lord'' (1Thess. 4.17). It will be a blessed day indeed when the summons comes "to go up higher.'' That is the day we are awaiting. We, too, can say with the apostle Paul, that it will be "far better to depart and be with Christ'' (Philippians 1.23). Then ''in the ages to come, he (God) might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus'' (Ephesians 2.7). Truly, "he that humbleth himself shall be exalted'' (Luke 14.11).
"Go and sit down in the lowest place." Jesus Himself did this and we are asked to follow Him. "Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God . . . emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross'' (Philippians 2.5-8) . Truly then the way up is first down-down in humility before God, and up to the "Father's house'' with its "many mansions'' (John 14.2).
9. God's Titles for His Children
God's Titles for His Children
And they shall call them Thy holy people, The redeemed of Jehovah: and thou shalt be called Sought out, A city not forsaken. Isaiah 62.12.
Saved souls are very precious in God's sight. They are bought with the highest price ever yet paid. Is it any wonder that they are referred to as "his inheritance," "children of God '' "God's elect '' "saints," "sons of God," and many other similar names? Our verse today has four such titles.
The first title is "the holy people." If it were not God's own word, we would think this title sacrilegious. When saved people look at themselves they feel anything but worthy of such a title. The best they can say for themselves is "We are unprofitable servants'' (Luke 17.10). How then can God call them "the holy people''? It is all because He now sees them in Christ. The cleansing power of Jesus Christ is so great that the vilest sinner who has been saved is holy in God's sight. "The blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin'' (1 John 1.7). No matter how great the debt might be, if some wealthy man pays the bill in full, it is paid. Then the creditor no longer looks to the wretched debtor, but at the check which has paid the debt. That is what it means when Paul writes, "For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God'' (Colossians 3.3). Therefore "we should be holy and without blemish before him in love'' (Ephesians 1.4).
The second title is "the redeemed of Jehovah.'' Redeemed means bought back. We "were by nature children of wrath'' (Ephesians 2.3). The devil stole us through Adam's fall. "Through one man, sin entered into the world, and death through sin; and so death passed unto all men, for that all sinned'' (Romans 5.12). We "were strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world'' (Ephesians 2.12). What a dark picture! But because of Jesus Christ's shed blood the picture changes. "And through him (Christ) to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross'' (Colossians 1.20). "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus'' (Romans 3.24). What a staggering price Christ paid that believers might be called "the redeemed''! Christ paid with His life that poor sinners might be saved. May we never underestimate salvation!
The third title is "Sought out," a people "sought out'' or looked for. Notice it does not say a people who sought God, but rather a people whom God sought out. Jesus said, "For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost'' (Luke 19.10). It was God who looked for Adam after the fall, and not Adam for God. Every saved soul has first been sought out by the Holy Spirit. For He "will convict the world in respect of sin'' (John16.8). No soul has ever come to Christ until he has sensed a need. This conviction of sin was God's work of seeking out the sinner. Is it any wonder God's people are called "Sought out''?
The fourth title is "not forsaken.'' How often the devil tempts God's children into thinking that they are forsaken! The promises of God speak otherwise. "I am with you always, even to the end of the world'' (Matthew 28.20). Who, claiming that promise, can be forsaken? Again, "I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to harm thee'' (Acts18.10). "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them'' (Matthew 18.20). David, in his old age, testified, "I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken. . . . Jehovah . . . forsaketh not his saints'' (Psalm 37.25-28).
What wonderful titles God gives the saved sinner! Only God Himself could think of such lofty names for such poor people. Do these titles belong to you? They are meant for you. For God "would have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth'' (1Timothy 2. 4).
Christ my Saviour, Christ my Friend,
Christ my Treasure without end,
Christ when waves of sorrow roll,
Christ the Comfort of my soul.
Christ when all around should fail,
Christ when enemies prevail;
Christ when false accusers rise,
Christ my Solace in the skies.
Christ when days are dark and drear,
Christ when all around is clear,
Christ when all the earth is gone,
Christ my portion on the throne.
Christ at home, and Christ abroad,
Christ my Company on the road,
Christ in sickness, Christ in health,
Christ in poverty and wealth.
Christ who once on earth has trod,
Christ the blessed "son of God,"
Christ for time and Christ for aye,
Christ for all eternity.
And they shall call them Thy holy people, The redeemed of Jehovah: and thou shalt be called Sought out, A city not forsaken. Isaiah 62.12.
Saved souls are very precious in God's sight. They are bought with the highest price ever yet paid. Is it any wonder that they are referred to as "his inheritance," "children of God '' "God's elect '' "saints," "sons of God," and many other similar names? Our verse today has four such titles.
The first title is "the holy people." If it were not God's own word, we would think this title sacrilegious. When saved people look at themselves they feel anything but worthy of such a title. The best they can say for themselves is "We are unprofitable servants'' (Luke 17.10). How then can God call them "the holy people''? It is all because He now sees them in Christ. The cleansing power of Jesus Christ is so great that the vilest sinner who has been saved is holy in God's sight. "The blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin'' (1 John 1.7). No matter how great the debt might be, if some wealthy man pays the bill in full, it is paid. Then the creditor no longer looks to the wretched debtor, but at the check which has paid the debt. That is what it means when Paul writes, "For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God'' (Colossians 3.3). Therefore "we should be holy and without blemish before him in love'' (Ephesians 1.4).
The second title is "the redeemed of Jehovah.'' Redeemed means bought back. We "were by nature children of wrath'' (Ephesians 2.3). The devil stole us through Adam's fall. "Through one man, sin entered into the world, and death through sin; and so death passed unto all men, for that all sinned'' (Romans 5.12). We "were strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world'' (Ephesians 2.12). What a dark picture! But because of Jesus Christ's shed blood the picture changes. "And through him (Christ) to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross'' (Colossians 1.20). "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus'' (Romans 3.24). What a staggering price Christ paid that believers might be called "the redeemed''! Christ paid with His life that poor sinners might be saved. May we never underestimate salvation!
The third title is "Sought out," a people "sought out'' or looked for. Notice it does not say a people who sought God, but rather a people whom God sought out. Jesus said, "For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost'' (Luke 19.10). It was God who looked for Adam after the fall, and not Adam for God. Every saved soul has first been sought out by the Holy Spirit. For He "will convict the world in respect of sin'' (John16.8). No soul has ever come to Christ until he has sensed a need. This conviction of sin was God's work of seeking out the sinner. Is it any wonder God's people are called "Sought out''?
The fourth title is "not forsaken.'' How often the devil tempts God's children into thinking that they are forsaken! The promises of God speak otherwise. "I am with you always, even to the end of the world'' (Matthew 28.20). Who, claiming that promise, can be forsaken? Again, "I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to harm thee'' (Acts18.10). "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them'' (Matthew 18.20). David, in his old age, testified, "I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken. . . . Jehovah . . . forsaketh not his saints'' (Psalm 37.25-28).
What wonderful titles God gives the saved sinner! Only God Himself could think of such lofty names for such poor people. Do these titles belong to you? They are meant for you. For God "would have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth'' (1Timothy 2. 4).
Christ my Saviour, Christ my Friend,
Christ my Treasure without end,
Christ when waves of sorrow roll,
Christ the Comfort of my soul.
Christ when all around should fail,
Christ when enemies prevail;
Christ when false accusers rise,
Christ my Solace in the skies.
Christ when days are dark and drear,
Christ when all around is clear,
Christ when all the earth is gone,
Christ my portion on the throne.
Christ at home, and Christ abroad,
Christ my Company on the road,
Christ in sickness, Christ in health,
Christ in poverty and wealth.
Christ who once on earth has trod,
Christ the blessed "son of God,"
Christ for time and Christ for aye,
Christ for all eternity.
Monday, July 27, 2009
8. The Grace Of God
My Heart's Desire
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 8
The Grace Of God
The grace of God hath appeared bringing salvation to all men. Titus 2. 11.
''Grace'' is one of the richest words in the Bible. It includes in its meaning many other wonderful words such as love, mercy, patience, and salvation. It is one of the key words that introduce us to God. Without it we would be in total darkness.
''Grace'' is God's love poured out upon undeserving sinners. Such a statement should arouse the attention of any sinner. If any individual thinks he deserves God's love, he can not touch the grace of God, for grace is something that comes entirely from God, and is given as an outright gift to undeserving people. "For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, that no man should glory'' (Ephesians 2. 8-9).
God's grace comes to us through Jesus Christ. "The law was given through Moses: grace and truth came through Jesus Christ'' (John 1. 17). God's grace and Jesus Christ can not be separated, for they are one and the same thing. God's grace is all bound up in Christ. Therefore our text reads, "The grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all Men." Our text could also have read, "Jesus Christ hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men."
"For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in him (Christ) should all the fulness dwell'' (Colossians 1. 19). It was God's plan to reveal His grace in a very attractive way. No one who comes in touch with Jesus eve: needs to doubt God's love for him.
Even the vilest sinner felt drawn to Christ. Children as well as grown people felt welcome in His presence. Come then, "Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need'' (Hebrews 4. 16).
God's grace can not be exhausted. It is like an endless river that never runs dry. "For of his fullness we all received, and grace for grace'' (John 1. 16). "Grace for grace'' can also be translated "grace upon grace." It is as a river that has water upon water-grace upon grace. Drink as often and as much as you desire, but you can not drink this river dry. Some stricken sinners are tempted to believe they have exhausted God's grace. Nothing could be farther from the truth than that. God's own word should forever remove such doubt. "But where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly'' (Romans 5. 20). Where sin is great, grace is even greater. "God is able to make all grace abound unto you'' (2 Corinthians 9. 8). Never for one moment entertain the thought that there is not sufficient grace for you, for "He giveth more grace'' (James 4. 6). God's river of grace is still overflowing its banks. Stoop down, thirsty one, and drink of it, for "the river of God is full of water'' (Psalm 65. 9).
God's grace can not be exhausted, but it can be rejected. A sinner is never lost because God's grace is not sufficient, but rather because God's grace is rejected. Christ "came to his own, and they that were his own received him not, but as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God'' (John 1. 11-12). It is possible for a man to die of thirst on the barks of a river if he refuses to drink. There have been cases where people have gone on hunger strikes and actually died for lack of food, not because there was no food, but rather because they refused to partake of it. We can not find one case in the Bible where Christ rejected a sinner because His grace was exhausted. Rather, we find Him weeping over sinful Jerusalem, which was in dire need of His grace; because they rejected the grace He came to give. The great problem is not that there is not sufficient grace to forgive sinners, but rather that sinners reject or neglect the grace God offers them.
Grace is for "all Men." No amount of work can earn it. It is given to those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. "Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom we also have our access by faith unto his grace wherein we stand'' (Romans 5. 1).
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe;
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
JULIA H. JOHNSTON.
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 8
The Grace Of God
The grace of God hath appeared bringing salvation to all men. Titus 2. 11.
''Grace'' is one of the richest words in the Bible. It includes in its meaning many other wonderful words such as love, mercy, patience, and salvation. It is one of the key words that introduce us to God. Without it we would be in total darkness.
''Grace'' is God's love poured out upon undeserving sinners. Such a statement should arouse the attention of any sinner. If any individual thinks he deserves God's love, he can not touch the grace of God, for grace is something that comes entirely from God, and is given as an outright gift to undeserving people. "For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, that no man should glory'' (Ephesians 2. 8-9).
God's grace comes to us through Jesus Christ. "The law was given through Moses: grace and truth came through Jesus Christ'' (John 1. 17). God's grace and Jesus Christ can not be separated, for they are one and the same thing. God's grace is all bound up in Christ. Therefore our text reads, "The grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all Men." Our text could also have read, "Jesus Christ hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men."
"For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in him (Christ) should all the fulness dwell'' (Colossians 1. 19). It was God's plan to reveal His grace in a very attractive way. No one who comes in touch with Jesus eve: needs to doubt God's love for him.
Even the vilest sinner felt drawn to Christ. Children as well as grown people felt welcome in His presence. Come then, "Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need'' (Hebrews 4. 16).
God's grace can not be exhausted. It is like an endless river that never runs dry. "For of his fullness we all received, and grace for grace'' (John 1. 16). "Grace for grace'' can also be translated "grace upon grace." It is as a river that has water upon water-grace upon grace. Drink as often and as much as you desire, but you can not drink this river dry. Some stricken sinners are tempted to believe they have exhausted God's grace. Nothing could be farther from the truth than that. God's own word should forever remove such doubt. "But where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly'' (Romans 5. 20). Where sin is great, grace is even greater. "God is able to make all grace abound unto you'' (2 Corinthians 9. 8). Never for one moment entertain the thought that there is not sufficient grace for you, for "He giveth more grace'' (James 4. 6). God's river of grace is still overflowing its banks. Stoop down, thirsty one, and drink of it, for "the river of God is full of water'' (Psalm 65. 9).
God's grace can not be exhausted, but it can be rejected. A sinner is never lost because God's grace is not sufficient, but rather because God's grace is rejected. Christ "came to his own, and they that were his own received him not, but as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God'' (John 1. 11-12). It is possible for a man to die of thirst on the barks of a river if he refuses to drink. There have been cases where people have gone on hunger strikes and actually died for lack of food, not because there was no food, but rather because they refused to partake of it. We can not find one case in the Bible where Christ rejected a sinner because His grace was exhausted. Rather, we find Him weeping over sinful Jerusalem, which was in dire need of His grace; because they rejected the grace He came to give. The great problem is not that there is not sufficient grace to forgive sinners, but rather that sinners reject or neglect the grace God offers them.
Grace is for "all Men." No amount of work can earn it. It is given to those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. "Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom we also have our access by faith unto his grace wherein we stand'' (Romans 5. 1).
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe;
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
JULIA H. JOHNSTON.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
7. The Shepherd's Rod
My Hearts Desire
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 7
The Shepherd's Rod
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalm 23. 4.
What significant words: "Rod, staff, and comfort''! The staff is used to gently guide the sheep and is a symbol of the shepherd's presence. The rod, on the other hand, is used to discipline the sheep, in order to get them to go where they belong. It is easy to see how the Psalmist could find comfort in the shepherd's staff. But notice, he says that the rod also gives comfort. He even mentions that first. If he had said, "Thy rod I have learned to endure, and thy staff comforts me," his words would better fit the experience of many.
Notice the setting of this testimony. It is a continuation of the verse that has brought strength to many a dying saint, "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." Even when entering the shadow of death, the rod of God can be a comfort. Many are the children of God who suffer and go through real testings at such a time. Friend, if you have already entered that valley, may you not misunderstand the Good Shepherd if He uses the rod now for the last time. The valley may seem long and dark, but take courage, and say with the Psalmist, "Thou art with me." The very fact that you are conscious of the rod proves His presence, ''for whom the Lord Loveth he chasteneth'' (Hebrews 12. 6). Wherefore, "Regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art reproved of Him." Rather, pray for grace to say with the Psalmist, "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." The rod can either cause you to faint, or be a means of giving you comfort.
The rod never feels like comfort. It is easy to misunderstand our Lord when He uses it. It provides a good opportunity for the devil to whisper wrong interpretations. But a Christian must live by faith, and not by feelings. "All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby, even the fruit of righteousness'' (Hebrews 12. 11). Notice it says, "all chastening.'' If we walk by feelings at a time of chastening we are undone, for no chastening seems joyous. Then, mark the word "seemeth." To frail human beings, prone to walk by feelings and not by faith, chastening seems grievous. At such a time let us not squirm and complain and ask, "Why did this have to happen to me? God promises an "afterward" when "peaceable fruit of righteousness'' is borne. If we trust Him when He uses the rod, we will later have this harvest of peaceable fruit.
What then should be our attitude toward the rod? First of all, thank God for it. "Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience'' (James 1. 2-3). Remember, "If ye are without chastening, whereof all have been made partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons'' (Hebrews 12. 8). If we reverence our earthly fathers who punished us, shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?" (Hebrews 12. 9). May the three words, "be in subjection," be our guiding motto in times of darkness. Then we shall be able to say with the Psalmist, "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me."
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 7
The Shepherd's Rod
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalm 23. 4.
What significant words: "Rod, staff, and comfort''! The staff is used to gently guide the sheep and is a symbol of the shepherd's presence. The rod, on the other hand, is used to discipline the sheep, in order to get them to go where they belong. It is easy to see how the Psalmist could find comfort in the shepherd's staff. But notice, he says that the rod also gives comfort. He even mentions that first. If he had said, "Thy rod I have learned to endure, and thy staff comforts me," his words would better fit the experience of many.
Notice the setting of this testimony. It is a continuation of the verse that has brought strength to many a dying saint, "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." Even when entering the shadow of death, the rod of God can be a comfort. Many are the children of God who suffer and go through real testings at such a time. Friend, if you have already entered that valley, may you not misunderstand the Good Shepherd if He uses the rod now for the last time. The valley may seem long and dark, but take courage, and say with the Psalmist, "Thou art with me." The very fact that you are conscious of the rod proves His presence, ''for whom the Lord Loveth he chasteneth'' (Hebrews 12. 6). Wherefore, "Regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art reproved of Him." Rather, pray for grace to say with the Psalmist, "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." The rod can either cause you to faint, or be a means of giving you comfort.
The rod never feels like comfort. It is easy to misunderstand our Lord when He uses it. It provides a good opportunity for the devil to whisper wrong interpretations. But a Christian must live by faith, and not by feelings. "All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby, even the fruit of righteousness'' (Hebrews 12. 11). Notice it says, "all chastening.'' If we walk by feelings at a time of chastening we are undone, for no chastening seems joyous. Then, mark the word "seemeth." To frail human beings, prone to walk by feelings and not by faith, chastening seems grievous. At such a time let us not squirm and complain and ask, "Why did this have to happen to me? God promises an "afterward" when "peaceable fruit of righteousness'' is borne. If we trust Him when He uses the rod, we will later have this harvest of peaceable fruit.
What then should be our attitude toward the rod? First of all, thank God for it. "Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience'' (James 1. 2-3). Remember, "If ye are without chastening, whereof all have been made partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons'' (Hebrews 12. 8). If we reverence our earthly fathers who punished us, shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?" (Hebrews 12. 9). May the three words, "be in subjection," be our guiding motto in times of darkness. Then we shall be able to say with the Psalmist, "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me."
Saturday, July 25, 2009
6. Are There Few That Be Saved?
My Heart's Desire
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 6
Are There Few That Be Saved?
Luke 13:23
The question was once asked Jesus, "Are there few that be saved?'' This is one of the most solemn questions ever asked. Only Jesus is qualified to give the correct answer. He answered the question by saying, strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able'' (Luke 18:24). Perhaps the one who asked the question remembered that out of the great population at the time of the Flood only eight people were saved. Perhaps he also remembered that out of the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah only three people escaped destruction. Therefore the question, "Are there few that be saved?''
From Jesus' answer, we are told, that the lost are referred to as "many" "Many shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able." God's people have always been in the minority. Once Jesus said, "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom'' (Luke 12:32). Again He said, "Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straightened the way that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it'' (Matthew 7. 13-14). Notice, Jesus makes it clear that many are on the road to destruction, and few enter the gate that leads unto life. How sad that Jesus had to answer the question as He did!
We also notice that many shall seek to enter in and shall not be able. These are religious people who know about the Lord, for the day will come that they will cry out "Lord, open to us'' (v. 25). They address Him as Lord. They will even say "We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets.'' To this pitiful cry the only answer will be, "I tell you, I know not whence ye are; depart from me'' (v. 27). These lost souls had heard the pure preaching of God's Word. They even knew the door that leads to eternal life, for they came and knocked there. They did not openly despise the Lord, but rather sought "to enter in" They had the head knowledge, but lacked a heart experience. They had been fellowshipping with real Christians, and had tried to imitate them to the best of their ability. Perhaps others thought they were real Christians. There was a concern in their heart for eternal things, but they never got beyond the class of the seekers.
This group that numbered "many" never took care of the sin problem in their lives. They never got to the place where with the Psalmist they could joyfully testify, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom Jehovah imputeth not iniquity'' (Psalm 32:1). When they claimed entrance to heaven, not a word was said about the blood of Christ. There was no "broken and contrite heart'' in them. Rather, they had lofty thoughts of themselves, for their cry was, "Lord, open to us.'' Their emphasis was not on "Lord," but rather on "us." They had been able to "get by'' with their sins until they stood at the judgment seat. There they learned the truth of the verse, "Be sure your sin will find you out'' (Numbers 32. 23). What a terrible time to be caught with sin!
Jesus' answer still holds true for our day. "Many shall seek to enter in and shall not be able." In this age also there are few that are saved. That is not God's fault, for He would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth'' (1 Timothy 2:4). Christ "died for all'' (2 Corinthians 5:15), and He said, "Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out'' (John 6:37). This, then, is the day for seekers to become finders. This is the time to cry out in the words of the Psalmist, "Have mercy upon me, 0 God, according to thy loving-kindness: according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin'' (Psalm 51:1-2).
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 6
Are There Few That Be Saved?
Luke 13:23
The question was once asked Jesus, "Are there few that be saved?'' This is one of the most solemn questions ever asked. Only Jesus is qualified to give the correct answer. He answered the question by saying, strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able'' (Luke 18:24). Perhaps the one who asked the question remembered that out of the great population at the time of the Flood only eight people were saved. Perhaps he also remembered that out of the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah only three people escaped destruction. Therefore the question, "Are there few that be saved?''
From Jesus' answer, we are told, that the lost are referred to as "many" "Many shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able." God's people have always been in the minority. Once Jesus said, "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom'' (Luke 12:32). Again He said, "Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straightened the way that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it'' (Matthew 7. 13-14). Notice, Jesus makes it clear that many are on the road to destruction, and few enter the gate that leads unto life. How sad that Jesus had to answer the question as He did!
We also notice that many shall seek to enter in and shall not be able. These are religious people who know about the Lord, for the day will come that they will cry out "Lord, open to us'' (v. 25). They address Him as Lord. They will even say "We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets.'' To this pitiful cry the only answer will be, "I tell you, I know not whence ye are; depart from me'' (v. 27). These lost souls had heard the pure preaching of God's Word. They even knew the door that leads to eternal life, for they came and knocked there. They did not openly despise the Lord, but rather sought "to enter in" They had the head knowledge, but lacked a heart experience. They had been fellowshipping with real Christians, and had tried to imitate them to the best of their ability. Perhaps others thought they were real Christians. There was a concern in their heart for eternal things, but they never got beyond the class of the seekers.
This group that numbered "many" never took care of the sin problem in their lives. They never got to the place where with the Psalmist they could joyfully testify, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom Jehovah imputeth not iniquity'' (Psalm 32:1). When they claimed entrance to heaven, not a word was said about the blood of Christ. There was no "broken and contrite heart'' in them. Rather, they had lofty thoughts of themselves, for their cry was, "Lord, open to us.'' Their emphasis was not on "Lord," but rather on "us." They had been able to "get by'' with their sins until they stood at the judgment seat. There they learned the truth of the verse, "Be sure your sin will find you out'' (Numbers 32. 23). What a terrible time to be caught with sin!
Jesus' answer still holds true for our day. "Many shall seek to enter in and shall not be able." In this age also there are few that are saved. That is not God's fault, for He would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth'' (1 Timothy 2:4). Christ "died for all'' (2 Corinthians 5:15), and He said, "Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out'' (John 6:37). This, then, is the day for seekers to become finders. This is the time to cry out in the words of the Psalmist, "Have mercy upon me, 0 God, according to thy loving-kindness: according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin'' (Psalm 51:1-2).
Thursday, July 23, 2009
5. A Glimpse Into Heaven
My Heart's Desire
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 5
A Glimpse Into Heaven
There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary are at rest. There the prisoners are at ease together; they hear not the 'voice of the task- master. The small and the great are there: and the servant is free from his master. Job 3: 17-19.
When Job's testing became unbearable he found comfort by looking heavenward. He knew the balm for troubled hearts. As he peered with longing eye, he described what he saw.
"The wicked cease from troubling''-the days of trouble are past. Where can you find such a place on this earth? Here wicked people and wickedness surround us on all sides, and troubles of one kind or another come as regularly as the day. Our entire pilgrimage is a warfare, with Satan inspiring wicked people to trouble the saints. But that day of troubling will soon be over. Jesus said in one of His last messages to His disciples: "Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. . . I go to prepare a place for you. . . . I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also'' (John 14: 1-3). This is medicine for a weary Christian. The day will soon dawn when the wicked shall cease from troubling.
"There the weary are at rest." That is exactly what Jesus promised when He said: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest'' (Matthew 11: 28). What a sight to see all those who were once weary and tired, now refreshed and happy, with struggles and trials forever past ! Now they have perfect rest, rest that will last through all the ages of eternity. When the apostle Paul peered heavenward he, too, had "the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better'' (Philippians 1. 23). For a saved soul "to die is gain," for there the weary are at rest.
"There the prisoners are at ease together.'' How good to see those who were once prisoners now released! Satan's prisons have been opened, and many haggard, starved, restless prisoners are free. They are more than free; they are at ease, perfectly relaxed. No longer in lonely cells, where Satan had them isolated, but now together in glorious fellowship. People who were once guilty of all types of crimes make up this heavenly population. They are now at ease, for there is no guilty conscience to hound them, and no regrets of failures and shortcomings. They are here because of Jesus. These are the ones to whom Jesus referred when He said, "He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives'' (Luke 4: 18).
"They hear not the voice of the taskmaster.'' The taskmaster Satan, who had such a far-reaching voice on earth, is now forever silenced. He who drove his slaves from early morning until late at night and shouted his demands into every nook of human life is heard no more. He who was known as "the accuser of the brethren'' can no longer be heard even in a whisper He who once came "as an angel of light'' and imitated the Holy Spirit, can never deceive these saved souls again, for they hear not the voice of the taskmaster.
"The small and the great are there." There is no distinction now. We expected that the great would be there, but did you notice that the small are present, too? Does that not encourage you? The small, who were hardly recognized on earth are known in heaven. Job even mentions them first. The prophecy of Jesus, "the last shall be first," has been fulfilled. Jesus has always had His eyes on the small. He has always taken their side. Once He said, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom'' (Luke 12: 32).
"The servant is free from his master." There are no class distinctions in heaven, nor any labor disputes. Social inequality is gone forever; the caste system is a thing of the past. "God is no respecter of persons'' (Acts 10: 34).
Thus we have been listening to Job as he peered into heaven and saw the redeemed. We could well wish he had told us more. We would like to linger, but our journey calls for more marching. With these beautiful glimpses of that land to which we are going we move on with renewed hope, longing for the day when we will be there.
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 5
A Glimpse Into Heaven
There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary are at rest. There the prisoners are at ease together; they hear not the 'voice of the task- master. The small and the great are there: and the servant is free from his master. Job 3: 17-19.
When Job's testing became unbearable he found comfort by looking heavenward. He knew the balm for troubled hearts. As he peered with longing eye, he described what he saw.
"The wicked cease from troubling''-the days of trouble are past. Where can you find such a place on this earth? Here wicked people and wickedness surround us on all sides, and troubles of one kind or another come as regularly as the day. Our entire pilgrimage is a warfare, with Satan inspiring wicked people to trouble the saints. But that day of troubling will soon be over. Jesus said in one of His last messages to His disciples: "Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. . . I go to prepare a place for you. . . . I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also'' (John 14: 1-3). This is medicine for a weary Christian. The day will soon dawn when the wicked shall cease from troubling.
"There the weary are at rest." That is exactly what Jesus promised when He said: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest'' (Matthew 11: 28). What a sight to see all those who were once weary and tired, now refreshed and happy, with struggles and trials forever past ! Now they have perfect rest, rest that will last through all the ages of eternity. When the apostle Paul peered heavenward he, too, had "the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better'' (Philippians 1. 23). For a saved soul "to die is gain," for there the weary are at rest.
"There the prisoners are at ease together.'' How good to see those who were once prisoners now released! Satan's prisons have been opened, and many haggard, starved, restless prisoners are free. They are more than free; they are at ease, perfectly relaxed. No longer in lonely cells, where Satan had them isolated, but now together in glorious fellowship. People who were once guilty of all types of crimes make up this heavenly population. They are now at ease, for there is no guilty conscience to hound them, and no regrets of failures and shortcomings. They are here because of Jesus. These are the ones to whom Jesus referred when He said, "He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives'' (Luke 4: 18).
"They hear not the voice of the taskmaster.'' The taskmaster Satan, who had such a far-reaching voice on earth, is now forever silenced. He who drove his slaves from early morning until late at night and shouted his demands into every nook of human life is heard no more. He who was known as "the accuser of the brethren'' can no longer be heard even in a whisper He who once came "as an angel of light'' and imitated the Holy Spirit, can never deceive these saved souls again, for they hear not the voice of the taskmaster.
"The small and the great are there." There is no distinction now. We expected that the great would be there, but did you notice that the small are present, too? Does that not encourage you? The small, who were hardly recognized on earth are known in heaven. Job even mentions them first. The prophecy of Jesus, "the last shall be first," has been fulfilled. Jesus has always had His eyes on the small. He has always taken their side. Once He said, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom'' (Luke 12: 32).
"The servant is free from his master." There are no class distinctions in heaven, nor any labor disputes. Social inequality is gone forever; the caste system is a thing of the past. "God is no respecter of persons'' (Acts 10: 34).
Thus we have been listening to Job as he peered into heaven and saw the redeemed. We could well wish he had told us more. We would like to linger, but our journey calls for more marching. With these beautiful glimpses of that land to which we are going we move on with renewed hope, longing for the day when we will be there.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
4.The Cloudy and Dark Day
My Heart's Desire
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 4
The Cloudy and Dark Day
I will seek out my sheep; and I will deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. Ezekiel 34:12.
There have been many "cloudy and dark days'' on this earth. The first one came when Adam fell into sin. Since then they have come in rapid and quick succession. Whenever anyone turns away from God, it is a ''cloudy and dark day'' for him. The "cloudy day" is a time of threatening, one never knows how bad it may become. It may soon become a "dark day" when all visibility is gone. Then the night of hell with its eternal blackness follows quickly.
The sheep were ''scattered'' in "the cloudy and dark day." When visibility is poor it is easy to get lost. On cloudy days only those sheep who stay close to the shepherd remain with the flock. It is the sheep who follow "afar off" that get scattered. Being "afar off," they may in a moment of carelessness lose sight of the shepherd and go their own way.
For a while these wandering sheep find the going easy enough. Then comes the darkness and they realize they are "scattered." Once a sheep loses sight of the shepherd he is an easy victim for the wolf. Satan, the wolf that is always after God's sheep, has feasted on many a "scattered" one. Now he has nothing to fear for there is no shepherd to protect them. The sheep themselves have no strength to ward off such a beast.
The places where these sheep are scattered vary. Lost sheep run anywhere for they have lost their sense of direction and have no shepherd to guide them. Satan can drive such wanderers wherever he may desire. Many he has driven into despair, discouragement, selfishness, unhappiness, grief, and hopelessness. Some are even tempted to end their own lives because they see no reason for continuing to live. They remember the happy days while they were in the flock of God, but now everything is so different. Surely the cloudy day can become dark. Oftentimes it becomes dark at noontide when it should be brightest. Many lives become dark and purposeless when they should be bright and hopeful.
Our God does not forsake His sheep in the dark and cloudy day. We are still living in the day of grace. Therefore He offers to "deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered.'' We are sometimes tempted to believe our God loves only the sheep He has in the flock and not those who have wandered away. But the very word of God we are now considering makes it clear that He is after the scattered sheep. Notice, He does not say He will deliver them out of most places, but out of all places. No sheep has wandered so far away, that He does not stand ready to deliver it. He does not chide His sheep for being scattered, but rather comes to deliver them. "Deliver" is the opposite of "scatter." The one spells hope; the other spells doom. Our Lord comes to give hope to the hopeless.
Our God has promised to go for the sheep Himself. "I will seek out my sheep and will deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day." The angels are not entrusted with this mission, for our God will Himself do the task. He will be the Good Shepherd. His all-seeing eye can locate all lost souls. He will seek them out individually. Surely no wandering sheep can long resist such love. Listen to Christ, the Sheep Finder, as He cries out "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep. . . .And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd'' (John 10:11,16).
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 4
The Cloudy and Dark Day
I will seek out my sheep; and I will deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. Ezekiel 34:12.
There have been many "cloudy and dark days'' on this earth. The first one came when Adam fell into sin. Since then they have come in rapid and quick succession. Whenever anyone turns away from God, it is a ''cloudy and dark day'' for him. The "cloudy day" is a time of threatening, one never knows how bad it may become. It may soon become a "dark day" when all visibility is gone. Then the night of hell with its eternal blackness follows quickly.
The sheep were ''scattered'' in "the cloudy and dark day." When visibility is poor it is easy to get lost. On cloudy days only those sheep who stay close to the shepherd remain with the flock. It is the sheep who follow "afar off" that get scattered. Being "afar off," they may in a moment of carelessness lose sight of the shepherd and go their own way.
For a while these wandering sheep find the going easy enough. Then comes the darkness and they realize they are "scattered." Once a sheep loses sight of the shepherd he is an easy victim for the wolf. Satan, the wolf that is always after God's sheep, has feasted on many a "scattered" one. Now he has nothing to fear for there is no shepherd to protect them. The sheep themselves have no strength to ward off such a beast.
The places where these sheep are scattered vary. Lost sheep run anywhere for they have lost their sense of direction and have no shepherd to guide them. Satan can drive such wanderers wherever he may desire. Many he has driven into despair, discouragement, selfishness, unhappiness, grief, and hopelessness. Some are even tempted to end their own lives because they see no reason for continuing to live. They remember the happy days while they were in the flock of God, but now everything is so different. Surely the cloudy day can become dark. Oftentimes it becomes dark at noontide when it should be brightest. Many lives become dark and purposeless when they should be bright and hopeful.
Our God does not forsake His sheep in the dark and cloudy day. We are still living in the day of grace. Therefore He offers to "deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered.'' We are sometimes tempted to believe our God loves only the sheep He has in the flock and not those who have wandered away. But the very word of God we are now considering makes it clear that He is after the scattered sheep. Notice, He does not say He will deliver them out of most places, but out of all places. No sheep has wandered so far away, that He does not stand ready to deliver it. He does not chide His sheep for being scattered, but rather comes to deliver them. "Deliver" is the opposite of "scatter." The one spells hope; the other spells doom. Our Lord comes to give hope to the hopeless.
Our God has promised to go for the sheep Himself. "I will seek out my sheep and will deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day." The angels are not entrusted with this mission, for our God will Himself do the task. He will be the Good Shepherd. His all-seeing eye can locate all lost souls. He will seek them out individually. Surely no wandering sheep can long resist such love. Listen to Christ, the Sheep Finder, as He cries out "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep. . . .And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd'' (John 10:11,16).
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
3. The God of All Comfort
My Heart's Desire
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 3
The God of All Comfort
Blessed be the . . . God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4.
The name ''God of all comfort'' is a wonderful introduction to God. It is a personal introduction made especially for our benefit.
God wants it known that He is "the God of all comfort." How sweeping this statement is! It means He has comfort enough for any situation in which we might find ourselves. It is foolish, then, to seek comfort elsewhere. Oh, for grace never to forget that our God is the "God of all comfort''! This truth is one that is hard to retain. It seems that in a time of testing, the very atmosphere is charged with forgetfulness. Clouds form that dim the majestic presence of our God. But as clouds can never remove the mountains, although they may hide them for the time being, so neither can clouds of sorrow remove the "God of all comfort." They merely hide Him for a time.
He "comforteth us in all our affliction." The apostle Paul had experienced this comfort. He could testify, "I am filled with comfort; I overflow with joy in all our affliction'' (2 Corinthians 7: 4). Can this be possible? Of course it can, for "God is able to make, all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work'' (2 Corinthians 9.8). How sad that so few people believe in the promises of God! Not only does He make these great promises, but He adds, "I watch over my word to perform it'' (Jeremiah 1. 12). He "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think'' (Ephesians 3. 20). Therefore, when He offers us comfort, we may know that He can bestow it.
Our God "comforteth us in all our affliction." Let us take special notice of the little word "us"-- "comforteth us." It is one of the smallest of words, and yet big enough to include all who read these lines. Then, too, note the word ''all''-"in all our affliction." That includes any testing that may come our way. It would be a waste of words for our God to enumerate all the various afflictions in which He can give comfort. He merely includes them all in that one inclusive statement, "comforteth us in all our affliction." Then if there is any affliction in which we have not yet received comfort, it is because we have not turned ourselves over to the "God of all comfort." At times of intense testing, it is hard to believe that God can comfort us. We imagine our sorrow greater than the comfort that He may have. These thoughts are from the evil one, for they are contrary to the Word of God.
God comforts us so that we in turn "may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction." This we can only do when the cure is complete. Who would ever recommend to another medicine that failed to bring the desired results to himself? But how joyful it is to pass on a cure that works! The comfort cure from God is so complete that those who have experienced it are in a position to help them that are in ''any affliction." "Any affliction" includes all needs which call for comfort. This then is God's "cure-all," and should be quickly passed on to those in need. His messengers are those who have first been cured themselves.
Dear friend, you who feel your need of comfort, look to God. You are invited to "taste and see that Jehovah is good: blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him'' (Psalm 34.8). One of the names given to the Holy Spirit is "Comforter.'' The ''God of all comfort'' stands ready to handle your case. He alone can give you help. He has given us this introduction of Himself, that through the ''comfort of the scriptures we might have hope'' (Romans 15. 4).
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 3
The God of All Comfort
Blessed be the . . . God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4.
The name ''God of all comfort'' is a wonderful introduction to God. It is a personal introduction made especially for our benefit.
God wants it known that He is "the God of all comfort." How sweeping this statement is! It means He has comfort enough for any situation in which we might find ourselves. It is foolish, then, to seek comfort elsewhere. Oh, for grace never to forget that our God is the "God of all comfort''! This truth is one that is hard to retain. It seems that in a time of testing, the very atmosphere is charged with forgetfulness. Clouds form that dim the majestic presence of our God. But as clouds can never remove the mountains, although they may hide them for the time being, so neither can clouds of sorrow remove the "God of all comfort." They merely hide Him for a time.
He "comforteth us in all our affliction." The apostle Paul had experienced this comfort. He could testify, "I am filled with comfort; I overflow with joy in all our affliction'' (2 Corinthians 7: 4). Can this be possible? Of course it can, for "God is able to make, all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work'' (2 Corinthians 9.8). How sad that so few people believe in the promises of God! Not only does He make these great promises, but He adds, "I watch over my word to perform it'' (Jeremiah 1. 12). He "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think'' (Ephesians 3. 20). Therefore, when He offers us comfort, we may know that He can bestow it.
Our God "comforteth us in all our affliction." Let us take special notice of the little word "us"-- "comforteth us." It is one of the smallest of words, and yet big enough to include all who read these lines. Then, too, note the word ''all''-"in all our affliction." That includes any testing that may come our way. It would be a waste of words for our God to enumerate all the various afflictions in which He can give comfort. He merely includes them all in that one inclusive statement, "comforteth us in all our affliction." Then if there is any affliction in which we have not yet received comfort, it is because we have not turned ourselves over to the "God of all comfort." At times of intense testing, it is hard to believe that God can comfort us. We imagine our sorrow greater than the comfort that He may have. These thoughts are from the evil one, for they are contrary to the Word of God.
God comforts us so that we in turn "may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction." This we can only do when the cure is complete. Who would ever recommend to another medicine that failed to bring the desired results to himself? But how joyful it is to pass on a cure that works! The comfort cure from God is so complete that those who have experienced it are in a position to help them that are in ''any affliction." "Any affliction" includes all needs which call for comfort. This then is God's "cure-all," and should be quickly passed on to those in need. His messengers are those who have first been cured themselves.
Dear friend, you who feel your need of comfort, look to God. You are invited to "taste and see that Jehovah is good: blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him'' (Psalm 34.8). One of the names given to the Holy Spirit is "Comforter.'' The ''God of all comfort'' stands ready to handle your case. He alone can give you help. He has given us this introduction of Himself, that through the ''comfort of the scriptures we might have hope'' (Romans 15. 4).
Monday, July 20, 2009
2. Burdens
Burdens (From "My Hearts Desire" by Maynard Force)
Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee. Psalm 55: 22.
Burdens are common to all. If an average group of people were asked to jot down their burdens, we would have a long and varied list. The young as well as the old would be represented. Suppose you were asked, what would you put down?
One burden differs from another. It may be some sin you committed in the past which is now pressing heavily on your conscience. It may be some worry that has lodged in your mind for which you can find no relief. Perhaps it is a fear of something that may come in the future. It may be some disappointment in life that has caused you bitterness. It may be a sorrow that overwhelms you. It may be something unique that bothers you, something unknown to any one else. It may even be some small, insignificant thing that you are ashamed to mention. It does not take much of a weight, if it presses in a sensitive place, to become a burden. A burden, then, can be anything that you are carrying that depresses you.
There are many different ways in which people seek to get rid of burdens, for no one wants to carry a load that causes him grief. Many have found temporary relief in keeping themselves feverishly busy with all kinds of things. Some avoid being alone, for then their burden becomes unbearable. Others seek to lighten their load by indulging in worldly pleasures, hoping that relief will come that way. Still others turn to alcohol or drugs, for while they are under their influence, their burdens seem to lighten. Others, again, break down under their burdens and become sick and despondent in body, mind, and soul. Then there are those who can not stand the pressure of their burdens, and hope to find escape by committing suicide. None of these methods effects cure. The poor burdened individual is far worse off after trying them than he was before.
Our text tells us to cast thy burden upon the Lord. This is the only remedy for troubled hearts. It is simple and free to all. People of all walks of life who have tried it can vouch for its effectiveness. Millions upon millions of people are carrying burdens they never should carry. It was never the Lord's plan that any soul should carry even one burden, for even the smallest burden is too much. If you are carrying one burden, it is one too many.
The Lord has given us many invitations to come directly to Him with our burdens. One such invitation is 1 Peter 5:7: "Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you." There can be no doubt that the Lord is inviting all burdened people to come directly to Him with their troubles.
Our burdens are to be "cast" upon Jehovah, even as a stone that is cast into the depths of the sea. If the stone falls into the sea, it is gone forever, as far as we are concerned. The Lord invites men and women to treat their burdens in the same way. He wants them, in simple confession, to unload them on Him, and He in turn has promised that He ''will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea'' (Micah 7: 19). This is God's way of dealing with the burdens which are causing us so much grief and unhappiness.
There is no better time to deal with burdens than right now. Now is the time to transfer them to the Lord. He has asked for them, so let us honor His request. This is one time we can give Him something He actually desires. Pause as long as you must, but make the transaction. Remember it is a one-way affair - from you to the Lord. Don't let Satan tempt you to believe your burdens are not safe there. If you do, you will soon be doing as so many have done in the past-you will pick them up again and be no better off. When you are thus tempted, remember what you have given to the Lord no longer belongs to you. Each time you are tempted to retrace your steps, pray for grace to trust the Lord. Then the temptation can be turned into a blessing. You will be able to say with the Psalmist,
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden, even the God who is our salvation'' (Psalm 68: 19).
To be continued.....
Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee. Psalm 55: 22.
Burdens are common to all. If an average group of people were asked to jot down their burdens, we would have a long and varied list. The young as well as the old would be represented. Suppose you were asked, what would you put down?
One burden differs from another. It may be some sin you committed in the past which is now pressing heavily on your conscience. It may be some worry that has lodged in your mind for which you can find no relief. Perhaps it is a fear of something that may come in the future. It may be some disappointment in life that has caused you bitterness. It may be a sorrow that overwhelms you. It may be something unique that bothers you, something unknown to any one else. It may even be some small, insignificant thing that you are ashamed to mention. It does not take much of a weight, if it presses in a sensitive place, to become a burden. A burden, then, can be anything that you are carrying that depresses you.
There are many different ways in which people seek to get rid of burdens, for no one wants to carry a load that causes him grief. Many have found temporary relief in keeping themselves feverishly busy with all kinds of things. Some avoid being alone, for then their burden becomes unbearable. Others seek to lighten their load by indulging in worldly pleasures, hoping that relief will come that way. Still others turn to alcohol or drugs, for while they are under their influence, their burdens seem to lighten. Others, again, break down under their burdens and become sick and despondent in body, mind, and soul. Then there are those who can not stand the pressure of their burdens, and hope to find escape by committing suicide. None of these methods effects cure. The poor burdened individual is far worse off after trying them than he was before.
Our text tells us to cast thy burden upon the Lord. This is the only remedy for troubled hearts. It is simple and free to all. People of all walks of life who have tried it can vouch for its effectiveness. Millions upon millions of people are carrying burdens they never should carry. It was never the Lord's plan that any soul should carry even one burden, for even the smallest burden is too much. If you are carrying one burden, it is one too many.
The Lord has given us many invitations to come directly to Him with our burdens. One such invitation is 1 Peter 5:7: "Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you." There can be no doubt that the Lord is inviting all burdened people to come directly to Him with their troubles.
Our burdens are to be "cast" upon Jehovah, even as a stone that is cast into the depths of the sea. If the stone falls into the sea, it is gone forever, as far as we are concerned. The Lord invites men and women to treat their burdens in the same way. He wants them, in simple confession, to unload them on Him, and He in turn has promised that He ''will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea'' (Micah 7: 19). This is God's way of dealing with the burdens which are causing us so much grief and unhappiness.
There is no better time to deal with burdens than right now. Now is the time to transfer them to the Lord. He has asked for them, so let us honor His request. This is one time we can give Him something He actually desires. Pause as long as you must, but make the transaction. Remember it is a one-way affair - from you to the Lord. Don't let Satan tempt you to believe your burdens are not safe there. If you do, you will soon be doing as so many have done in the past-you will pick them up again and be no better off. When you are thus tempted, remember what you have given to the Lord no longer belongs to you. Each time you are tempted to retrace your steps, pray for grace to trust the Lord. Then the temptation can be turned into a blessing. You will be able to say with the Psalmist,
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden, even the God who is our salvation'' (Psalm 68: 19).
To be continued.....
Saturday, July 18, 2009
1. My Hearts Desire
My Heart's Desire
Meditations
on
Scripture Truths
By
MAYNARD A. FORCE
AUGUSTANA BOOK CONCERN
Rock Island, Illinois
Copyright, 1949
by
Augustans Book Concern
(To the best of my knowledge this book is in the public domain. WMA)
Chapter One
My Heart's Desire
Brethren, my heart's desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved. Romans 10: 1.
In these words Paul revealed his heart's desire. He yearned for the salvation of his people. He not only said this, but his entire life proved it. He was willing to pay any price to accomplish this end.
No desire is stronger than our "heart's desire." It takes first place in our lives, leads the way, and pulls with it our entire being. Like the prodigal son, we "will gather all together'' and set out in pursuit of our heart's desire. It becomes the ruling force of our lives, and we make ourselves its willing slaves. If it is the Lord we seek, we will be well rewarded, for His promise is, "Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart'' (Jeremiah 29: 13). However, if the desire of our hearts is to satisfy our own selfish nature we are doomed to eternal destruction. "For if ye live after the flesh, ye must die'' (Romans 8: 13).
The Lord always looks at the desires of our hearts. "For Jehovah seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearances, but Jehovah looketh on the heart'' (1 Samuel 16: 7). The Lord is never deceived by a false appearance, for He knows us as we are. Jesus exposed a group of hypocrites in His day who were trying to hide their heart's desire. He said of them, "This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me'' (Mark 7: 6). If our lips and our heart do not correspond, our Lord always goes by the heart. That is why the prophet Joel cried, "Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto Jehovah your God'' (Joel 2: 13). It is indeed timely that we check on the desires of our hearts.
The Lord can give us the right kind of a "heart's desire." He has promised, "I will give them a heart to know me, that I am Jehovah: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God; for they shall return unto me with their whole heart'' (Jeremiah 24: 7). Here, then, is our starting place. If you realize that your heart's desire is not what it should be, confess it to the Lord, and claim this promise. "Delight thyself also in Jehovah; and he will give thee the desires of thy heart'' (Psalm 37: 4).
We should not be satisfied until our heart's desire is also for others, "that they may be saved.'' So few, so very few, have such a heart's desire in our day. This accounts for the feeble efforts being made to win the lost. Surely if we have the heart of Christ we, too, will long for the sheep "which are not of this fold'' (John 10: 16). We will want to do all within our power to win them before it is too late. Our heart's desire will be included in our "supplication to God.'' Then some day it can be said to God concerning us, "Thou hast given him his heart's desire'' (Psalm 21: 2).
34. The Morning Star & The Uncertainty of Life
THE MORNING STAR.
Shine, you morning star, bright!
Shine as beacon in dark night!
Or the boat may get lost;
The Lord has placed you there for that.
Shine for God’s dear friends too,
The Lord Jesus soon arrives,
Soon we should with Him be;
Soon the trumpet sounds clearly.
Those who don’t belong in this world,
Wander, guided by your light,
Even in the deep waters of sorrow,
Homeward to their Father’s house!
Towards the east we happily look;
There a star shines brightly,
Everything seems to herald:
The Lord Jesus soon arrives.
Brethren I pray leave the world!
You may easily get burned;
Sinful is its life and doings.
Think: imagine what a risk!
From the camp we turn and early
The Cross’ banner manifest
The Cross the Christians’ honor is.
The Lord Jesus soon arrives.
But we call to one another:
“Brother, are you now prepared?”
Would that in love we journey,
Even yet hold out a while!
May we seek the salvation of many !
-The precious time so quickly passes-
Greet those with this message:
The Lord Jesus soon arrives.
THE UNCERTAINTY OF LIFE.
The time vanishes as quickly as a dream,
Year after year speeds away.
The life flows away like a gushing stream,
Hurries and hastens so quick.
Days that went will never come back,
This dictates the interchange;
It won’t be forgotten what we have done,
No, that is put down with God.
To be born and live and finally die,
All is but fuss and struggle;
Oh, but how soon the life’s lamp is put out,
Short is our journey and time.
Children are snatched from parents and play,
The young man lies cold and dead;
The maiden lies on the bier so pale.
Just now she was flowering red.
The father dies and leaves children so small,
The mother follows so soon.
The death-angel calls, and then we must go
In through eternity’s door.
Oh, people, remember how time does fly,
Come unto Jesus just now!
Time of mercy is here, ev’ry hour counts, -
Think of God as the righteous judge.
Let not the world captivate your soul;
No, go to Jesus today!
This, oh soul, means your eternal welfare, --
And also the Father’s will.
Jesus, please bless us in life and in death.
Please be our way and our life,
Souls who sleep to the life regenerate,
The crown of glory us give!
The End
You can go to http://www.haugean.com/page24.php
To read or download book in PDF format
Shine, you morning star, bright!
Shine as beacon in dark night!
Or the boat may get lost;
The Lord has placed you there for that.
Shine for God’s dear friends too,
The Lord Jesus soon arrives,
Soon we should with Him be;
Soon the trumpet sounds clearly.
Those who don’t belong in this world,
Wander, guided by your light,
Even in the deep waters of sorrow,
Homeward to their Father’s house!
Towards the east we happily look;
There a star shines brightly,
Everything seems to herald:
The Lord Jesus soon arrives.
Brethren I pray leave the world!
You may easily get burned;
Sinful is its life and doings.
Think: imagine what a risk!
From the camp we turn and early
The Cross’ banner manifest
The Cross the Christians’ honor is.
The Lord Jesus soon arrives.
But we call to one another:
“Brother, are you now prepared?”
Would that in love we journey,
Even yet hold out a while!
May we seek the salvation of many !
-The precious time so quickly passes-
Greet those with this message:
The Lord Jesus soon arrives.
THE UNCERTAINTY OF LIFE.
The time vanishes as quickly as a dream,
Year after year speeds away.
The life flows away like a gushing stream,
Hurries and hastens so quick.
Days that went will never come back,
This dictates the interchange;
It won’t be forgotten what we have done,
No, that is put down with God.
To be born and live and finally die,
All is but fuss and struggle;
Oh, but how soon the life’s lamp is put out,
Short is our journey and time.
Children are snatched from parents and play,
The young man lies cold and dead;
The maiden lies on the bier so pale.
Just now she was flowering red.
The father dies and leaves children so small,
The mother follows so soon.
The death-angel calls, and then we must go
In through eternity’s door.
Oh, people, remember how time does fly,
Come unto Jesus just now!
Time of mercy is here, ev’ry hour counts, -
Think of God as the righteous judge.
Let not the world captivate your soul;
No, go to Jesus today!
This, oh soul, means your eternal welfare, --
And also the Father’s will.
Jesus, please bless us in life and in death.
Please be our way and our life,
Souls who sleep to the life regenerate,
The crown of glory us give!
The End
You can go to http://www.haugean.com/page24.php
To read or download book in PDF format
33. Hans Nielsen Hauge's Testament To His Friends
HANS NIELSEN HAUGE'S TESTAMENT TO HIS FRIENDS
As it may happen soon that my hour-glass runs empty, especially may this be expected because I am so very weakened from the great exertions and many sufferings, mainly physical:
Therefore I have decided, in the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, with prayer for His enlightenment and leadership, to set forth here my last will, which you friends with friendship, confidence and love you have reciprocated, herewith earnestly are asked and admonished to execute after my death.
1) That spirit of grace and holiness, which has rested upon me, and which you have received, may that spirit still rest upon you and upon all those who hereafter receive Him and believe God's holy Word. {I apply here by memory Elisa works with Elias: For that one needed this one and would not leave him, therefore he received two parts of his spirit also.}
2) The holy God’s Word: Jesus’ teachings first, then the writings of the apostles and the prophets, inasmuch as they concern the soul’s entity, faith and morale, be for you the most holy treasure above all other things in this world.
3) All other writings which have knitted together the contents of the Holy Scripture, also your Catechism and the many you have tested and accepted as good, these you read with an open and believing heart; other untested writings you read with certain reserve, so you don’t set your heart’s confidence in them before you accurately have tested them. This test shouldn’t be done with rumination, nor by imagination, but by prayer to God for the enlightenment of the Holy Ghost, also by concord with all of the sacred Scripture, especially in these points: About those who teach the true belief in Jesus Christ, which redeems from sin, death and the kingdom of Satan, so that they who believe do not live in the kingdom of sin and Satan, but serve God righteously, innocently and blessed. They are not, then, their own, but are His people, and who from their love for Him are very assiduous to good deeds. Also that they in the instruction do not overlook, but teach about the Father and the Holy Ghost and also about the on, so that none of the triune entity is left out or one put higher than the other, for all three are one. Go in for the true doctrine and acknowledge deeply our sin; also about conversion or regeneration, about to love God and your neighbor as yourself (to salvation), so that one renounces oneself to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
Finally, instruct them like Jesus about the narrow gate and the straight road, about temptations and patience to suffer always, as long as we are living here, stay awake, pray and have a degree of fear of falling, if we learned, we stand up, that we work for our salvation with fear and trembling. Never to imagine we have grasped it perfectly, but always hasten forward on the pilgrimage through life, that we shall use violence upon the Kingdom of God, and those who use violence, take it by force. Safety and half- heartedness are regarded as big sins. Also that it is the duty of every Christian to confess the name of God in words and deeds, according to each one’s talent and vigor, so that all endeavor to gather to God’s congregation.
These books which have the above-mentioned points united with the many God’s Word, and do not strive against the order of God in the realm of nature, but instruct correctly to use the spiritual and physical gift with thanksgiving, guard against the scruples of reason, which destroy the spiritual-and for conceited mystery, which will instruct about spiritual things, which they themselves do not understand, or let their teaching rise above the light they are given from God, therefore it gets dark for them and indistinct.
4) None among you yourselves write and have printed your own or anyone else’s writings, nor recommend any new or unknown books, before they are tested in the congregation by the elders. Should any of our fellow-confessionists act against this, then the elders join with the younger who have received the light of God; test the published books; if you find them beneficial, then talk to the one who has published it, and ask why he does not take council with you, and you do not recommend them and otherwise do not help him to profit thereby; however, use the good God’s Word to the enlightenment of others. On the other hand, if you find the published books bad, then not only talk to the publisher about it, but inform also those who might have obtained the books, about their bad teachings, also write to others that they do not have anything to do with it. {If anybody should deem this too hard a censorship, then I think that if a mean or bad person would deceive a spiritual friend in physical things that this one was duty bound to reveal the deception and if possible hinder it. Now, shouldn’t this too be a duty in the spiritual?}
5) You know, friends, that to this day we have absolutely held to the evangelical in accordance with the legitimate Augsburg Confession or the state’s religion; that some have called us a separate denomination, which they absolutely do not have any occasion for, but that we should be called sect, for we have loathed the vices with which many have dishonored the Christian church, and on the other hand applied ourselves to all good virtues in accordance with the Word of God. If we should be called a sect, then let us show in our lives that we ought to be called the virtuous sect or indeed the godly sect, and show in spiritual and temporal acts that these are like the virtues of Jesus. Therefore it is my last will that you hereafter as hitherto fully hold yourselves to our state religion, so that you receive from the official teachers all that pertain to their office. You will then attend church, receive the sacraments, be married by the minister, and at funerals let them officiate in conformity with good order. {The 5th paragraph could have been omitted, as we have never been given to sectarian thoughts or to turn away from the religion of the land, but some outside of our circle have feared that after my passing, you would leave the order of the state, which I do not believe. In any case, this now is a warning.}
6) I am specifically mindful of two things which I have feared, a fear which will rest heavy upon me to my last day, namely: if lukewarmness, confidence and discord should sneak in among the faithful. Therefore it is my fervent admonition that you above all things will guard against these dangerous enemies, so they do not gain access, as they have their roots in other sins. Feeling of confidence stems from pride and imagination of being perfect. Lukewarmness is nourished partly by the unstable mind which gets tired from the pure Word of God, which do not appeal to the senses, partly that oneself does not receive enough of esteem and honor, partly from their lazy nature, the world or the love of the flesh, which does not like to do the will of God. Discord is mainly nourished by pride, that one will not admit one’s sin, but rule over one’s fellow men;
--secondly, in jealousy against those who are better; thirdly, from a singular hate against men, and partly because one demands much from others and little or nothing from oneself, beholdest the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in one’s own eye.
You must therefore always keep watch over yourselves and keep an eye on others, so the enemies of your salvation shall not break in. Bear in mind that where two become divided, there the one pulls to his part, and very soon can destroy the glory with which the rays of God’s grace now adorn you. If you notice, any discord or estrangement against each other, which most often comes out in an unreasonable and groundless blame, aspersion and slander in a greater or lesser degree, then sacrifice everything in order to get hold of these yourself or with the help of others, whom you think better qualified than yourself to do so. Point out to those who dispute, the big evil they commit against God and their neighbor as well as themselves, investigate if they both are equally guilty, then punish both equally without distinction. If one has more guilt, then punish him harder and admonish to agreement, but enjoin on the less guilty or (which seldom happens) the innocent, that he forgives, and employ all means to harmony; for of the one who is the better of them one demands most also here, and yet the truth must not suffer by the liar. {For the unclean one could or would rather censure discord and come to harmony with the clean one, which this one must not be instructed to do, but rather stimulated to abstain from.} Will the one or both not listen to your admonition and appeal, then regard them both as infidels or like those whom you regard as not being of your own faith, and don’t want any association with, all in accordance with the word of Jesus in Matthew 18:7; also you make efforts to awaken the lukewarm and let those who feel safe confess their sins.
You know, fellow believers, that occasional discords no doubt have appeared during these 25 years. But, by the grace of God, they have been quelled, and most of them adjusted; at least they have never led to parties who have left the path and voice Jesus has let us hear. For either the guilty one has admitted and regretted his sin, or he has fallen to vices and then left us. But many have feared with me that when I with this tool of mine: my tongue, pen and deed, leave you, then indeed discords might appear, so the one will go hither, the other thither. Guard against this; for nothing is more important than unity.
7) We have never had any ordered church discipline among us, just as we have never kept any record, so neither I nor any of you know how many there really are who profess the faith, the disposition and mutual friendship, although we through communications and those who visit each other can know about both the places where there are few or many, and also know personally the names of many, especially of those who are outstanding in godly practice. You also know that we have absolutely no signs or ceremonies mutually; for only through conversations, actions, partly also through recommendations, do we become intimate with each other.
Those things we ought not to concern ourselves in especially hereafter either; but we have had one by many unnoticed church discipline; for all those who have practiced any vice and not soon repented and mended their ways, they are reduced in our esteem and confidence; if their vices have prevailed with them for a longer time, we have had nothing to do with them, but they themselves have felt they are separated from us and have partly avoided us. Such church discipline will we also keep up hereafter, though in such a way that when the fallen ones repent their sins and will hear the Word of God, then receive them according to their circumstances.
8) In the apostle Paul’s parting with the Ephesians we read in Acts 20:29-30: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things.” Although I hope better at this time, I will anyway warn you with the 31st verse: Watch! For I have known some among us who have made several remarks which are not in accordance with the teaching of Jesus, and have had their own aspirations and ideas. Still worse, there might arise either false ones, who indeed might have great intellect, but use it with wiliness to lead astray the wretched ones, so they impel the control over the Lord’s inheritance, that is to say, they pursue their own honor and advantage and dominance; they want to be loved without loving God and in Him their fellow men; such people will lead you to obedience to them through technicalities of wisdom and instruction which do not give nourishment to your soul. Others step forward in conceit, will affect importance by their spirituality, talk about their feelings; these practice speaking of their inward condition mingled with imagination and qualms of reason, so they in the first affect experience, but soon one can perceive that their words are empty sounds; they have not life and presence of the spirit, they daze but do not shine, for they pursue higher things than are given them, or they have once walked on truth’s path, but have gone off it; still they can speak of what they at that time experienced and now falsely make their own. Some go broken-hearted by hypocrisy, speak with broken voice, others are cheerful. Both borrow from the Scripture words which they according to their knowledge and gift of nature teach others without paying attention to their own hearts, and without having made any conversion themselves. For they are recognized by the fruits and by their inexperience in spiritual things, also that they do not unite all the words of God in their teaching. Be, on your guard against all such people.
I have reason to hope that as long as you eldest or true children of God live, that you won’t let debauchers have free command, but that you convince them and punish them and also warn the simple-minded people against their debauchment. You know, the blind cannot lead the blind, for then they both fall in the ditch; therefore you must advise everyone, especially those who will instruct others, that they themselves must in their hearts first be converted. I will also utter my heartfelt admonition in the name of the Lord that you true fellow believers, especially the oldest and most gifted in each place, keep a sharp eye on those who will edify others; for it behooves those people to demonstrate in a superior way their faith in a godly life and good deeds, and that he has a firm knowledge of the Word of God, so that it may be understood that he is strengthened by the Spirit of the Lord Jesus to lead a life of a sound and clean doctrine. If you should be informed to the contrary, then admonish him in private; if that is of no avail, then let two more listen to it; if the deviating person will not correct himself, then tell him of his aberration in the presence of as many with whom he gathers. If you yourselves have not strength enough to do this in the place where he is, then ask for help from others who are more strengthened in Christ, or who have received more gifts than you. If he leaves you, then find out where he went, write thither or try to visit those others in order to stop the one who deceives the hearts of the simple minded, who are not wicked, but neither have received enough strength from God to stop the deceivers. {If it seems to someone that I have spoken with too much authority then don’t resent, and consider the truth. It is my intention that this testament should not be much known before I rest in the grave, and then my authority at this time can not harm anyone.} The person who shall teach or instruct others, especially one who travels on such errands, ought not to have become a believer just recently himself, yet this might be done under the watchfulness of the eldest; but none ought to instruct others unless it is proved that he himself is indeed converted, and has shown in his life the worthy fruits of the conversion, and still he is subjected to the eldest’s supervision and close test, that he daily descends into himself so he feels deeply not only his sins but also his own impotence, that he is also tried in temptations and considerable distress, has good foundation and explanation in the Word of God, so nothing contradictory comes up.
Where several are together of those who have received talents to edify others, then after agreement or according to the eldest’s decision only two or three of them, one after the other, speak, and that so no offense happens. If someone goes astray, or it is something to censure in some person’s speech or behavior, convince them as you have been told before about those who will edify others and not walk the straight and narrow path themselves. If he does not correct himself tell it to the congregation and call him an unbeliever, according to Jesus’ word, Matt. 18.
The eldest{By eldest is not meant how many years have gone by since they were awakened, but each such person who has walked in the faith, been active in good deeds; so it doesn’t matter about the years, but it depends on their faith, love, righteousness and experience in spiritual things, also great wisdom.} must not shut their eyes to the vices of their fellow eldest in any ‘kind of vice, but punish them properly as well as every one who has acquired the respect of the faithful and wants to be good Christians; you ought to watch closely such persons, don’t let them get used to flattery and softness, but endure even sharp admonition or solid food.
A person once converted from darkness to light, who later on has been attracted to darkness and done wrong to someone by injustice comes about other people’s property, if such person later has come to repentance and will return to the faithful, but doesn’t right his wrong-doings, then he ought not to be accepted among the faithful or given your heart’s confidence, much less allow him to confess the name of God, speak at edification for others before he has fully amended and indemnified the injured part.
10) Those with whom you have no acquaintance, or those who have conceived other ideas about religion than you, you should bear with and judge as lenient as the verity according to the manifest Word of God permits. For many may have been brought up in an austere, perfunctory concept, and also been charmed by an incorrect exhortation of the Word of. God, yet believe and seek for truth, as God can have many who you don’t know, who love Him. Bear in mind the Lord’s answer to Elijah and this one’s opinion. Therefore deal you kindly with every person; demonstrate willingness to serve and hospitality according to your ability, or just so God’s truth doesn’t suffer in so doing.
You fellow believers, take these points into consideration, and also those which the daily experience teaches you. Then you shall see by the gracious assistance of God, the wicked and insincere, like the self-deceived people, can do nothing against you, but you, through the power of God, our Savior, obtain through your word and example many souls to His Kingdom, to the multiplication of the fruits of your own faith and glorified gladness, and in common praise to the Triune God.
This is my wish, my prayer and only desire, that you will aspire to so infinitely glorious grace, which I feel assured that God our Father through His Son Jesus Christ by His Holy Spirit will bestow upon us, who remain faithful to the end, the supreme good, finally, at the end of time to gather in the eternal happiness. Amen.
To be Continued....
As it may happen soon that my hour-glass runs empty, especially may this be expected because I am so very weakened from the great exertions and many sufferings, mainly physical:
Therefore I have decided, in the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, with prayer for His enlightenment and leadership, to set forth here my last will, which you friends with friendship, confidence and love you have reciprocated, herewith earnestly are asked and admonished to execute after my death.
1) That spirit of grace and holiness, which has rested upon me, and which you have received, may that spirit still rest upon you and upon all those who hereafter receive Him and believe God's holy Word. {I apply here by memory Elisa works with Elias: For that one needed this one and would not leave him, therefore he received two parts of his spirit also.}
2) The holy God’s Word: Jesus’ teachings first, then the writings of the apostles and the prophets, inasmuch as they concern the soul’s entity, faith and morale, be for you the most holy treasure above all other things in this world.
3) All other writings which have knitted together the contents of the Holy Scripture, also your Catechism and the many you have tested and accepted as good, these you read with an open and believing heart; other untested writings you read with certain reserve, so you don’t set your heart’s confidence in them before you accurately have tested them. This test shouldn’t be done with rumination, nor by imagination, but by prayer to God for the enlightenment of the Holy Ghost, also by concord with all of the sacred Scripture, especially in these points: About those who teach the true belief in Jesus Christ, which redeems from sin, death and the kingdom of Satan, so that they who believe do not live in the kingdom of sin and Satan, but serve God righteously, innocently and blessed. They are not, then, their own, but are His people, and who from their love for Him are very assiduous to good deeds. Also that they in the instruction do not overlook, but teach about the Father and the Holy Ghost and also about the on, so that none of the triune entity is left out or one put higher than the other, for all three are one. Go in for the true doctrine and acknowledge deeply our sin; also about conversion or regeneration, about to love God and your neighbor as yourself (to salvation), so that one renounces oneself to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
Finally, instruct them like Jesus about the narrow gate and the straight road, about temptations and patience to suffer always, as long as we are living here, stay awake, pray and have a degree of fear of falling, if we learned, we stand up, that we work for our salvation with fear and trembling. Never to imagine we have grasped it perfectly, but always hasten forward on the pilgrimage through life, that we shall use violence upon the Kingdom of God, and those who use violence, take it by force. Safety and half- heartedness are regarded as big sins. Also that it is the duty of every Christian to confess the name of God in words and deeds, according to each one’s talent and vigor, so that all endeavor to gather to God’s congregation.
These books which have the above-mentioned points united with the many God’s Word, and do not strive against the order of God in the realm of nature, but instruct correctly to use the spiritual and physical gift with thanksgiving, guard against the scruples of reason, which destroy the spiritual-and for conceited mystery, which will instruct about spiritual things, which they themselves do not understand, or let their teaching rise above the light they are given from God, therefore it gets dark for them and indistinct.
4) None among you yourselves write and have printed your own or anyone else’s writings, nor recommend any new or unknown books, before they are tested in the congregation by the elders. Should any of our fellow-confessionists act against this, then the elders join with the younger who have received the light of God; test the published books; if you find them beneficial, then talk to the one who has published it, and ask why he does not take council with you, and you do not recommend them and otherwise do not help him to profit thereby; however, use the good God’s Word to the enlightenment of others. On the other hand, if you find the published books bad, then not only talk to the publisher about it, but inform also those who might have obtained the books, about their bad teachings, also write to others that they do not have anything to do with it. {If anybody should deem this too hard a censorship, then I think that if a mean or bad person would deceive a spiritual friend in physical things that this one was duty bound to reveal the deception and if possible hinder it. Now, shouldn’t this too be a duty in the spiritual?}
5) You know, friends, that to this day we have absolutely held to the evangelical in accordance with the legitimate Augsburg Confession or the state’s religion; that some have called us a separate denomination, which they absolutely do not have any occasion for, but that we should be called sect, for we have loathed the vices with which many have dishonored the Christian church, and on the other hand applied ourselves to all good virtues in accordance with the Word of God. If we should be called a sect, then let us show in our lives that we ought to be called the virtuous sect or indeed the godly sect, and show in spiritual and temporal acts that these are like the virtues of Jesus. Therefore it is my last will that you hereafter as hitherto fully hold yourselves to our state religion, so that you receive from the official teachers all that pertain to their office. You will then attend church, receive the sacraments, be married by the minister, and at funerals let them officiate in conformity with good order. {The 5th paragraph could have been omitted, as we have never been given to sectarian thoughts or to turn away from the religion of the land, but some outside of our circle have feared that after my passing, you would leave the order of the state, which I do not believe. In any case, this now is a warning.}
6) I am specifically mindful of two things which I have feared, a fear which will rest heavy upon me to my last day, namely: if lukewarmness, confidence and discord should sneak in among the faithful. Therefore it is my fervent admonition that you above all things will guard against these dangerous enemies, so they do not gain access, as they have their roots in other sins. Feeling of confidence stems from pride and imagination of being perfect. Lukewarmness is nourished partly by the unstable mind which gets tired from the pure Word of God, which do not appeal to the senses, partly that oneself does not receive enough of esteem and honor, partly from their lazy nature, the world or the love of the flesh, which does not like to do the will of God. Discord is mainly nourished by pride, that one will not admit one’s sin, but rule over one’s fellow men;
--secondly, in jealousy against those who are better; thirdly, from a singular hate against men, and partly because one demands much from others and little or nothing from oneself, beholdest the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in one’s own eye.
You must therefore always keep watch over yourselves and keep an eye on others, so the enemies of your salvation shall not break in. Bear in mind that where two become divided, there the one pulls to his part, and very soon can destroy the glory with which the rays of God’s grace now adorn you. If you notice, any discord or estrangement against each other, which most often comes out in an unreasonable and groundless blame, aspersion and slander in a greater or lesser degree, then sacrifice everything in order to get hold of these yourself or with the help of others, whom you think better qualified than yourself to do so. Point out to those who dispute, the big evil they commit against God and their neighbor as well as themselves, investigate if they both are equally guilty, then punish both equally without distinction. If one has more guilt, then punish him harder and admonish to agreement, but enjoin on the less guilty or (which seldom happens) the innocent, that he forgives, and employ all means to harmony; for of the one who is the better of them one demands most also here, and yet the truth must not suffer by the liar. {For the unclean one could or would rather censure discord and come to harmony with the clean one, which this one must not be instructed to do, but rather stimulated to abstain from.} Will the one or both not listen to your admonition and appeal, then regard them both as infidels or like those whom you regard as not being of your own faith, and don’t want any association with, all in accordance with the word of Jesus in Matthew 18:7; also you make efforts to awaken the lukewarm and let those who feel safe confess their sins.
You know, fellow believers, that occasional discords no doubt have appeared during these 25 years. But, by the grace of God, they have been quelled, and most of them adjusted; at least they have never led to parties who have left the path and voice Jesus has let us hear. For either the guilty one has admitted and regretted his sin, or he has fallen to vices and then left us. But many have feared with me that when I with this tool of mine: my tongue, pen and deed, leave you, then indeed discords might appear, so the one will go hither, the other thither. Guard against this; for nothing is more important than unity.
7) We have never had any ordered church discipline among us, just as we have never kept any record, so neither I nor any of you know how many there really are who profess the faith, the disposition and mutual friendship, although we through communications and those who visit each other can know about both the places where there are few or many, and also know personally the names of many, especially of those who are outstanding in godly practice. You also know that we have absolutely no signs or ceremonies mutually; for only through conversations, actions, partly also through recommendations, do we become intimate with each other.
Those things we ought not to concern ourselves in especially hereafter either; but we have had one by many unnoticed church discipline; for all those who have practiced any vice and not soon repented and mended their ways, they are reduced in our esteem and confidence; if their vices have prevailed with them for a longer time, we have had nothing to do with them, but they themselves have felt they are separated from us and have partly avoided us. Such church discipline will we also keep up hereafter, though in such a way that when the fallen ones repent their sins and will hear the Word of God, then receive them according to their circumstances.
8) In the apostle Paul’s parting with the Ephesians we read in Acts 20:29-30: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things.” Although I hope better at this time, I will anyway warn you with the 31st verse: Watch! For I have known some among us who have made several remarks which are not in accordance with the teaching of Jesus, and have had their own aspirations and ideas. Still worse, there might arise either false ones, who indeed might have great intellect, but use it with wiliness to lead astray the wretched ones, so they impel the control over the Lord’s inheritance, that is to say, they pursue their own honor and advantage and dominance; they want to be loved without loving God and in Him their fellow men; such people will lead you to obedience to them through technicalities of wisdom and instruction which do not give nourishment to your soul. Others step forward in conceit, will affect importance by their spirituality, talk about their feelings; these practice speaking of their inward condition mingled with imagination and qualms of reason, so they in the first affect experience, but soon one can perceive that their words are empty sounds; they have not life and presence of the spirit, they daze but do not shine, for they pursue higher things than are given them, or they have once walked on truth’s path, but have gone off it; still they can speak of what they at that time experienced and now falsely make their own. Some go broken-hearted by hypocrisy, speak with broken voice, others are cheerful. Both borrow from the Scripture words which they according to their knowledge and gift of nature teach others without paying attention to their own hearts, and without having made any conversion themselves. For they are recognized by the fruits and by their inexperience in spiritual things, also that they do not unite all the words of God in their teaching. Be, on your guard against all such people.
I have reason to hope that as long as you eldest or true children of God live, that you won’t let debauchers have free command, but that you convince them and punish them and also warn the simple-minded people against their debauchment. You know, the blind cannot lead the blind, for then they both fall in the ditch; therefore you must advise everyone, especially those who will instruct others, that they themselves must in their hearts first be converted. I will also utter my heartfelt admonition in the name of the Lord that you true fellow believers, especially the oldest and most gifted in each place, keep a sharp eye on those who will edify others; for it behooves those people to demonstrate in a superior way their faith in a godly life and good deeds, and that he has a firm knowledge of the Word of God, so that it may be understood that he is strengthened by the Spirit of the Lord Jesus to lead a life of a sound and clean doctrine. If you should be informed to the contrary, then admonish him in private; if that is of no avail, then let two more listen to it; if the deviating person will not correct himself, then tell him of his aberration in the presence of as many with whom he gathers. If you yourselves have not strength enough to do this in the place where he is, then ask for help from others who are more strengthened in Christ, or who have received more gifts than you. If he leaves you, then find out where he went, write thither or try to visit those others in order to stop the one who deceives the hearts of the simple minded, who are not wicked, but neither have received enough strength from God to stop the deceivers. {If it seems to someone that I have spoken with too much authority then don’t resent, and consider the truth. It is my intention that this testament should not be much known before I rest in the grave, and then my authority at this time can not harm anyone.} The person who shall teach or instruct others, especially one who travels on such errands, ought not to have become a believer just recently himself, yet this might be done under the watchfulness of the eldest; but none ought to instruct others unless it is proved that he himself is indeed converted, and has shown in his life the worthy fruits of the conversion, and still he is subjected to the eldest’s supervision and close test, that he daily descends into himself so he feels deeply not only his sins but also his own impotence, that he is also tried in temptations and considerable distress, has good foundation and explanation in the Word of God, so nothing contradictory comes up.
Where several are together of those who have received talents to edify others, then after agreement or according to the eldest’s decision only two or three of them, one after the other, speak, and that so no offense happens. If someone goes astray, or it is something to censure in some person’s speech or behavior, convince them as you have been told before about those who will edify others and not walk the straight and narrow path themselves. If he does not correct himself tell it to the congregation and call him an unbeliever, according to Jesus’ word, Matt. 18.
The eldest{By eldest is not meant how many years have gone by since they were awakened, but each such person who has walked in the faith, been active in good deeds; so it doesn’t matter about the years, but it depends on their faith, love, righteousness and experience in spiritual things, also great wisdom.} must not shut their eyes to the vices of their fellow eldest in any ‘kind of vice, but punish them properly as well as every one who has acquired the respect of the faithful and wants to be good Christians; you ought to watch closely such persons, don’t let them get used to flattery and softness, but endure even sharp admonition or solid food.
A person once converted from darkness to light, who later on has been attracted to darkness and done wrong to someone by injustice comes about other people’s property, if such person later has come to repentance and will return to the faithful, but doesn’t right his wrong-doings, then he ought not to be accepted among the faithful or given your heart’s confidence, much less allow him to confess the name of God, speak at edification for others before he has fully amended and indemnified the injured part.
10) Those with whom you have no acquaintance, or those who have conceived other ideas about religion than you, you should bear with and judge as lenient as the verity according to the manifest Word of God permits. For many may have been brought up in an austere, perfunctory concept, and also been charmed by an incorrect exhortation of the Word of. God, yet believe and seek for truth, as God can have many who you don’t know, who love Him. Bear in mind the Lord’s answer to Elijah and this one’s opinion. Therefore deal you kindly with every person; demonstrate willingness to serve and hospitality according to your ability, or just so God’s truth doesn’t suffer in so doing.
You fellow believers, take these points into consideration, and also those which the daily experience teaches you. Then you shall see by the gracious assistance of God, the wicked and insincere, like the self-deceived people, can do nothing against you, but you, through the power of God, our Savior, obtain through your word and example many souls to His Kingdom, to the multiplication of the fruits of your own faith and glorified gladness, and in common praise to the Triune God.
This is my wish, my prayer and only desire, that you will aspire to so infinitely glorious grace, which I feel assured that God our Father through His Son Jesus Christ by His Holy Spirit will bestow upon us, who remain faithful to the end, the supreme good, finally, at the end of time to gather in the eternal happiness. Amen.
To be Continued....
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