Heart Thoughts Revealed
A sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. Luke 2.35.
Old Simeon addressed these words to Mary the mother of Jesus when she and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple for the first time. Mary did not understand them then, but years later when she beheld her son on the cross, she knew what it was to have a sword pierce through her soul. There, in that cruel act, the “thoughts out of many hearts” were revealed.
Hear first these words of Jesus, “For from within, out of the heart of men, evil thoughts proceed, fornication, thefts, murders, adulteries, covetings, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness an evil eye, railing, pride, foolishness: all these evil things proceed from within, and defile the man” (Mark 7. 21—23). It is interesting to notice that every one of these thirteen sins was revealed at the cross.
Judas was one of the first to have the thoughts of his heart revealed. For a long time he had been able to conceal them, but finally they came out in the open. Judas first became possessed with greed; and greed, when it had conceived, brought forth theft. This finally led him to become a traitor and sell his Master for a few pieces of silver. Jesus’ final words about him were “Good were it for that man if he had not been born” (Matthew 26. 24). Jesus’ crucifixion revealed the heart thoughts of this subtle hypocrite.
Calvary also revealed the hearts of the chief priests and the officers. At their fatal committee meeting, they confessed, “If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation” (John 11. 48). They had “an evil eye.” That led to “hate,” and “hate,” when it was full grown, brought forth “murder.” No one would ever have suspected that these dignified, religious leaders had such wicked hearts. It took Christ and His cross to reveal them.
Pilate’s heart was also revealed at the cross. It was full of pride and deceit. He was more concerned to keep the favor of the crowd than to do what he believed was right. When he saw that his popularity was at stake, he yielded to public opinion. Had he stayed by his conviction, “I find no cause of death in him” (Luke 23. 22), we never would have read the sad words, “Pilate gave sentence that what they asked for should be done” (v. 24). Calvary opened Pilate’s heart wide, and revealed it as very corrupt.
Herod, the murderer of John the Baptist, also had his hand in the crucifixion. 1-le seemed very glad to see Jesus. “He was a long time desirous to see him” (Luke 23. 8). However, Jesus “answered him nothing.” Why should He talk to a man like Herod, whose heart was full of “fornication,” “lasciviousness,” and “adultery”? Jesus has no word for a sinner who refuses to repent. John the Baptist had faced him with his sin, but there had been no repentance. Jesus therefore had nothing to say to a man who insisted on living in such sins. He who silences God’s law gets no word of God’s grace. Herod exposed the true spirit of his heart when he “with his soldiers set him (Jesus) at nought, and mocked him, and arraying him in gorgeous apparel sent him back to Pilate” (Luke 23. 11). Calvary revealed his heart as a cesspool of evil.
The soldiers of the Governor, though under rigid discipline, were given a chance to expose their hearts. When the authorities let these men do as they pleased with Christ, “they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And they platted a crown of thorns and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spat upon him, and took the reed and smote him on the head” (Matthew 27. 27—30). These men revealed hearts full of “foolishness,” “evil thoughts,” and rank “wickedness.” No one could have suspected that these well-groomed soldiers who looked so noble and impressive in parade, had their hearts so filled with evil. It took Christ and His cross to reveal them.
The crowd that passed by the cross had their hearts exposed, too. We read, “And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself: if thou art the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Matthew 27. 39—40). Their hearts were full of “railing.” If Christ would
meet their expectations they would believe on Him. If they could see first, then they would believe. These were the people who looked and acted so pious at the religious festivals. Now in the presence of Christ and the cross they reveal what hard and unsympathetic hearts they actually possessed.
The soldiers who were given the gruesome task of crucifying Christ also exposed their hearts. When they had finally suspended Christ on the cross, they “took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat” (John 19.23). Since the coat was without seam they did not want to ruin it by tearing it into four pieces, so they suggested, “Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be” (John 19. 24). There, directly under the cross, these gamblers revealed their covetous hearts. All they thought about Was selfish gain. They could hardly wait for their victim to die that they might pick up their little pile and go home.
In closing it will only be fair to ask ourselves the question, What are the thoughts of our hearts? Did you by any chance recognize any of your heart thoughts? If you are honest you will answer Yes. Then we must admit that we, too, were represented at Calvary. If we have any of these sins lurking in our hearts, we are as guilty as those who had a part in the crucifixion. Then we need not mercilessly condemn the characters we have here reviewed, but rather turn our attention to ourselves. Before Christ died He cried out, “Father, forgive them.” He asked forgiveness for these who had exposed their hearts at Calvary, for “He died for all” (2 Corinthians 5.15). He died not only for the sins that were revealed there, but for all the sins that are still hidden away in the dark recesses of many hearts. Thank God, Christ on the cross not only revealed sins—He gave His life for these sins. May we never forget that “Christ died for our sins” (1 Corinthians 15. 3).
The End
My Heart's Desire
Maynard A. Force
1949
Monday, January 11, 2010
45. Jesus' Acceptance of the Father's Gift
Jesus’ Acceptance of the Father’s Gift
Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 6.37.
In these precious words Jesus accepts the gift that God the Father gave Him. This gift is made up of conscience-stricken sinners who have the death penalty pronounced upon them. They have come to see their lost state and have been given over to Jesus. They may wonder if Jesus will want them with all their sins and guilt. After listening to Jesus’ words of our text, none of them has any reason to doubt.
First we notice that Jesus makes it plain that every individual in the Father’s gift is welcome. He could have said “they” that come unto me I will accept. But He chose to make it more personal by saying “him that cometh unto me.” He does not want any soul to feel he is overlooked. Once again we see the shepherd spirit in Him. He is interested not only in the flock, but also in the individual sheep, for “He calleth his own sheep by name” (John 10. 3). None can excel Jesus in making individuals feel that they are welcome. When He was here on earth everyone felt free to come to Him. Children and older folks, the rich and the poor, found their way to Him. No one need feel left out. Although the Father’s gift included millions upon millions of souls, yet Jesus looked upon this gift in terms of the individual. “Him” is a title that fits any one of us. Let us thank God for the simple, direct and personal way in which Jesus refers to us.
Notice also the three simple words, “Come unto me.” Jesus often uses these words in inviting people to come to Him. Perhaps the best known invitation of this kind is: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11. 28). The question is often asked, What, then, does it mean to “come” to Jesus? The simplest answer to this question would perhaps be to see how burdened sinners came to Jesus in the past. Let us use the example of the publican in the temple. Surely he was past all reliance on himself, for he had been thoroughly crushed because of his sins. He did not even dare “lift up so much as his eyes to heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18. 13). He really came to God through this prayer, for we read: “This man went down to his house justified” (v. 14). To come to Jesus, then, means to come just as we are, confessing our sins. Hide nothing, for “He that covereth his transgression shall not prosper” (Proverbs 28. 13). It is natural indeed for a contrite soul to use even the very words of this publican. To all who have the same need as the publican Jesus says, “Come unto me.”
Jesus assures the sinner who comes to Him, that He “will in no wise cast him out.” Jesus knew that Satan tempts many poor souls to think that they are too vile to come to Him. It is true we are not worthy to come. If we look at our sinful past, we must confess that we deserve to be “cast out.” If we look at our deceitful hearts we see no good in them. No one ever truly comes to Christ who does not feel that he deserves to be “cast out.” That is why Christ speaks these words here. We must not look at ourselves any longer, or we would give up in despair. We must look to Christ’s promise, “Whosoever cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out.” “In no wise” means under no condition. Perhaps it would help us here to be reminded that God’s Word, once it is given, is never changed. We have the promise, “I will watch over my word to perform it” (Jeremiah 1. 12). Therefore we can confidently come to Christ, knowing we will be accepted.
This, then, is how Jesus received the Father’s gift. Besides all that has been said, is His assuring word, “And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he bath given me I should lose nothing” (John 6. 39). No sinner who feels his need of Jesus and comes to Him is ever lost.
What cheering words are these!
Their sweetness who can tell?
In time and to eternal days, “
‘Tis with the righteous well.”
JOHN KENT, 1803.
Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 6.37.
In these precious words Jesus accepts the gift that God the Father gave Him. This gift is made up of conscience-stricken sinners who have the death penalty pronounced upon them. They have come to see their lost state and have been given over to Jesus. They may wonder if Jesus will want them with all their sins and guilt. After listening to Jesus’ words of our text, none of them has any reason to doubt.
First we notice that Jesus makes it plain that every individual in the Father’s gift is welcome. He could have said “they” that come unto me I will accept. But He chose to make it more personal by saying “him that cometh unto me.” He does not want any soul to feel he is overlooked. Once again we see the shepherd spirit in Him. He is interested not only in the flock, but also in the individual sheep, for “He calleth his own sheep by name” (John 10. 3). None can excel Jesus in making individuals feel that they are welcome. When He was here on earth everyone felt free to come to Him. Children and older folks, the rich and the poor, found their way to Him. No one need feel left out. Although the Father’s gift included millions upon millions of souls, yet Jesus looked upon this gift in terms of the individual. “Him” is a title that fits any one of us. Let us thank God for the simple, direct and personal way in which Jesus refers to us.
Notice also the three simple words, “Come unto me.” Jesus often uses these words in inviting people to come to Him. Perhaps the best known invitation of this kind is: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11. 28). The question is often asked, What, then, does it mean to “come” to Jesus? The simplest answer to this question would perhaps be to see how burdened sinners came to Jesus in the past. Let us use the example of the publican in the temple. Surely he was past all reliance on himself, for he had been thoroughly crushed because of his sins. He did not even dare “lift up so much as his eyes to heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18. 13). He really came to God through this prayer, for we read: “This man went down to his house justified” (v. 14). To come to Jesus, then, means to come just as we are, confessing our sins. Hide nothing, for “He that covereth his transgression shall not prosper” (Proverbs 28. 13). It is natural indeed for a contrite soul to use even the very words of this publican. To all who have the same need as the publican Jesus says, “Come unto me.”
Jesus assures the sinner who comes to Him, that He “will in no wise cast him out.” Jesus knew that Satan tempts many poor souls to think that they are too vile to come to Him. It is true we are not worthy to come. If we look at our sinful past, we must confess that we deserve to be “cast out.” If we look at our deceitful hearts we see no good in them. No one ever truly comes to Christ who does not feel that he deserves to be “cast out.” That is why Christ speaks these words here. We must not look at ourselves any longer, or we would give up in despair. We must look to Christ’s promise, “Whosoever cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out.” “In no wise” means under no condition. Perhaps it would help us here to be reminded that God’s Word, once it is given, is never changed. We have the promise, “I will watch over my word to perform it” (Jeremiah 1. 12). Therefore we can confidently come to Christ, knowing we will be accepted.
This, then, is how Jesus received the Father’s gift. Besides all that has been said, is His assuring word, “And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he bath given me I should lose nothing” (John 6. 39). No sinner who feels his need of Jesus and comes to Him is ever lost.
What cheering words are these!
Their sweetness who can tell?
In time and to eternal days, “
‘Tis with the righteous well.”
JOHN KENT, 1803.
44. The Father's Gift to Jesus
The Father’s Gift to Jesus
All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 6. 37.
God the Father is known as a generous Giver. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1. 17). His gifts have been many and costly. His heart was so moved with love for this sin-cursed earth that He gave the best of all His gifts, namely, Jesus Christ. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3. 16). But the Father gave a gift also to Jesus Christ. If He gave us the best He had, what could He give His only begotten Son? Our text has the answer.
Jesus said, “All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me.” But then the question arises, Who are they that truly come to Jesus? If we find the answer to this question, we will know of whom the Father’s gift to Jesus consists. We know that no one ever comes to Jesus Christ unless the law of God drives him there. The purpose of the law is to “become our tutor to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3. 24). Only those will come to Christ who have permitted the law to do its work in their lives for “through the law cometh the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3. 20). The law makes sin “exceedingly sinful” (Romans 7. 13). When the law of God has rightfully done its work in a human heart, the sinner will see himself utterly lost and condemned apart from Christ. Only this type of a sinner will ever come to Christ as Saviour. Jesus summed up this truth in the following words: “No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him” (John 6. 44). This the Father does by mercilessly applying His law. This brings great conviction of sin. We may therefore conclude that it is the sinner who sees himself as lost and condemned that God presents as a gift to Jesus.
This gift then is made up of needy people. Such people never think of themselves as in any sense a gift of the Father to Jesus. In fact, they feel just the opposite. Their need is so great that they are described as hungry and thirsty. Of this class Jesus said, “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5. 6). No person on earth is more needy than one who has been stripped of all self-righteousness. He sees himself a candidate for hell. He becomes desperate in his need. His heart cries out with the prophet of old, “Woe is me.” God the Father has been doing a great work in his heart. He has taught him the greatest lesson a lost soul can learn, that he has a need that nothing human can satisfy. Jesus had such souls in mind when He said, “It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me” (John 6.45). They have received private instruction from the Father. Not only that, they have learned. Learned what? Learned that they are needy, poverty-stricken sinners, with the penalty of death hanging over them. These, Jesus said, will “come unto me.” Such are the individuals that make up the Father’s gift to Jesus.
This gift is made up of unwanted people. The thief on the cross was unwanted by society, therefore they crucified him. To this poor, repentant soul Jesus spoke the encouraging words, “Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23. 43). The adulterous woman was unwanted by the group that had gathered to stone her. She was privileged to hear the blessed words from Christ, “Neither do I condemn thee: go thy way; from henceforth sin no more” (John 8. 11). The poor unwanted lepers, who had been driven from their homes and friends to live outside the city walls, experienced the gentle touch of Jesus’ hand, and heard Him say, “Be thou made clean” (Matthew 8. 3). The little children, whom the rebuke of the ignorant disciples would hold back, were welcomed to Christ’s arms when He said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God” (Luke 18. 16). The poor woman who fell down at Jesus’ feet, and who was nicknamed “a sinner,” felt the warm welcome of Christ when He gently informed her, “Thy sins are forgiven thee” (Luke 7. 48). In fact, all who come to Jesus are unwanted people. John the disciple wrote, “The world knoweth us not, because it knew him not” (1 John 3. 1). Yet such as these belong to the Father’s gift to Jesus.
This group is also made up of helpless people. They were not always such, for many had prided themselves on “doing the best they knew how.” Some had said they were “no worse than others,” and were “trying hard.” As long as they were in this state they did not belong to the gift that the Father was presenting to Jesus. Such people despise Jesus. They belong to the class of whom Jesus said, “This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7. 6). However, when they finally come to the place where they can no longer help themselves, they have nothing good to say about themselves. Then the purpose of God’s law is fulfilled, namely, that “every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God” (Romans 3. 19). Now they use the language of Paul when he said, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1. 15). Blessed, then, is the individual who has come to the place of utter helplessness. If this is your state, thank God, for you belong to the gift that the Father is presenting to Jesus.
We have thus briefly considered the Father’s gift to Jesus. We were not flattered by the beauty of this gift. In fact, we may sum it all up by saying that the Father gave Jesus poor, miserable sinners. We have seen that no sinner was left out because of the vileness of his sin. Every imaginable type of sinner is represented in this gift. It is to the glory of the Father to turn over to Jesus every kind of sinner. Could any gift have more variety? How encouraging to know that the Father loved us so much that He made us a gift to His Son Jesus Christ!
All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 6. 37.
God the Father is known as a generous Giver. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1. 17). His gifts have been many and costly. His heart was so moved with love for this sin-cursed earth that He gave the best of all His gifts, namely, Jesus Christ. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3. 16). But the Father gave a gift also to Jesus Christ. If He gave us the best He had, what could He give His only begotten Son? Our text has the answer.
Jesus said, “All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me.” But then the question arises, Who are they that truly come to Jesus? If we find the answer to this question, we will know of whom the Father’s gift to Jesus consists. We know that no one ever comes to Jesus Christ unless the law of God drives him there. The purpose of the law is to “become our tutor to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3. 24). Only those will come to Christ who have permitted the law to do its work in their lives for “through the law cometh the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3. 20). The law makes sin “exceedingly sinful” (Romans 7. 13). When the law of God has rightfully done its work in a human heart, the sinner will see himself utterly lost and condemned apart from Christ. Only this type of a sinner will ever come to Christ as Saviour. Jesus summed up this truth in the following words: “No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him” (John 6. 44). This the Father does by mercilessly applying His law. This brings great conviction of sin. We may therefore conclude that it is the sinner who sees himself as lost and condemned that God presents as a gift to Jesus.
This gift then is made up of needy people. Such people never think of themselves as in any sense a gift of the Father to Jesus. In fact, they feel just the opposite. Their need is so great that they are described as hungry and thirsty. Of this class Jesus said, “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5. 6). No person on earth is more needy than one who has been stripped of all self-righteousness. He sees himself a candidate for hell. He becomes desperate in his need. His heart cries out with the prophet of old, “Woe is me.” God the Father has been doing a great work in his heart. He has taught him the greatest lesson a lost soul can learn, that he has a need that nothing human can satisfy. Jesus had such souls in mind when He said, “It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me” (John 6.45). They have received private instruction from the Father. Not only that, they have learned. Learned what? Learned that they are needy, poverty-stricken sinners, with the penalty of death hanging over them. These, Jesus said, will “come unto me.” Such are the individuals that make up the Father’s gift to Jesus.
This gift is made up of unwanted people. The thief on the cross was unwanted by society, therefore they crucified him. To this poor, repentant soul Jesus spoke the encouraging words, “Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23. 43). The adulterous woman was unwanted by the group that had gathered to stone her. She was privileged to hear the blessed words from Christ, “Neither do I condemn thee: go thy way; from henceforth sin no more” (John 8. 11). The poor unwanted lepers, who had been driven from their homes and friends to live outside the city walls, experienced the gentle touch of Jesus’ hand, and heard Him say, “Be thou made clean” (Matthew 8. 3). The little children, whom the rebuke of the ignorant disciples would hold back, were welcomed to Christ’s arms when He said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God” (Luke 18. 16). The poor woman who fell down at Jesus’ feet, and who was nicknamed “a sinner,” felt the warm welcome of Christ when He gently informed her, “Thy sins are forgiven thee” (Luke 7. 48). In fact, all who come to Jesus are unwanted people. John the disciple wrote, “The world knoweth us not, because it knew him not” (1 John 3. 1). Yet such as these belong to the Father’s gift to Jesus.
This group is also made up of helpless people. They were not always such, for many had prided themselves on “doing the best they knew how.” Some had said they were “no worse than others,” and were “trying hard.” As long as they were in this state they did not belong to the gift that the Father was presenting to Jesus. Such people despise Jesus. They belong to the class of whom Jesus said, “This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7. 6). However, when they finally come to the place where they can no longer help themselves, they have nothing good to say about themselves. Then the purpose of God’s law is fulfilled, namely, that “every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God” (Romans 3. 19). Now they use the language of Paul when he said, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1. 15). Blessed, then, is the individual who has come to the place of utter helplessness. If this is your state, thank God, for you belong to the gift that the Father is presenting to Jesus.
We have thus briefly considered the Father’s gift to Jesus. We were not flattered by the beauty of this gift. In fact, we may sum it all up by saying that the Father gave Jesus poor, miserable sinners. We have seen that no sinner was left out because of the vileness of his sin. Every imaginable type of sinner is represented in this gift. It is to the glory of the Father to turn over to Jesus every kind of sinner. Could any gift have more variety? How encouraging to know that the Father loved us so much that He made us a gift to His Son Jesus Christ!
43 A Lesson for a Disciple
A Lesson for a Disciple
A disciple is not above his teacher. Matthew 10. 24.
Woe be the school where the pupil is above the teacher. Nothing but confusion can come from such a place. The Lord Jesus, the greatest of all teachers, warns His pupils that they, too, will be tempted along this line. It hardly seems possible that frail human beings such as we should seek to be above our Lord and Master Jesus Christ.
A Christian is often tempted to dictate to Christ. This is especially true at a time of suffering, or when the way is rough. Then it is so easy to forget to pray, “Thy will be done,” and to demand that our desires be heeded. How easy then to assume that we know best, and to make of Him an errand boy. We do not mean to be discourteous and demanding, but we are so anxious to avoid suffering that we forget. We even forget that Christ forewarned us that we would have to suffer in His behalf. “Because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf” (Philippians 1. 29). Paul encouraged suffering believers, saying, “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward” (Romans 8. 18). May we ever remember our place as disciples and pray for grace to say with Paul, “I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (1 Cor. 12. 10).
A Christian is often tempted to seek better treatment from the world than Christ receives. This is indeed a subtle temptation. Why should we expect that those who have already rejected Christ will receive us? Are we to be above our Master, and receive honor and praise from those who have already rejected and cursed Him? Did not Christ say: “A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also” (John 15. 20)? How selfish, then, for anyone who professes to be a disciple of Christ to seek to be above Him! May we take to heart the words of Christ when He said, “It is enough for the disciple that he be as his teacher” (Matthew 10. 25). The early disciples learned this lesson, for they could endure persecution, “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name” (Acts 5. 41). May the Lord forgive us for ever feeling sorry for ourselves and complaining because we were given treatment like that accorded our Master.
A disciple is to follow his Master in a “Fear them not” spirit (v. 26). These words are indeed timely, for if a disciple is to be treated as his Master, think of what might happen to him! Christ was given rough treatment at the hands of men. There were those who even took His life at last. Suppose we should receive similar treatment. The Lord has made ample provision even for this. “Fear them not,” He says. “Be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul” (v. 28). “Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (v. 31). Regardless, then of what treatment a disciple may receive he need not fear. Even though fear may be the most common temptation to one who would “be as his teacher,” yet the Lord has three times in these few verses emphasized that fear need not be entertained. “Fear” is a paralyzing atmosphere. Therefore, it must be dispersed by faith, for, come what may, we have the promise, “As thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deuteronomy 33. 25).
It is always good to count the cost before proceeding too far. In Jesus’ day there were many who started to follow Him, but finally left Him because they felt the cost was too great. Once when Jesus had spoken solemnly of what it meant to follow Him “many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him” (John 6. 66). Before we proceed any further let us have it clearly understood that “a disciple is not above his teacher.” We are to expect no better treatment from the people with whom we associate than Christ receives. Are you satisfied with that? Or “would ye also go away?” (John 6. 67). Check carefully the desires of your heart. If you discover that Satan has already caused you to desire to be above your Master, deal with this subtle sin today. Then, renew your pledge to your Master, and follow Him wherever He may lead. You and He are to be so identified that you will both receive the same treatment, a sharing of His sufferings on earth, and finally, of His glory in heaven.
A disciple is not above his teacher. Matthew 10. 24.
Woe be the school where the pupil is above the teacher. Nothing but confusion can come from such a place. The Lord Jesus, the greatest of all teachers, warns His pupils that they, too, will be tempted along this line. It hardly seems possible that frail human beings such as we should seek to be above our Lord and Master Jesus Christ.
A Christian is often tempted to dictate to Christ. This is especially true at a time of suffering, or when the way is rough. Then it is so easy to forget to pray, “Thy will be done,” and to demand that our desires be heeded. How easy then to assume that we know best, and to make of Him an errand boy. We do not mean to be discourteous and demanding, but we are so anxious to avoid suffering that we forget. We even forget that Christ forewarned us that we would have to suffer in His behalf. “Because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf” (Philippians 1. 29). Paul encouraged suffering believers, saying, “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward” (Romans 8. 18). May we ever remember our place as disciples and pray for grace to say with Paul, “I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (1 Cor. 12. 10).
A Christian is often tempted to seek better treatment from the world than Christ receives. This is indeed a subtle temptation. Why should we expect that those who have already rejected Christ will receive us? Are we to be above our Master, and receive honor and praise from those who have already rejected and cursed Him? Did not Christ say: “A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also” (John 15. 20)? How selfish, then, for anyone who professes to be a disciple of Christ to seek to be above Him! May we take to heart the words of Christ when He said, “It is enough for the disciple that he be as his teacher” (Matthew 10. 25). The early disciples learned this lesson, for they could endure persecution, “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name” (Acts 5. 41). May the Lord forgive us for ever feeling sorry for ourselves and complaining because we were given treatment like that accorded our Master.
A disciple is to follow his Master in a “Fear them not” spirit (v. 26). These words are indeed timely, for if a disciple is to be treated as his Master, think of what might happen to him! Christ was given rough treatment at the hands of men. There were those who even took His life at last. Suppose we should receive similar treatment. The Lord has made ample provision even for this. “Fear them not,” He says. “Be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul” (v. 28). “Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (v. 31). Regardless, then of what treatment a disciple may receive he need not fear. Even though fear may be the most common temptation to one who would “be as his teacher,” yet the Lord has three times in these few verses emphasized that fear need not be entertained. “Fear” is a paralyzing atmosphere. Therefore, it must be dispersed by faith, for, come what may, we have the promise, “As thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deuteronomy 33. 25).
It is always good to count the cost before proceeding too far. In Jesus’ day there were many who started to follow Him, but finally left Him because they felt the cost was too great. Once when Jesus had spoken solemnly of what it meant to follow Him “many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him” (John 6. 66). Before we proceed any further let us have it clearly understood that “a disciple is not above his teacher.” We are to expect no better treatment from the people with whom we associate than Christ receives. Are you satisfied with that? Or “would ye also go away?” (John 6. 67). Check carefully the desires of your heart. If you discover that Satan has already caused you to desire to be above your Master, deal with this subtle sin today. Then, renew your pledge to your Master, and follow Him wherever He may lead. You and He are to be so identified that you will both receive the same treatment, a sharing of His sufferings on earth, and finally, of His glory in heaven.
42. Who Will Be Your Pallbearers?
Who Will Be Your Pallbearers?
Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedience his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death,, or of obedience unto righteousness ? Romans 6:16.
It is customary to choose the closest friends of the departed to act as pallbearers at his funeral. These friends are asked to carry the body to its last resting place, not because of their strength, but rather because they were intimately associated with the deceased in his life.
Have you ever thought, dear friend, who your pallbearers will be? No doubt in your case, too, six close associates will perform this task. But we are thinking now of pallbearers that serve men while they are still alive. There are six huskies that have often served in this way and that never seem to tire of it. They have silently carried many a soul to the grave of eternal damnation. Do they happen to be intimate friends of yours?
The first is Mr. Lust. He is such an intimate of many individuals that they spend much time and energy to be entertained by him. He usually makes his calls after dark and is very generous with his time. He has such appeal that the flesh longs for his company. He is always ready to come at a moment's notice and stay as long as desired.
The second is Mr. Worldliness. He is attractive and is always the life of the party. It seems that when he is around, it is so easy to forget about the problems of the soul. He does not believe in denying self, but advocates "eat, drink and be merry." He has a knack of making people forget about the serious side of life and somehow causes them to relax in his presence. He is so full of fun that you just can not help laughing at all his jokes.
The third is Mr. Procrastination. He seems to be such a sensible fellow. He has so much to do that there is never time for all that he intends to do. He does not ridicule religion. He even speaks in favor of it. But he is never in a hurry and always quiets your fears by saying, "Don't worry about that now, there is another day coming." He promises to do so much in the future. He assures us we can do as we please now, and then when we get old, we can get right with God. He has a great many whom he plans to help some day. His intentions are so good.
The fourth is Mr. Disobedience. He is so wise that there is not much that he does not know. He has a will of his own and is so full of suggestions. He can figure out so many different ways to do things. He seems such a logical thinker and has an answer for everything. Oftentimes he is willing to make sacrifices to the God he refuses to obey. He is a very daring fellow and has no fear. His favorite saying is, "I won't.'' He is very old, for he knew Adam and Eve, and even visited them in their first home.
The fifth is Mr. Pride. He is such a "gentleman" and elegant in his carriage. He is courteous in public and has great familiarity with the world of culture. He has done so much in life that he could write columns of what he has accomplished. His favorite words are I, me, and my. It really is remarkable how often he can use them. His knees are stiff and he finds it hard to kneel, otherwise he is in perfect health. He is much concerned about what people think of him. His feelings are easily hurt.
The sixth is Mr. Hypocrisy. He can adjust himself to any situation, an ability which has won him a host of friends everywhere. He agrees with almost everyone and tries not to offend people. He is a very broadminded chap and has friends among all classes of people. He can go to church on Sunday but his religion is broad enough to let him do anything he pleases during the week. He loves the word "yes" and often uses it twice when agreeing with people. Some have called him the "yes, yes'' man.
God's Word, however, has something to say about each member of this sextet that is not very complimentary. We will select only one statement about each one and tabulate our find:
Mr. Lust: "Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof'" (Romans 13: 14) .
Mr. Worldliness: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever'' (1 John 2: 15-17) .
Mr. Procrastination: "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth'' (Proverbs 27: 1).
Mr. Disobedience: "Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience'' (Ephesians 5: 6) .
Mr. Pride: ''Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall'' (Proverbs 16: 18).
Mr. Hypocrisy: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter'' (Matthew 23: 13) .
These six huskies, however, are not the only members of their tribe. They are legion in number and are often referred to by their family name: "the works of the flesh." God's Word has a solemn warning to this entire group: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you even as I did forewarn you, that they who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God'' (Ga1. 5: 19-21).
Are you by any chance on good terms with any of these? lf so, you have found that they are of the clinging type. They follow you like your shadow and hound you wherever you go. They are competing for the honor of carrying you to your grave of eternal damnation.
If you long in your heart to be free from them, God offers you His one and only remedy, namely, Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said, "He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives," He invites you to come to Him with your problems. "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest'' (Matthew 11: 28). He assures you He can handle your case, "To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil'' (1 John 3: 8) . Simply confess your sins to Him and claim the promise. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness'' (1 John 1: 9) . Hide nothing from Him, for "he that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy'' (Proverbs 28: 13) . The Lord stands ready to clean your house of all this tribe, and to fill your heart with His Holy Spirit.
These six huskies, plus all their relatives, are not easily gotten rid of, "for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, for these are contrary the one to the other'' (Galatians 5: 17). These former friends will become your enemies. They will be continually knocking at your heart's door seeking admittance. When you see them approaching or hear their knock, turn immediately to the Lord Jesus. Do not listen to their arguments, for they will outwit you. Remember the word, "Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5: 16). If, in a moment of weakness, one or more of this old clan gets into your heart, put them to death immediately by confessing their presence to Christ. Show no mercy. Do not hide them for a moment. God has given the orders, "Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth'' (Colossians 3. 5). Hold on to the promise, "We are more than conquerors through him that loved us'' (Romans 8: 37).
Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedience his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death,, or of obedience unto righteousness ? Romans 6:16.
It is customary to choose the closest friends of the departed to act as pallbearers at his funeral. These friends are asked to carry the body to its last resting place, not because of their strength, but rather because they were intimately associated with the deceased in his life.
Have you ever thought, dear friend, who your pallbearers will be? No doubt in your case, too, six close associates will perform this task. But we are thinking now of pallbearers that serve men while they are still alive. There are six huskies that have often served in this way and that never seem to tire of it. They have silently carried many a soul to the grave of eternal damnation. Do they happen to be intimate friends of yours?
The first is Mr. Lust. He is such an intimate of many individuals that they spend much time and energy to be entertained by him. He usually makes his calls after dark and is very generous with his time. He has such appeal that the flesh longs for his company. He is always ready to come at a moment's notice and stay as long as desired.
The second is Mr. Worldliness. He is attractive and is always the life of the party. It seems that when he is around, it is so easy to forget about the problems of the soul. He does not believe in denying self, but advocates "eat, drink and be merry." He has a knack of making people forget about the serious side of life and somehow causes them to relax in his presence. He is so full of fun that you just can not help laughing at all his jokes.
The third is Mr. Procrastination. He seems to be such a sensible fellow. He has so much to do that there is never time for all that he intends to do. He does not ridicule religion. He even speaks in favor of it. But he is never in a hurry and always quiets your fears by saying, "Don't worry about that now, there is another day coming." He promises to do so much in the future. He assures us we can do as we please now, and then when we get old, we can get right with God. He has a great many whom he plans to help some day. His intentions are so good.
The fourth is Mr. Disobedience. He is so wise that there is not much that he does not know. He has a will of his own and is so full of suggestions. He can figure out so many different ways to do things. He seems such a logical thinker and has an answer for everything. Oftentimes he is willing to make sacrifices to the God he refuses to obey. He is a very daring fellow and has no fear. His favorite saying is, "I won't.'' He is very old, for he knew Adam and Eve, and even visited them in their first home.
The fifth is Mr. Pride. He is such a "gentleman" and elegant in his carriage. He is courteous in public and has great familiarity with the world of culture. He has done so much in life that he could write columns of what he has accomplished. His favorite words are I, me, and my. It really is remarkable how often he can use them. His knees are stiff and he finds it hard to kneel, otherwise he is in perfect health. He is much concerned about what people think of him. His feelings are easily hurt.
The sixth is Mr. Hypocrisy. He can adjust himself to any situation, an ability which has won him a host of friends everywhere. He agrees with almost everyone and tries not to offend people. He is a very broadminded chap and has friends among all classes of people. He can go to church on Sunday but his religion is broad enough to let him do anything he pleases during the week. He loves the word "yes" and often uses it twice when agreeing with people. Some have called him the "yes, yes'' man.
God's Word, however, has something to say about each member of this sextet that is not very complimentary. We will select only one statement about each one and tabulate our find:
Mr. Lust: "Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof'" (Romans 13: 14) .
Mr. Worldliness: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever'' (1 John 2: 15-17) .
Mr. Procrastination: "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth'' (Proverbs 27: 1).
Mr. Disobedience: "Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience'' (Ephesians 5: 6) .
Mr. Pride: ''Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall'' (Proverbs 16: 18).
Mr. Hypocrisy: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter'' (Matthew 23: 13) .
These six huskies, however, are not the only members of their tribe. They are legion in number and are often referred to by their family name: "the works of the flesh." God's Word has a solemn warning to this entire group: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you even as I did forewarn you, that they who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God'' (Ga1. 5: 19-21).
Are you by any chance on good terms with any of these? lf so, you have found that they are of the clinging type. They follow you like your shadow and hound you wherever you go. They are competing for the honor of carrying you to your grave of eternal damnation.
If you long in your heart to be free from them, God offers you His one and only remedy, namely, Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said, "He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives," He invites you to come to Him with your problems. "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest'' (Matthew 11: 28). He assures you He can handle your case, "To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil'' (1 John 3: 8) . Simply confess your sins to Him and claim the promise. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness'' (1 John 1: 9) . Hide nothing from Him, for "he that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy'' (Proverbs 28: 13) . The Lord stands ready to clean your house of all this tribe, and to fill your heart with His Holy Spirit.
These six huskies, plus all their relatives, are not easily gotten rid of, "for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, for these are contrary the one to the other'' (Galatians 5: 17). These former friends will become your enemies. They will be continually knocking at your heart's door seeking admittance. When you see them approaching or hear their knock, turn immediately to the Lord Jesus. Do not listen to their arguments, for they will outwit you. Remember the word, "Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5: 16). If, in a moment of weakness, one or more of this old clan gets into your heart, put them to death immediately by confessing their presence to Christ. Show no mercy. Do not hide them for a moment. God has given the orders, "Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth'' (Colossians 3. 5). Hold on to the promise, "We are more than conquerors through him that loved us'' (Romans 8: 37).
41. Jesus Came
Jesus Came
Read John 20.19-23
“Jesus came.” These words, which are so meaningful in their simplicity, are from the first Easter text. The ten timid disciples had locked themselves in a room “for fear of the Jews,” when suddenly Jesus appeared. It was a transforming moment in their lives. It did something for them that gave them a new lease on life. What Jesus did for them He desires to do for us.
When “Jesus came,” He spoke the needed word. He knew exactly what to say. He broke the silence of that tense moment by His greeting, “Peace be unto you.” Jesus knew these men needed peace more than anything else, therefore He came to meet that need. This is typical of our Saviour. He always meets our needs through His Word. Had He seen that these men needed material or physical blessings more than anything else He could easily have supplied that. However, He saw they needed a spiritual blessing first, therefore He spoke words of peace. When Jesus comes He always gives a troubled soul peace. That is one way of knowing that Jesus has come to an individual. He who does not have peace with God has not met the resurrected Saviour. Jesus said to His followers, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you” (John 14. 27). Notice, when Jesus said “Peace,” He added “be unto you.” These men were to know that what Christ came to give was for them. “Unto you” are words that can not be twisted or misunderstood. They mean exactly what they say. Today these same words are for us.
When “Jesus came,” He showed His disciples the most important thing there was to see, namely Himself. He drew special attention to “his hands and his side” (v. 20). He could easily have showed them a number of other things. For example, He could have showed them their faults and chided them for their cowardly behavior of the past few days. He could also have rehearsed the bravery of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who carried His body to the tomb. But Jesus was kind and merciful and wanted to show His disciples something of eternal value. Therefore He drew their attention to the nail holes in His hands and the spear hole in His side. This was the evidence that redemption’s price was paid in full. Christ wanted to impress upon them the importance of these marks. They must have been very important, since that was all He showed them. What thoughts do you suppose entered their minds as they silently looked at Him? It would not have been amiss if some of them had thought of Isaiah 53. 5: “He was wounded for our transgressions, and he was bruised for our iniquities.” Jesus is anxious to show every one of His followers the same thing. He would have us linger until the full significance of these wounds begins to dawn upon us. The disciples, we read, “were glad when they saw the Lord.” Once an individual begins to realize the importance of Christ’s wounds he, too, will be glad and satisfied. This will be another evidence that Jesus has revealed Himself.
When “Jesus came,” He commissioned His disciples for a specific task. Little did they realize as they awakened that day that this would be their commissioning day. In fact, that did not enter their minds. They were ready to part company and forget all about the high hopes they had cherished about Jesus Christ. However, they had no sooner met the resurrected Christ than He said to them, “As the Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (v. 21). No one ever meets the living Christ without receiving some commission. Many missionaries and pastors are commissioned at formal church services. But their first and real commissioning took place at some earlier date. Jesus wanted His disciples to know as He commissioned them that the same relationship would exist between Him and them as existed between Him and the Father. Could any disciple ask for more? When a Christian is tempted to be discouraged it would be well for him to remember the words of Christ, “Even so send I you.” If anyone reading these lines has been waiting for a commission from Christ, he can find his answer by prayerfully considering this commission. The words still have the same power. If you have felt free to take to yourself the promises of God, why can you not feel just as free about making your own commission?
When “Jesus came,” He empowered His followers. He did so in the words, “Receive ye the Holy Spirit” (v. 22). He knew they could never do the work to which He commissioned them without the power that He Himself would supply. In fact, it was never His plan that they should do a single act in their own strength. He therefore told them of the power to be given them. Note that the disciples were still on the receiving end. Christ is always seeking those who are willing to receive what He has to give. It is His greatest joy to give. The disciples had already received gifts beyond number, but now Christ asks them to receive the greatest of all His gifts, namely, the Holy Spirit. He had spoken before about this gift and had described Him as the Teacher, Revealer, and Comforter. This same gift is here today to empower every one of Christ’s followers. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit in their lives is another evidence that they have met the living Saviour.
When “Jesus came,” He told His followers how to deal with the sin problem. He said to them: “Whose soever sins ye forgive, they are forgiven unto them; whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained” (v. 23). Some sinners were to hear words of forgiveness, while others should be retained in their sins. In either case the disciples were to preach about sin. Truly Christ gave them a responsible work. They could easily become careless and begin to preach about more attractive subjects. They could also forget to divide the Word aright, preach wholesale forgiveness, and forget about “retaining” the unrepentant sinner. Jesus even promised that if they carried out His work right, heaven’s records would resemble theirs. What they loosed or bound on earth would be likewise loosed or bound in heaven. How important then that every one who claims to be a follower of Christ should carry out His instructions in the minutest detail. This, then, is the spirit of all those to whom Jesus has revealed Himself. They are dealing with the sin problem.
When “Jesus came,” He did so much in such a short time. His appearance that first Easter evening lasted only a few minutes and yet in those moments He did something for the disciples that had eternal results. Sorrow, gloom, doubt, and fear, which were so overpowering before, suddenly vanished. Instead, their hearts were filled with joy—eternal joy. Jesus can do the same for you. He does not now reveal Himself to the physical eye, for He has said, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20.29). Nevertheless, “the eyes of your heart” (Ephesians 1.18) can behold Him, so that you, too, can be “glad.” No thrill was accorded the disciples that you may not, in a spiritual sense, enjoy.
Read John 20.19-23
“Jesus came.” These words, which are so meaningful in their simplicity, are from the first Easter text. The ten timid disciples had locked themselves in a room “for fear of the Jews,” when suddenly Jesus appeared. It was a transforming moment in their lives. It did something for them that gave them a new lease on life. What Jesus did for them He desires to do for us.
When “Jesus came,” He spoke the needed word. He knew exactly what to say. He broke the silence of that tense moment by His greeting, “Peace be unto you.” Jesus knew these men needed peace more than anything else, therefore He came to meet that need. This is typical of our Saviour. He always meets our needs through His Word. Had He seen that these men needed material or physical blessings more than anything else He could easily have supplied that. However, He saw they needed a spiritual blessing first, therefore He spoke words of peace. When Jesus comes He always gives a troubled soul peace. That is one way of knowing that Jesus has come to an individual. He who does not have peace with God has not met the resurrected Saviour. Jesus said to His followers, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you” (John 14. 27). Notice, when Jesus said “Peace,” He added “be unto you.” These men were to know that what Christ came to give was for them. “Unto you” are words that can not be twisted or misunderstood. They mean exactly what they say. Today these same words are for us.
When “Jesus came,” He showed His disciples the most important thing there was to see, namely Himself. He drew special attention to “his hands and his side” (v. 20). He could easily have showed them a number of other things. For example, He could have showed them their faults and chided them for their cowardly behavior of the past few days. He could also have rehearsed the bravery of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who carried His body to the tomb. But Jesus was kind and merciful and wanted to show His disciples something of eternal value. Therefore He drew their attention to the nail holes in His hands and the spear hole in His side. This was the evidence that redemption’s price was paid in full. Christ wanted to impress upon them the importance of these marks. They must have been very important, since that was all He showed them. What thoughts do you suppose entered their minds as they silently looked at Him? It would not have been amiss if some of them had thought of Isaiah 53. 5: “He was wounded for our transgressions, and he was bruised for our iniquities.” Jesus is anxious to show every one of His followers the same thing. He would have us linger until the full significance of these wounds begins to dawn upon us. The disciples, we read, “were glad when they saw the Lord.” Once an individual begins to realize the importance of Christ’s wounds he, too, will be glad and satisfied. This will be another evidence that Jesus has revealed Himself.
When “Jesus came,” He commissioned His disciples for a specific task. Little did they realize as they awakened that day that this would be their commissioning day. In fact, that did not enter their minds. They were ready to part company and forget all about the high hopes they had cherished about Jesus Christ. However, they had no sooner met the resurrected Christ than He said to them, “As the Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (v. 21). No one ever meets the living Christ without receiving some commission. Many missionaries and pastors are commissioned at formal church services. But their first and real commissioning took place at some earlier date. Jesus wanted His disciples to know as He commissioned them that the same relationship would exist between Him and them as existed between Him and the Father. Could any disciple ask for more? When a Christian is tempted to be discouraged it would be well for him to remember the words of Christ, “Even so send I you.” If anyone reading these lines has been waiting for a commission from Christ, he can find his answer by prayerfully considering this commission. The words still have the same power. If you have felt free to take to yourself the promises of God, why can you not feel just as free about making your own commission?
When “Jesus came,” He empowered His followers. He did so in the words, “Receive ye the Holy Spirit” (v. 22). He knew they could never do the work to which He commissioned them without the power that He Himself would supply. In fact, it was never His plan that they should do a single act in their own strength. He therefore told them of the power to be given them. Note that the disciples were still on the receiving end. Christ is always seeking those who are willing to receive what He has to give. It is His greatest joy to give. The disciples had already received gifts beyond number, but now Christ asks them to receive the greatest of all His gifts, namely, the Holy Spirit. He had spoken before about this gift and had described Him as the Teacher, Revealer, and Comforter. This same gift is here today to empower every one of Christ’s followers. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit in their lives is another evidence that they have met the living Saviour.
When “Jesus came,” He told His followers how to deal with the sin problem. He said to them: “Whose soever sins ye forgive, they are forgiven unto them; whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained” (v. 23). Some sinners were to hear words of forgiveness, while others should be retained in their sins. In either case the disciples were to preach about sin. Truly Christ gave them a responsible work. They could easily become careless and begin to preach about more attractive subjects. They could also forget to divide the Word aright, preach wholesale forgiveness, and forget about “retaining” the unrepentant sinner. Jesus even promised that if they carried out His work right, heaven’s records would resemble theirs. What they loosed or bound on earth would be likewise loosed or bound in heaven. How important then that every one who claims to be a follower of Christ should carry out His instructions in the minutest detail. This, then, is the spirit of all those to whom Jesus has revealed Himself. They are dealing with the sin problem.
When “Jesus came,” He did so much in such a short time. His appearance that first Easter evening lasted only a few minutes and yet in those moments He did something for the disciples that had eternal results. Sorrow, gloom, doubt, and fear, which were so overpowering before, suddenly vanished. Instead, their hearts were filled with joy—eternal joy. Jesus can do the same for you. He does not now reveal Himself to the physical eye, for He has said, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20.29). Nevertheless, “the eyes of your heart” (Ephesians 1.18) can behold Him, so that you, too, can be “glad.” No thrill was accorded the disciples that you may not, in a spiritual sense, enjoy.
40. An Offering
An Offering
Take for me an offering. Exodus 2.2.
This was Jehovah’s own request. Moses first heard these words when he was on a mountain awaiting God’s instructions. He had waited patiently for seven days before Jehovah uttered a word. Perhaps he wondered, during that long wait, what Jehovah would say. Finally, the long silence was broken with the abrupt words of our text. Jehovah asked for “an offering” even before He gave out the plans for the tabernacle. An offering, then, must be very important.
This offering was to be of such a nature that “every man whose heart maketh him willing” (v. 2), would have an opportunity to participate in it. At least fifteen items were mentioned, ranging from gold to goat’s hair. Those who could not give one thing could give another. The poorer people were not to be left out, for their gift would be blest as well as the gifts of others. It is interesting to note that of all the givers in Jesus’ day, it was only the widow who gave her two mites who was exalted by Him, for “she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living” (Mark 12. 44). Let us not then withhold our gift, if it seems small to us. “For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not” (2 Corinthians 8. 12). Let us be sure then that we give “according as a man hath.” If we give less, something is the matter with us.
Only he “whose heart maketh him willing” was asked to partake in this offering. All others could keep their possessions for themselves. God looks at the heart and therefore wants nothing from those whose heart is not right with Him. “Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9. 7). God would rather receive five cents from a person who gives out of a cheerful heart than to receive five thousand dollars from a wealthy person who gives of necessity or grudgingly. No one, then, can please God by his giving unless he has first given Him his heart. It could be said of the early Macedonian Christians, “First they gave their own selves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8. 5). Then they gave of their means.
The purpose of this offering was to make Jehovah “a sanctuary” so that “he might dwell among them” (Exodus 25. 8). Their giving would simply provide a way for Jehovah to give them much more in return. He could easily have gotten material for the tabernacle some other way, “for the earth is Jehovah’s and the fullness thereof.” However, He chose to do it this way for the sake of the people. It is interesting to notice that even though the people were to derive the benefit of this offering, still the command was given, “Take for me an offering.” We should always be thankful to have a definite part in an offering! The promise is “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom” (Luke 6. 38). The hand that reaches out to give some temporal blessing is the hand that opens the door for Jehovah to pour forth His eternal blessing. Truly, then, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20. 35).
The result of this simple plea for an offering was staggering. Those in charge reported, “The people bring much more than enough” (Exodus 36. 5). Moses, therefore, had to command the people to stop. “For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much” (Exodus 36. 7). “So the people were restrained from bringing” (v.6). Have you witnessed anything like this in our day? Pressure is often used to get people to give, but it is rarely exercised to stay their giving. If offerings today are for Jehovah, should not results be the same? Does not the command still hold good, “Take for me an offering”? Then, surely we who live in this age of grace should produce similar results.
It takes the grace of God to participate rightly in an offering. To be sure, it takes the grace of God to be saved and to continue in the Christian life, but it also takes the grace of God to live. When Paul made mention of the offerings received from the Macedonian churches, he began by saying, “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia” (2 Corinthians 8. 1). This grace was so abundantly poured out upon these churches that they gave “of their own accord” (v. 3). Paul was anxious that the Corinthians should have “this grace also” (v. 6); he therefore reminded them of “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8. 9). If we then want grace for giving, we must go directly to the Lord Jesus Christ and ask for it. This grace He gives freely to all who want it. 0niy those who have freely partaken of this grace can freely give. “Freely ye received, freely give” (Matthew 10. 8).
God has spoken. “Take for me an offering” was His simple request. Such a command calls for immediate action. Let us pray for grace to be faithful.
Take for me an offering. Exodus 2.2.
This was Jehovah’s own request. Moses first heard these words when he was on a mountain awaiting God’s instructions. He had waited patiently for seven days before Jehovah uttered a word. Perhaps he wondered, during that long wait, what Jehovah would say. Finally, the long silence was broken with the abrupt words of our text. Jehovah asked for “an offering” even before He gave out the plans for the tabernacle. An offering, then, must be very important.
This offering was to be of such a nature that “every man whose heart maketh him willing” (v. 2), would have an opportunity to participate in it. At least fifteen items were mentioned, ranging from gold to goat’s hair. Those who could not give one thing could give another. The poorer people were not to be left out, for their gift would be blest as well as the gifts of others. It is interesting to note that of all the givers in Jesus’ day, it was only the widow who gave her two mites who was exalted by Him, for “she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living” (Mark 12. 44). Let us not then withhold our gift, if it seems small to us. “For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not” (2 Corinthians 8. 12). Let us be sure then that we give “according as a man hath.” If we give less, something is the matter with us.
Only he “whose heart maketh him willing” was asked to partake in this offering. All others could keep their possessions for themselves. God looks at the heart and therefore wants nothing from those whose heart is not right with Him. “Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9. 7). God would rather receive five cents from a person who gives out of a cheerful heart than to receive five thousand dollars from a wealthy person who gives of necessity or grudgingly. No one, then, can please God by his giving unless he has first given Him his heart. It could be said of the early Macedonian Christians, “First they gave their own selves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8. 5). Then they gave of their means.
The purpose of this offering was to make Jehovah “a sanctuary” so that “he might dwell among them” (Exodus 25. 8). Their giving would simply provide a way for Jehovah to give them much more in return. He could easily have gotten material for the tabernacle some other way, “for the earth is Jehovah’s and the fullness thereof.” However, He chose to do it this way for the sake of the people. It is interesting to notice that even though the people were to derive the benefit of this offering, still the command was given, “Take for me an offering.” We should always be thankful to have a definite part in an offering! The promise is “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom” (Luke 6. 38). The hand that reaches out to give some temporal blessing is the hand that opens the door for Jehovah to pour forth His eternal blessing. Truly, then, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20. 35).
The result of this simple plea for an offering was staggering. Those in charge reported, “The people bring much more than enough” (Exodus 36. 5). Moses, therefore, had to command the people to stop. “For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much” (Exodus 36. 7). “So the people were restrained from bringing” (v.6). Have you witnessed anything like this in our day? Pressure is often used to get people to give, but it is rarely exercised to stay their giving. If offerings today are for Jehovah, should not results be the same? Does not the command still hold good, “Take for me an offering”? Then, surely we who live in this age of grace should produce similar results.
It takes the grace of God to participate rightly in an offering. To be sure, it takes the grace of God to be saved and to continue in the Christian life, but it also takes the grace of God to live. When Paul made mention of the offerings received from the Macedonian churches, he began by saying, “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia” (2 Corinthians 8. 1). This grace was so abundantly poured out upon these churches that they gave “of their own accord” (v. 3). Paul was anxious that the Corinthians should have “this grace also” (v. 6); he therefore reminded them of “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8. 9). If we then want grace for giving, we must go directly to the Lord Jesus Christ and ask for it. This grace He gives freely to all who want it. 0niy those who have freely partaken of this grace can freely give. “Freely ye received, freely give” (Matthew 10. 8).
God has spoken. “Take for me an offering” was His simple request. Such a command calls for immediate action. Let us pray for grace to be faithful.
39. Come and Rest
Come and Rest
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11.28.
This is Jesus Christ’s personal invitation to all who are looking for soul rest. He has passed this invitation out to millions upon millions of people, in the hope that many will respond.
This invitation is addressed to those “that labor and are heavy laden.” It makes no difference what it is that makes you “heavy laden.” Jesus is anxious that this invitation shall reach those who are burdened to the breaking point, and are looking for release. Such people may be discouraged, weak, downhearted, sorrowful, sin-sick, tired, rebellious, and the like. Regardless of who they are, or what their past may have been, or where they may be at present, the invitation is for them. When a messenger boy delivers a message to a certain individual, that message must be delivered to the right man, regardless of where he is, whether in his home, in the office, at a neighbor’s, or in any other place. The important thing is that the right man gets the message. If you fit the description, if you “labor and are heavy laden,” our search has ended. You are the one for whom Christ is looking.
The invitation bids the needy one come directly to Jesus Christ Himself. “Come unto me” is the exact wording. Notice, He did not say “Keep trying,” or “Try a little harder,” or “Do the best you can.” These things may indeed explain why you have “labored” and become “heavy laden.” Rather, the invitation is to stop all this and come directly to Christ. Just come the way you are. Come with that which makes you “heavy laden.” Bring your sins and all into His presence. Tell Him all about your load. Tell Him when and how you first started to accumulate it, if you can remember. Even if you can not remember, come anyway, and tell Him about the load itself. Unload it at His feet in confession, “casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you” (1 Peter 5. 7). Do not hesitate, however filthy it may be. Remember, you come at His invitation, for He it is who said, “Come unto me.”
Notice that the invitation contains a five-word promise, “I will give you rest.” It does not say the Lord might give rest to someone or other, but says definitely of each and every burdened one, “I will give you rest.” Read these words over and over again, for they contain an immeasurable amount of blessing. Remember this promise is given to “all who labor and are heavy laden.” Not one is left out. Rest is offered—rest from the labor and the heavy load, soul “rest” that alone gives full relaxation. The stormy, restless heart can become calm and peaceful. As a still sea reflects the beauties of the skies, so a restful soul reflects the beauties of heaven itself. The promise is for all who will truly come to Christ. A sure token that you have actually come to Christ is then that you have “rest.” If you still have no rest, it is because you have not come, for Christ and rest can not be separated. Christ further emphasizes this truth when He adds the words, “ye shall have rest unto your souls” (v. 29). “Rest,” then, is Christ’s outright gift to all who accept His invitation.
This invitation requires an answer in return. To put off answering is the same as a rejection. To say you believe it, and yet not to act upon it, is also a rejection. The only right thing is to come, and come now. Perhaps this same invitation has reached you many times before. Some time will be the last. Perhaps this is it. You can be sure no one ever reads this tender invitation but that the loving eyes of Christ are upon him. He stands beside you now, ready to make this promise real. He is so close that you can whisper your answer.
Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11.28.
This is Jesus Christ’s personal invitation to all who are looking for soul rest. He has passed this invitation out to millions upon millions of people, in the hope that many will respond.
This invitation is addressed to those “that labor and are heavy laden.” It makes no difference what it is that makes you “heavy laden.” Jesus is anxious that this invitation shall reach those who are burdened to the breaking point, and are looking for release. Such people may be discouraged, weak, downhearted, sorrowful, sin-sick, tired, rebellious, and the like. Regardless of who they are, or what their past may have been, or where they may be at present, the invitation is for them. When a messenger boy delivers a message to a certain individual, that message must be delivered to the right man, regardless of where he is, whether in his home, in the office, at a neighbor’s, or in any other place. The important thing is that the right man gets the message. If you fit the description, if you “labor and are heavy laden,” our search has ended. You are the one for whom Christ is looking.
The invitation bids the needy one come directly to Jesus Christ Himself. “Come unto me” is the exact wording. Notice, He did not say “Keep trying,” or “Try a little harder,” or “Do the best you can.” These things may indeed explain why you have “labored” and become “heavy laden.” Rather, the invitation is to stop all this and come directly to Christ. Just come the way you are. Come with that which makes you “heavy laden.” Bring your sins and all into His presence. Tell Him all about your load. Tell Him when and how you first started to accumulate it, if you can remember. Even if you can not remember, come anyway, and tell Him about the load itself. Unload it at His feet in confession, “casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you” (1 Peter 5. 7). Do not hesitate, however filthy it may be. Remember, you come at His invitation, for He it is who said, “Come unto me.”
Notice that the invitation contains a five-word promise, “I will give you rest.” It does not say the Lord might give rest to someone or other, but says definitely of each and every burdened one, “I will give you rest.” Read these words over and over again, for they contain an immeasurable amount of blessing. Remember this promise is given to “all who labor and are heavy laden.” Not one is left out. Rest is offered—rest from the labor and the heavy load, soul “rest” that alone gives full relaxation. The stormy, restless heart can become calm and peaceful. As a still sea reflects the beauties of the skies, so a restful soul reflects the beauties of heaven itself. The promise is for all who will truly come to Christ. A sure token that you have actually come to Christ is then that you have “rest.” If you still have no rest, it is because you have not come, for Christ and rest can not be separated. Christ further emphasizes this truth when He adds the words, “ye shall have rest unto your souls” (v. 29). “Rest,” then, is Christ’s outright gift to all who accept His invitation.
This invitation requires an answer in return. To put off answering is the same as a rejection. To say you believe it, and yet not to act upon it, is also a rejection. The only right thing is to come, and come now. Perhaps this same invitation has reached you many times before. Some time will be the last. Perhaps this is it. You can be sure no one ever reads this tender invitation but that the loving eyes of Christ are upon him. He stands beside you now, ready to make this promise real. He is so close that you can whisper your answer.
Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.
38. Mr. One Talent
Mr. One Talent
He that received the one (talent) went away and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. Matthew 25. 18.
Meet Mr. One Talent. His ability was very limited, but his lord trusted him just the same. What faith our Lord has in His followers! He has more faith in Christians than they have in Him; He has “delivered unto them his goods” (Matthew 25. 14). Each one, even the weakest, has at least one talent.
Mr. One Talent took the way of least resistance. His companions, Mr. Two Talent and Mr. Five Talent, got busy “straightway.” Not one minute was to be lost. What the master had entrusted to them must be used immediately. This was also the attitude of the Apostle Paul, for immediately after his conversion he “straightway in the synagogues proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God” (Acts 9. 20). Mr. One Talent did the opposite. He “digged in the earth.” The man who digs is not a walking or a running man; he has come to a standstill. He looks downward. He sees only a few feet.
Mr. One Talent hid his lord’s money. What an accusation! This money was to be used, as it was given for the purpose of being invested. His companions used their talents for trading. By a series of business transactions and investments, they gained other talents. The way to get is to give. Our Lord has promised, “Give, and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6. 38). Mr. One Talent did not squander his talent, but he hid it. Much of the Lord’s money is hidden today. Very little is in circulation. Friend, do you by chance know where some of it is hidden?
Mr. One Talent had many opportunities to dig up his lord’s money and use it rightly, for the lord’s coming was delayed a long time. Each day was a day of grace for him. Any day could have been the first day to get busy. Yet one day after another went by and still the talent lay unused.
Mr. One Talent lost out entirely. He missed the blessed greeting that Mr. Two Talent and Mr. Five Talent received from their master, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” It could not be said of him, “Thou hast been faithful over a few things.” Neither was the promise given him, “Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Rather, he was addressed as the “wicked and slothful servant.” He heard the master say, “Take ye away therefore the talent from him.” He heard the judgment, “Cast ye out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.”
What a warning from Mr. One Talent! Little did he realize that it was such a serious offense to “hide his lord’s money.” We are all inclined by the desires of the natural man to do the same thing. May ye rather pray earnestly: “Search me, 0 God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139. 23—24).
He that received the one (talent) went away and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. Matthew 25. 18.
Meet Mr. One Talent. His ability was very limited, but his lord trusted him just the same. What faith our Lord has in His followers! He has more faith in Christians than they have in Him; He has “delivered unto them his goods” (Matthew 25. 14). Each one, even the weakest, has at least one talent.
Mr. One Talent took the way of least resistance. His companions, Mr. Two Talent and Mr. Five Talent, got busy “straightway.” Not one minute was to be lost. What the master had entrusted to them must be used immediately. This was also the attitude of the Apostle Paul, for immediately after his conversion he “straightway in the synagogues proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God” (Acts 9. 20). Mr. One Talent did the opposite. He “digged in the earth.” The man who digs is not a walking or a running man; he has come to a standstill. He looks downward. He sees only a few feet.
Mr. One Talent hid his lord’s money. What an accusation! This money was to be used, as it was given for the purpose of being invested. His companions used their talents for trading. By a series of business transactions and investments, they gained other talents. The way to get is to give. Our Lord has promised, “Give, and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6. 38). Mr. One Talent did not squander his talent, but he hid it. Much of the Lord’s money is hidden today. Very little is in circulation. Friend, do you by chance know where some of it is hidden?
Mr. One Talent had many opportunities to dig up his lord’s money and use it rightly, for the lord’s coming was delayed a long time. Each day was a day of grace for him. Any day could have been the first day to get busy. Yet one day after another went by and still the talent lay unused.
Mr. One Talent lost out entirely. He missed the blessed greeting that Mr. Two Talent and Mr. Five Talent received from their master, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” It could not be said of him, “Thou hast been faithful over a few things.” Neither was the promise given him, “Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Rather, he was addressed as the “wicked and slothful servant.” He heard the master say, “Take ye away therefore the talent from him.” He heard the judgment, “Cast ye out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.”
What a warning from Mr. One Talent! Little did he realize that it was such a serious offense to “hide his lord’s money.” We are all inclined by the desires of the natural man to do the same thing. May ye rather pray earnestly: “Search me, 0 God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139. 23—24).
37. Jesus Defends His Own
Jesus Defends His Own
Jesus answered, I told you that I am he; if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way. John 18.8.
Jesus made this request at the time of His capture. He had nothing to ask for Himself, but He did have a word for His followers.
The request, “Let these go,” reveals what love and concern Jesus has for His own. If every Christian knew the Lord’s concern for the welfare of every one of His followers, he would be constantly rejoicing. When Jesus said, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28. 20), He meant that very thing. Of course, if we go by our feelings rather than by the promise, such words will not mean much, for our feelings are constantly fluctuating. A child of God must learn sooner or later to stand squarely on the Word of God, and on the Word alone. Jesus Himself says, “Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you” (John 15. 9). Calvary proved this statement, for it was there that “Christ died for our sins” (1 Corinthians 15. 3). That act alone should convince any one that Christ loves him.
“Let these go” is a request made on behalf of the few who were willing to let Jesus be their Saviour. When Jesus made this request, He included but eleven in the word “these.” As much as the priests and the Pharisees may have hated these defenseless disciples, they did not lay a finger on them at this time. These few men were to be commissioned to get the gospel started on its course around the world. “The very hairs of their heads” (Luke 12. 7) were all numbered. “The gates of hell” (Matthew 16. 18) should not prevail against them. Jesus by His request prevented the enemy from destroying them. Since that time, the followers of Jesus have grown in numbers. Jesus has often stayed the opposing powers who would destroy them. Great attempts have been made to stop the Christians, but in spite of all, they have moved triumphantly onward.
“Let these go” is a request that Jesus makes to the Father on behalf of all repentant sinners. He is our High Priest who pleads our case before the Father. “For Christ entered . . . into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us” (Hebrews 9. 24). Such a verse should give courage to every Christian. Truly, he is well represented in heaven. “Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7. 25). Christ is our Advocate before the Father and is always pleading on our behalf. He never turns against us, but always makes intercession for us. Therefore, “if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2. 1). In other words He is saying to God the Father, “Let these go,” for He is at the right hand of God “making intercession for us” (Romans 8.34).
“Let these go” is a request that even death must honor. Three times during His earthly ministry Jesus commanded death to deliver up his victims, and in each case death immediately obeyed. The day is coming when “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4. 16). “The dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15. 52). “Then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory” (v. 54).
Jesus always defends His own. When Mary sat at His feet and was rebuked by her sister, Martha, it was Jesus that came to her defense, and said, “Mary hath chosen the good part” (Luke 10. 42). When the sinful woman sat at His feet and was rebuked by Simon the Pharisee, it was Jesus also who spoke for her, and said, “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven” (Luke 7. 47). Blessed then are they who are numbered as His disciples, for they will find their protection in Him. He will often speak His “Let these go their way,” and there will be no power, however strong, that can refuse His request.
Jesus answered, I told you that I am he; if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way. John 18.8.
Jesus made this request at the time of His capture. He had nothing to ask for Himself, but He did have a word for His followers.
The request, “Let these go,” reveals what love and concern Jesus has for His own. If every Christian knew the Lord’s concern for the welfare of every one of His followers, he would be constantly rejoicing. When Jesus said, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28. 20), He meant that very thing. Of course, if we go by our feelings rather than by the promise, such words will not mean much, for our feelings are constantly fluctuating. A child of God must learn sooner or later to stand squarely on the Word of God, and on the Word alone. Jesus Himself says, “Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you” (John 15. 9). Calvary proved this statement, for it was there that “Christ died for our sins” (1 Corinthians 15. 3). That act alone should convince any one that Christ loves him.
“Let these go” is a request made on behalf of the few who were willing to let Jesus be their Saviour. When Jesus made this request, He included but eleven in the word “these.” As much as the priests and the Pharisees may have hated these defenseless disciples, they did not lay a finger on them at this time. These few men were to be commissioned to get the gospel started on its course around the world. “The very hairs of their heads” (Luke 12. 7) were all numbered. “The gates of hell” (Matthew 16. 18) should not prevail against them. Jesus by His request prevented the enemy from destroying them. Since that time, the followers of Jesus have grown in numbers. Jesus has often stayed the opposing powers who would destroy them. Great attempts have been made to stop the Christians, but in spite of all, they have moved triumphantly onward.
“Let these go” is a request that Jesus makes to the Father on behalf of all repentant sinners. He is our High Priest who pleads our case before the Father. “For Christ entered . . . into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us” (Hebrews 9. 24). Such a verse should give courage to every Christian. Truly, he is well represented in heaven. “Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7. 25). Christ is our Advocate before the Father and is always pleading on our behalf. He never turns against us, but always makes intercession for us. Therefore, “if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2. 1). In other words He is saying to God the Father, “Let these go,” for He is at the right hand of God “making intercession for us” (Romans 8.34).
“Let these go” is a request that even death must honor. Three times during His earthly ministry Jesus commanded death to deliver up his victims, and in each case death immediately obeyed. The day is coming when “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4. 16). “The dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15. 52). “Then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory” (v. 54).
Jesus always defends His own. When Mary sat at His feet and was rebuked by her sister, Martha, it was Jesus that came to her defense, and said, “Mary hath chosen the good part” (Luke 10. 42). When the sinful woman sat at His feet and was rebuked by Simon the Pharisee, it was Jesus also who spoke for her, and said, “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven” (Luke 7. 47). Blessed then are they who are numbered as His disciples, for they will find their protection in Him. He will often speak His “Let these go their way,” and there will be no power, however strong, that can refuse His request.
36. Think Soberly
Think Soberly
Think soberly. Romans 12.3.
Everybody thinks. Thoughts of all kinds and descriptions are forever racing through our minds. Some are high and noble, and others are low and selfish. Some are inspired by the Lord, and others are inspired by the devil. Some have the power to pull us heavenward, and others to drag us down to hell. It is therefore important how we think. The Lord has told us: “Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are upon the earth” (Colossians 3.2). Let us pray that the following suggestions may be an aid in that direction.
“It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment” (Hebrews 9.27). This is an appointment we can not refuse. It is not within our power to change it. We will not be able to come even one minute late. The appointment has been made for us and we will be there. This is a sobering fact. God alone knows the appointed time. Perhaps it is so near that the shadows of death are already beginning to fall on us. We may be marked as the next one to be summoned from our respective families. Each day and each hour brings us closer to the appointed time. Every time the clock ticks, some have come to the appointed time. The apostle Paul, seeing the approach of death, wrote, “The time of my departure is come” (2 Timothy 4.6). He had no fear, for he had waited for this appointment. His life’s motto was, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1.21). He wanted to “depart and be with Christ, for it is far better” (Philippians 1.23). Friend, do not forget to mark down in your appointment book that “It is appointed unto men once to die.” Then remember, “There is but a step between me and death.”
Another sobering thought: “We must all be made manifest before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5.10). Notice the words “all” and “each one.” That makes it personal. This, then, is another sobering appointment that we should mark in our appointment book. Where? The judgment seat of Christ. When? After death. Why? To receive the things done in the body, according to what we have done, whether it be good or bad. We often forget that Jesus charged His apostles to preach “that this is he who is ordained of God to be the judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10.42). He is ordained to be the Judge. A group of unprepared people will some day “hide themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains and cry to the mountains and to the rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne” (Revelation 6.15—16). What a horrible moment! Truly, “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10. 3). Such verses ought to cause the most thoughtless sinner to think soberly.
A final sobering thought is that once we depart from this earth there remains no more hope for salvation. The rich man in Hades pleaded for mercy, but was told, “Between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they that would pass from hence to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from thence to us” (Luke 16.26). Did anyone ever receive a more sobering answer? No hope—a great gulf fixed that none may cross over. The cry for mercy came too late. Hell is full of sober-thinking people. The poor rich man was told, “Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime . . .“ Stop, do not say “remember.” What torture! It stirs the hell fires to a flame. No wonder “there shall be the weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Luke 13.28). God save us from this horrible place “where the worm dieth not.”
These three sobering facts should cause all who read these lines to “think soberly.” He who will despise these truths now will some day despise himself. What mercy to be reminded while still living in the day of grace! What a blessing that we are invited to “draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4.16). How sweet to hear again the words, “Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6.2). How precious the promise from Christ, “He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me hath eternal life, and cometh not unto judgment, but hath passed out of death into life” (John 5.24). How precious is Christ to a believer!
Think soberly. Romans 12.3.
Everybody thinks. Thoughts of all kinds and descriptions are forever racing through our minds. Some are high and noble, and others are low and selfish. Some are inspired by the Lord, and others are inspired by the devil. Some have the power to pull us heavenward, and others to drag us down to hell. It is therefore important how we think. The Lord has told us: “Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are upon the earth” (Colossians 3.2). Let us pray that the following suggestions may be an aid in that direction.
“It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment” (Hebrews 9.27). This is an appointment we can not refuse. It is not within our power to change it. We will not be able to come even one minute late. The appointment has been made for us and we will be there. This is a sobering fact. God alone knows the appointed time. Perhaps it is so near that the shadows of death are already beginning to fall on us. We may be marked as the next one to be summoned from our respective families. Each day and each hour brings us closer to the appointed time. Every time the clock ticks, some have come to the appointed time. The apostle Paul, seeing the approach of death, wrote, “The time of my departure is come” (2 Timothy 4.6). He had no fear, for he had waited for this appointment. His life’s motto was, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1.21). He wanted to “depart and be with Christ, for it is far better” (Philippians 1.23). Friend, do not forget to mark down in your appointment book that “It is appointed unto men once to die.” Then remember, “There is but a step between me and death.”
Another sobering thought: “We must all be made manifest before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5.10). Notice the words “all” and “each one.” That makes it personal. This, then, is another sobering appointment that we should mark in our appointment book. Where? The judgment seat of Christ. When? After death. Why? To receive the things done in the body, according to what we have done, whether it be good or bad. We often forget that Jesus charged His apostles to preach “that this is he who is ordained of God to be the judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10.42). He is ordained to be the Judge. A group of unprepared people will some day “hide themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains and cry to the mountains and to the rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne” (Revelation 6.15—16). What a horrible moment! Truly, “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10. 3). Such verses ought to cause the most thoughtless sinner to think soberly.
A final sobering thought is that once we depart from this earth there remains no more hope for salvation. The rich man in Hades pleaded for mercy, but was told, “Between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they that would pass from hence to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from thence to us” (Luke 16.26). Did anyone ever receive a more sobering answer? No hope—a great gulf fixed that none may cross over. The cry for mercy came too late. Hell is full of sober-thinking people. The poor rich man was told, “Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime . . .“ Stop, do not say “remember.” What torture! It stirs the hell fires to a flame. No wonder “there shall be the weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Luke 13.28). God save us from this horrible place “where the worm dieth not.”
These three sobering facts should cause all who read these lines to “think soberly.” He who will despise these truths now will some day despise himself. What mercy to be reminded while still living in the day of grace! What a blessing that we are invited to “draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4.16). How sweet to hear again the words, “Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6.2). How precious the promise from Christ, “He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me hath eternal life, and cometh not unto judgment, but hath passed out of death into life” (John 5.24). How precious is Christ to a believer!
35. Broken Hearts
Broken Hearts
He healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147.3.
Jesus specializes in healing broken hearts. He is indeed a heart specialist. He invites people with broken hearts to come to Him. He has a permanent cure for them. He always deals with His patients in tenderness and love. Of the countless numbers of broken hearted people who have entrusted themselves to Him, He has not lost a single case. This is a marvelous record. No one needs fear such a physician. Speaking of Jesus’ mission on earth, God’s Word clearly states: “He hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted” (Isaiah 61.1).
Our Lord does not despise broken hearts. A brokenhearted person may be tempted to think the Lord does not care. His grief may stagger him, yes, even break him down. He may think that because he has rejected the Lord so long there is no help for him now. He may even imagine he has fallen too low for the Lord to care for him. To be sure, our friends may show little or no interest in us at a time like this. We may even condemn and despise ourselves. But the Lord never despises anyone with a broken heart. David knew this, and therefore cried out, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, 0 God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51. 17). It is the broken heart that gives the Saviour entrance. Thank God, dear friend, if you have a broken heart!
Our Lord is near to people with broken hearts. We may not feel His nearness. In fact, we may even feel He is far from us. But, we have been taught not to base our hopes on our feelings. It is the Word, and the Word alone, that we must believe. Our feelings may fluctuate, but God’s Word remains the same. Let us again turn to the Word and see what our Lord has to say about people with broken hearts: “Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as are of a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34. 18). That is God’s truth, written in words that all can understand. The Lord has never canceled one promise. This one is as good as the day when it was first given. He who does not believe it classifies God as a liar. God save us from such a sin. We believe therefore that the Lord “is nigh” to them of a broken heart. Not that He will some day draw nigh, but that He “is nigh.”
Our Lord also creates new hearts. He never tries to patch up an old, sinful heart. The material is no good. Therefore He uses His almighty Word to create a new clean heart. Whenever that happens the greatest miracle of all time takes place. Every saved soul has been given a new heart, “wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new” (2 Corinthians 5. 17). If you want a clean heart, then cry out with David, “Create in me a clean heart, 0 God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51. 10). God always creates out of nothing. Through the power of His Word alone, the universe was created. Through the same power of His Word He creates new hearts. You need not try to create all kinds of good intentions and resolutions as material for Him to use. Away with them! Simply cry out in your helplessness, and He out of His own goodness and mercy will answer. Our God 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” (Isaiah 24.7).
Have you heart trouble of any kind? Is your heart heavy with grief? Is it broken because of sin? Then by all means consult a heart specialist. There is one standing beside you now. He is ready to go to work immediately. One of His jubilant followers who was completely healed left the following testimony: “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness unto all them that call upon thee” (Psalm 86. 5). Note especially the words “all” and “call.”
Hark the glad sound! the Saviour comes
The Saviour promised long!
Let every heart prepare a throne
And every voice a song.
He comes, the prisoners to release
In Satan’s bondage held;
The gates of brass before Him burst
The iron fetters yield.
He comes, the broken heart to bind,
The bleeding soul to cure,
And with the treasures of His grace
To bless the humble poor.
Our glad hosanna, Prince of Peace,
Thy welcome shall proclaim;
And Heav’n’s eternal arches ring
With Thy beloved Name.
PHILIP DODDRIDGE, 1735.
He healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147.3.
Jesus specializes in healing broken hearts. He is indeed a heart specialist. He invites people with broken hearts to come to Him. He has a permanent cure for them. He always deals with His patients in tenderness and love. Of the countless numbers of broken hearted people who have entrusted themselves to Him, He has not lost a single case. This is a marvelous record. No one needs fear such a physician. Speaking of Jesus’ mission on earth, God’s Word clearly states: “He hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted” (Isaiah 61.1).
Our Lord does not despise broken hearts. A brokenhearted person may be tempted to think the Lord does not care. His grief may stagger him, yes, even break him down. He may think that because he has rejected the Lord so long there is no help for him now. He may even imagine he has fallen too low for the Lord to care for him. To be sure, our friends may show little or no interest in us at a time like this. We may even condemn and despise ourselves. But the Lord never despises anyone with a broken heart. David knew this, and therefore cried out, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, 0 God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51. 17). It is the broken heart that gives the Saviour entrance. Thank God, dear friend, if you have a broken heart!
Our Lord is near to people with broken hearts. We may not feel His nearness. In fact, we may even feel He is far from us. But, we have been taught not to base our hopes on our feelings. It is the Word, and the Word alone, that we must believe. Our feelings may fluctuate, but God’s Word remains the same. Let us again turn to the Word and see what our Lord has to say about people with broken hearts: “Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as are of a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34. 18). That is God’s truth, written in words that all can understand. The Lord has never canceled one promise. This one is as good as the day when it was first given. He who does not believe it classifies God as a liar. God save us from such a sin. We believe therefore that the Lord “is nigh” to them of a broken heart. Not that He will some day draw nigh, but that He “is nigh.”
Our Lord also creates new hearts. He never tries to patch up an old, sinful heart. The material is no good. Therefore He uses His almighty Word to create a new clean heart. Whenever that happens the greatest miracle of all time takes place. Every saved soul has been given a new heart, “wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new” (2 Corinthians 5. 17). If you want a clean heart, then cry out with David, “Create in me a clean heart, 0 God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51. 10). God always creates out of nothing. Through the power of His Word alone, the universe was created. Through the same power of His Word He creates new hearts. You need not try to create all kinds of good intentions and resolutions as material for Him to use. Away with them! Simply cry out in your helplessness, and He out of His own goodness and mercy will answer. Our God 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” (Isaiah 24.7).
Have you heart trouble of any kind? Is your heart heavy with grief? Is it broken because of sin? Then by all means consult a heart specialist. There is one standing beside you now. He is ready to go to work immediately. One of His jubilant followers who was completely healed left the following testimony: “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness unto all them that call upon thee” (Psalm 86. 5). Note especially the words “all” and “call.”
Hark the glad sound! the Saviour comes
The Saviour promised long!
Let every heart prepare a throne
And every voice a song.
He comes, the prisoners to release
In Satan’s bondage held;
The gates of brass before Him burst
The iron fetters yield.
He comes, the broken heart to bind,
The bleeding soul to cure,
And with the treasures of His grace
To bless the humble poor.
Our glad hosanna, Prince of Peace,
Thy welcome shall proclaim;
And Heav’n’s eternal arches ring
With Thy beloved Name.
PHILIP DODDRIDGE, 1735.
34. The Devil
The Devil
Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer; behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful until death and I will give thee the crown of life.” Revelation 2.10.
These words contain part of a message which the Lord Jesus sent to the church at Smyrna. The congregation must have been gripped as these words were read to them for the first time. They told them a number of things about their arch enemy, the devil, that are well worth our observation also.
The devil is always on hand. Once when Jehovah asked him where he had been, he said, “From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it” (Job 1.7). “To and fro” is right! He misses no one. For he “as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1Peter 5.8). Praise God, he can not devour everybody, for our God has made provision for His people. He can, nevertheless, try them severely.
The devil has power. “The devil is about to cast some of you in prison.” His power is surpassed only by that of our God. No human being or group of human beings can withstand him. His power is so great, that all who fight him in their own strength are defeated. Only those who seek their strength in the Lord Jesus can stand. Therefore, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6.11). We praise God that there is an armor that Satan can not pierce.
The devil is allowed to test God’s people. “That ye may be tried.” All God’s children are tried and tested. In fact, that is the way they grow. Therefore the Lord has told us how to meet these trials. “Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations, knowing. that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing” (James 1. 3-4). Of course, the devil does not expect God’s children to accept trials and temptations with joy. He aims rather to make them discouraged and cause them to grumble. Then He has succeeded in accomplishing His end. On the other hand, God has made it possible to defeat Satan with rejoicing, for “the joy of Jehovah is your strength” (Nehemiah 8. 10).
The devil’s time is limited. “Ye shall have tribulation ten days.” When a person is in the midst of a severe trial, it seems that there is no end to it. However, that is only the way we feel. Ten days can seem like eternity when Satan is after us. But then how good to know, “I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4. 13). Temptation and trials, even though they seem long, have an end. Therefore we are told, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4. 7). It is good to remember at a time of testing that Satan can be withstood. “Whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world” (1 Peter 5. 9).
The devil can be withstood even until death. “Be thou faithful until death.” How we should praise God for this provision! Not even death can separate a child of God from his Saviour. “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8. 37).
Those who withstand Satan until the end shall receive a crown. “I will give thee the crown of life.” No wonder Satan is after a child of God. He would rob him of his crown. The way to the crown is through the valley of trials and testings. When you are tried and tested severely, take courage, you are on the right road. Remember, you are dealing with a defeated foe. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Only a few more steps, and you will be safely home. The Father’s house with its many mansions stands open to you. Our text started with the words, “Fear not.’ With these words we end our meditation: “Fear not. little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12.32).
Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer; behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful until death and I will give thee the crown of life.” Revelation 2.10.
These words contain part of a message which the Lord Jesus sent to the church at Smyrna. The congregation must have been gripped as these words were read to them for the first time. They told them a number of things about their arch enemy, the devil, that are well worth our observation also.
The devil is always on hand. Once when Jehovah asked him where he had been, he said, “From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it” (Job 1.7). “To and fro” is right! He misses no one. For he “as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1Peter 5.8). Praise God, he can not devour everybody, for our God has made provision for His people. He can, nevertheless, try them severely.
The devil has power. “The devil is about to cast some of you in prison.” His power is surpassed only by that of our God. No human being or group of human beings can withstand him. His power is so great, that all who fight him in their own strength are defeated. Only those who seek their strength in the Lord Jesus can stand. Therefore, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6.11). We praise God that there is an armor that Satan can not pierce.
The devil is allowed to test God’s people. “That ye may be tried.” All God’s children are tried and tested. In fact, that is the way they grow. Therefore the Lord has told us how to meet these trials. “Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations, knowing. that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing” (James 1. 3-4). Of course, the devil does not expect God’s children to accept trials and temptations with joy. He aims rather to make them discouraged and cause them to grumble. Then He has succeeded in accomplishing His end. On the other hand, God has made it possible to defeat Satan with rejoicing, for “the joy of Jehovah is your strength” (Nehemiah 8. 10).
The devil’s time is limited. “Ye shall have tribulation ten days.” When a person is in the midst of a severe trial, it seems that there is no end to it. However, that is only the way we feel. Ten days can seem like eternity when Satan is after us. But then how good to know, “I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4. 13). Temptation and trials, even though they seem long, have an end. Therefore we are told, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4. 7). It is good to remember at a time of testing that Satan can be withstood. “Whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world” (1 Peter 5. 9).
The devil can be withstood even until death. “Be thou faithful until death.” How we should praise God for this provision! Not even death can separate a child of God from his Saviour. “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8. 37).
Those who withstand Satan until the end shall receive a crown. “I will give thee the crown of life.” No wonder Satan is after a child of God. He would rob him of his crown. The way to the crown is through the valley of trials and testings. When you are tried and tested severely, take courage, you are on the right road. Remember, you are dealing with a defeated foe. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Only a few more steps, and you will be safely home. The Father’s house with its many mansions stands open to you. Our text started with the words, “Fear not.’ With these words we end our meditation: “Fear not. little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12.32).
33. While I Am Coming
While I Am Coming
While I am coming another steppeth down before me. John 5. 7.
Many things can happen “while I am coming.” The man who spoke these words had been “coming” for thirty-eight years, and he was farther from being healed now than when he first tried. Many people are “coming” to Christ, but they never get there. They simply ease their conscience with the false hope that some day they will be “made whole.” How foolish to believe that if twenty, thirty, or forty years have not been time enough, another ten years will bring them there.
“While I am coming another steppeth down before me.” There were too many interferences for the man in our text. His associates were a hindrance to him. He no doubt enjoyed their fellowship, but they thought only of themselves at the times when the pool’s water was best for healing. They came between him and the blessing, causing him to lose out each time. How often it happens that the very ones with whom we associate can at the crucial moment step between us and our Saviour! Many are the people that are “coming” but “another steppeth down before.”
“While I am coming,” others are being blest. The man had seen one after another healed and restored to a normal life, while he still had to linger on. Others had received what he wanted. They had been made happy with a great joy “while he was still coming.” They were now useful while he was still useless. What a sobering lesson for us to consider! In our day also one individual after another is touched by the resurrection power of God and is “made whole” while others are still “coming.” Many are now serving the Lord in some field of Christian service “while I am coming.”
“While I am coming,” I am in a state of misery and unhappiness. Sin has dominion over me. I am a slave. Habits control me. All efforts to get free are useless. Fear has taken hold of me. I fear what people will say. I fear death. The future is dark. “0 wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me out of the body of this death?” (Romans 7. 24). What a terrible position to be in!
“While I am coming,” life is quickly going by. For thirty eight years this man had been coming, and still he had never come. The best part of his life was now gone, never to come back to him. “While I am coming,” youth takes wings and flies away. “While I am coming,” middle age passes by. “While I am coming,” old age creeps upon me. “While I am coming,” the death angel overtakes me. Listen carefully, Jesus is speaking. “Depart from me ye cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25. 41). All this can happen “while I am coming.”
“While I am coming,” Jesus appears on the scene. What a blessed day! Thirty-eight years of struggling are ended immediately. Now he needs no longer look to the pool for a blessing, nor to fellow men for help, but rather look up to Him who alone can “save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7. 25). How foolish to look to some far distant pool that you can never reach! How useless to look to selfish friends for help! How hopeless to look at yourself and see how much worse you are becoming! Let us do as the man in our text. Look up to Jesus Christ, “for God commendeth his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then being now justified by his blood, shall we be saved from
While I am coming another steppeth down before me. John 5. 7.
Many things can happen “while I am coming.” The man who spoke these words had been “coming” for thirty-eight years, and he was farther from being healed now than when he first tried. Many people are “coming” to Christ, but they never get there. They simply ease their conscience with the false hope that some day they will be “made whole.” How foolish to believe that if twenty, thirty, or forty years have not been time enough, another ten years will bring them there.
“While I am coming another steppeth down before me.” There were too many interferences for the man in our text. His associates were a hindrance to him. He no doubt enjoyed their fellowship, but they thought only of themselves at the times when the pool’s water was best for healing. They came between him and the blessing, causing him to lose out each time. How often it happens that the very ones with whom we associate can at the crucial moment step between us and our Saviour! Many are the people that are “coming” but “another steppeth down before.”
“While I am coming,” others are being blest. The man had seen one after another healed and restored to a normal life, while he still had to linger on. Others had received what he wanted. They had been made happy with a great joy “while he was still coming.” They were now useful while he was still useless. What a sobering lesson for us to consider! In our day also one individual after another is touched by the resurrection power of God and is “made whole” while others are still “coming.” Many are now serving the Lord in some field of Christian service “while I am coming.”
“While I am coming,” I am in a state of misery and unhappiness. Sin has dominion over me. I am a slave. Habits control me. All efforts to get free are useless. Fear has taken hold of me. I fear what people will say. I fear death. The future is dark. “0 wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me out of the body of this death?” (Romans 7. 24). What a terrible position to be in!
“While I am coming,” life is quickly going by. For thirty eight years this man had been coming, and still he had never come. The best part of his life was now gone, never to come back to him. “While I am coming,” youth takes wings and flies away. “While I am coming,” middle age passes by. “While I am coming,” old age creeps upon me. “While I am coming,” the death angel overtakes me. Listen carefully, Jesus is speaking. “Depart from me ye cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25. 41). All this can happen “while I am coming.”
“While I am coming,” Jesus appears on the scene. What a blessed day! Thirty-eight years of struggling are ended immediately. Now he needs no longer look to the pool for a blessing, nor to fellow men for help, but rather look up to Him who alone can “save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7. 25). How foolish to look to some far distant pool that you can never reach! How useless to look to selfish friends for help! How hopeless to look at yourself and see how much worse you are becoming! Let us do as the man in our text. Look up to Jesus Christ, “for God commendeth his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then being now justified by his blood, shall we be saved from
32. Our Christmas Gift To the Lord
Our Christmas Gift to the Lord
What shall I render unto Jehovah for all his benefits toward me? Psalm 116.12.
At Christmas time we give gifts. Have you thought of what you are going to give our Lord Jesus Christ this year? Usually we desire to give the kind of a gift that is most desired. Now what do you suppose we have that our Lord wants?
Our Saviour wants all the sins that burden us. Does it not surprise you to hear that our Lord wants that kind of a gift? He knows we can not be happy while carrying our sin burdens, and therefore He has offered Himself as our burden-bearer. Listen to Him call, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11. 28). We are definitely requested to cast all our anxieties upon Him. What better time is there to let Him have our anxieties, worries, fears and impatience, than at this Christmas season? He will remove them so far that we will never see them again.
Our Saviour also wants all the sins that defeat us. He has planned that each one of us should live our lives in His strength, and should go from victory to victory. He wants our battle cry to be the same as Paul’s, “I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4. 13). We are to be “more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8. 37). However, before we can be conquerors, we must get rid of the sins that defeat us. Let us bring the sins that are making us slaves and captives, and give them to the Lord this Christmas season.
Our Saviour further wants the sins that are destroying us. He specializes in helping sinners who are being destroyed by sin. The Word of God is crystal clear in saying that all sin destroys, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6. 23). One thing is certain, all sin will eventually destroy. Our Lord “has no pleasure in the death of the wicked,” and desires that we give Him all these destroying sins.
Our Saviour is not satisfied unless He gets all of our sins. Some are willing to give Him the sins that disgrace them before their fellow men, and retain the rest for their pleasure. That is not dealing with sin. What good is it to repair some holes in a boat and leave the rest? We must give up all our sins or none at all, for one retained sin will destroy us.
Christmas will soon be here again. The last-minute rush will also be here. Will our blessed Lord get His heart’s desire from you this year? There is still time for you to give Him what He wants. But, can it be that our Lord’s greatest desire is to have your sinful, desperately wicked heart? Yes, dear friend. As strange and staggering as this truth may seem, it is the very kernel of Scripture. Heaven’s prayer express stands ready to deliver your gift. It does not need to be wrapped in any beautiful package, for it is not a beautiful thing. Simply roll it all together in sincere heart confession, tie it up with your tears, and it will reach our blessed Lord.
What shall I render unto Jehovah for all his benefits toward me? Psalm 116.12.
At Christmas time we give gifts. Have you thought of what you are going to give our Lord Jesus Christ this year? Usually we desire to give the kind of a gift that is most desired. Now what do you suppose we have that our Lord wants?
Our Saviour wants all the sins that burden us. Does it not surprise you to hear that our Lord wants that kind of a gift? He knows we can not be happy while carrying our sin burdens, and therefore He has offered Himself as our burden-bearer. Listen to Him call, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11. 28). We are definitely requested to cast all our anxieties upon Him. What better time is there to let Him have our anxieties, worries, fears and impatience, than at this Christmas season? He will remove them so far that we will never see them again.
Our Saviour also wants all the sins that defeat us. He has planned that each one of us should live our lives in His strength, and should go from victory to victory. He wants our battle cry to be the same as Paul’s, “I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4. 13). We are to be “more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8. 37). However, before we can be conquerors, we must get rid of the sins that defeat us. Let us bring the sins that are making us slaves and captives, and give them to the Lord this Christmas season.
Our Saviour further wants the sins that are destroying us. He specializes in helping sinners who are being destroyed by sin. The Word of God is crystal clear in saying that all sin destroys, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6. 23). One thing is certain, all sin will eventually destroy. Our Lord “has no pleasure in the death of the wicked,” and desires that we give Him all these destroying sins.
Our Saviour is not satisfied unless He gets all of our sins. Some are willing to give Him the sins that disgrace them before their fellow men, and retain the rest for their pleasure. That is not dealing with sin. What good is it to repair some holes in a boat and leave the rest? We must give up all our sins or none at all, for one retained sin will destroy us.
Christmas will soon be here again. The last-minute rush will also be here. Will our blessed Lord get His heart’s desire from you this year? There is still time for you to give Him what He wants. But, can it be that our Lord’s greatest desire is to have your sinful, desperately wicked heart? Yes, dear friend. As strange and staggering as this truth may seem, it is the very kernel of Scripture. Heaven’s prayer express stands ready to deliver your gift. It does not need to be wrapped in any beautiful package, for it is not a beautiful thing. Simply roll it all together in sincere heart confession, tie it up with your tears, and it will reach our blessed Lord.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
31. God's Birth Announcement
God’s Birth Announcement
There is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2. 11.
The above words constitute the greatest birth announcement ever sent. It came by special delivery all the way from heaven to earth. The “Prince of Peace,” the “King of Kings,” and the “Lord of Lords,” had just been born. The “heavenly host was praising God,” and the good news was about to be given to earth. But who would God choose, of all the people on this earth, to be first to receive this announcement? Would it be the kings and rulers? Would it be the priestly order of Jerusalem? Who could possibly be given this singular honor?
God chose the lonely shepherds to be honored above all other men that first Christmas night. “And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field keeping watch by night over their flocks.” To these humble workers God chose to declare His good news. The innkeeper and his house full of guests, only a stone’s throw away from the manger, were unconscious of the fact that the greatest event in history was taking place. But out in the darkness of that night, the shepherds were suddenly aware that “the glory of the Lord shone round about them.” Their lonely vigil was broken by an experience never to be forgotten. God the Father had chosen these men, whom nobody else seemed to notice, as the first recipients of the heavenly birth announcement.
God chose men who were willing to leave everything in order to see Christ. “The shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us.” If these men had not gone to Bethlehem that night the great announcement would not have brought them a real experience of Christ. How tragic that many today hear the same announcement, but never find their way to the spiritual Bethlehem to meet the living Christ!
God chose men who were willing to pass the good news on to others. “They made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child. And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds.” These were God’s first preachers of the greatest news the world has ever heard. Every one of them was a layman. How silly and unscriptural to believe the spreading of the gospel should be done only by ordained men! If it were educated men only that God wanted, the angel would have gone to Jerusalem and awakened the priests and given them that glorious message. But God is no respecter of persons. He chose Mary Magdalene to be the first witness of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Surely, in this day and age, He is looking for those whom He can bless, and who will pass the good news along to others.
God chose men who were willing to give Him glory and honor. “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen.” The experience was real. Their entire lives were changed. The result was that God was glorified. No one ever leaves the spiritual Bethlehem but with glory and praise to God. It is a foretaste of heaven. They had experienced “the peace of God which passeth all understanding.”
God’s birth announcement remains unchanged. You who have read these lines have been chosen to hear it again. “There is born to you . . . a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” Friend, pray for grace to he like the shepherds of old, that this announcement may not fall on deaf ears.
There is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2. 11.
The above words constitute the greatest birth announcement ever sent. It came by special delivery all the way from heaven to earth. The “Prince of Peace,” the “King of Kings,” and the “Lord of Lords,” had just been born. The “heavenly host was praising God,” and the good news was about to be given to earth. But who would God choose, of all the people on this earth, to be first to receive this announcement? Would it be the kings and rulers? Would it be the priestly order of Jerusalem? Who could possibly be given this singular honor?
God chose the lonely shepherds to be honored above all other men that first Christmas night. “And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field keeping watch by night over their flocks.” To these humble workers God chose to declare His good news. The innkeeper and his house full of guests, only a stone’s throw away from the manger, were unconscious of the fact that the greatest event in history was taking place. But out in the darkness of that night, the shepherds were suddenly aware that “the glory of the Lord shone round about them.” Their lonely vigil was broken by an experience never to be forgotten. God the Father had chosen these men, whom nobody else seemed to notice, as the first recipients of the heavenly birth announcement.
God chose men who were willing to leave everything in order to see Christ. “The shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us.” If these men had not gone to Bethlehem that night the great announcement would not have brought them a real experience of Christ. How tragic that many today hear the same announcement, but never find their way to the spiritual Bethlehem to meet the living Christ!
God chose men who were willing to pass the good news on to others. “They made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child. And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds.” These were God’s first preachers of the greatest news the world has ever heard. Every one of them was a layman. How silly and unscriptural to believe the spreading of the gospel should be done only by ordained men! If it were educated men only that God wanted, the angel would have gone to Jerusalem and awakened the priests and given them that glorious message. But God is no respecter of persons. He chose Mary Magdalene to be the first witness of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Surely, in this day and age, He is looking for those whom He can bless, and who will pass the good news along to others.
God chose men who were willing to give Him glory and honor. “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen.” The experience was real. Their entire lives were changed. The result was that God was glorified. No one ever leaves the spiritual Bethlehem but with glory and praise to God. It is a foretaste of heaven. They had experienced “the peace of God which passeth all understanding.”
God’s birth announcement remains unchanged. You who have read these lines have been chosen to hear it again. “There is born to you . . . a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” Friend, pray for grace to he like the shepherds of old, that this announcement may not fall on deaf ears.
30. The Broad Way
The Broad Way
For wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. Matthew 7:13.
This is a word from a sermon preached by Jesus many years ago. What a solemn warning! Many souls today are eternally lost because they have paid no attention to it. Let us note its contents.
The gate is wide that leads to the broad way, and it is easy to enter. It takes no effort to enter such a gate. In fact, one is hardly aware of going through it. "For the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them'' (2 Corinthians 4: 4) .
Several persons can enter a wide gate at one time. No one needs to give up his friends to go through such a gate, for there is plenty of room. They are often so many that he can not even see the gate posts because of them. "He hath blinded their eyes, and he hardened their heart; lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and should turn, and I should heal them'' (John 12:40).
The way is broad-there is plenty of room for swaying. Satan has to have such a way, for all his followers are top-heavy. They have everything in their heads and nothing in their hearts. "This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me''
(Mark 7:6) . There is plenty of room on this broad way for all kinds of religious beliefs. One can haul any kind of a load on a broad way.
Those who travel this way are always hopeful. They are very faithful to the suggestions of the devil, for they believe his lies. "They receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God sendeth them a working of error, that they should believe a lie'' (2 Thessalonians 2:10-11).
This way is full of curves. The destination must be kept hidden or those on this broad way will see where it leads. Each tomorrow is hidden away behind a curve. This must be so, for who would continue on such a way if the last day could be seen? Those on this way have as their slogan, "Eat, drink, and be merry." As long as they can not see their doom, such a suicide slogan can be used.
There are "many" on this way. Jesus warned, ''Many are they that enter in thereby.'' How sad that these precious souls should be many! One day the question was asked Jesus, "Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them, 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 13:23-24).
This way leads to "destruction." What a horrible ending for such an expectant group! Many a joy ride has ended in a fatal crash. It was in reality the beginning of a funeral procession. What a shock it must be for those on the broad way to wake up when it is too late and hear the words of Christ, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels'' (Matthew 25:41) Thank God, it is still the day of grace! Souls on this broad way can still be rescued! God has said, "Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against Jehovah thy God and hast scattered thy ways to strangers . . . and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith Jehovah. . . Return, O back- sliding children'' (Jeremiah 3:13-14).
For wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. Matthew 7:13.
This is a word from a sermon preached by Jesus many years ago. What a solemn warning! Many souls today are eternally lost because they have paid no attention to it. Let us note its contents.
The gate is wide that leads to the broad way, and it is easy to enter. It takes no effort to enter such a gate. In fact, one is hardly aware of going through it. "For the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them'' (2 Corinthians 4: 4) .
Several persons can enter a wide gate at one time. No one needs to give up his friends to go through such a gate, for there is plenty of room. They are often so many that he can not even see the gate posts because of them. "He hath blinded their eyes, and he hardened their heart; lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and should turn, and I should heal them'' (John 12:40).
The way is broad-there is plenty of room for swaying. Satan has to have such a way, for all his followers are top-heavy. They have everything in their heads and nothing in their hearts. "This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me''
(Mark 7:6) . There is plenty of room on this broad way for all kinds of religious beliefs. One can haul any kind of a load on a broad way.
Those who travel this way are always hopeful. They are very faithful to the suggestions of the devil, for they believe his lies. "They receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God sendeth them a working of error, that they should believe a lie'' (2 Thessalonians 2:10-11).
This way is full of curves. The destination must be kept hidden or those on this broad way will see where it leads. Each tomorrow is hidden away behind a curve. This must be so, for who would continue on such a way if the last day could be seen? Those on this way have as their slogan, "Eat, drink, and be merry." As long as they can not see their doom, such a suicide slogan can be used.
There are "many" on this way. Jesus warned, ''Many are they that enter in thereby.'' How sad that these precious souls should be many! One day the question was asked Jesus, "Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them, 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 13:23-24).
This way leads to "destruction." What a horrible ending for such an expectant group! Many a joy ride has ended in a fatal crash. It was in reality the beginning of a funeral procession. What a shock it must be for those on the broad way to wake up when it is too late and hear the words of Christ, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels'' (Matthew 25:41) Thank God, it is still the day of grace! Souls on this broad way can still be rescued! God has said, "Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against Jehovah thy God and hast scattered thy ways to strangers . . . and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith Jehovah. . . Return, O back- sliding children'' (Jeremiah 3:13-14).
29. Christ, Our Brother
Christ, Our Brother
He is not ashamed to call them brethren. Hebrews 2.11
A saved soul stands closer to Jesus than he realizes. Martin Luther made the statement that, if we fully realized what it means to be saved, we would become so happy that we would die of joy. Surely, then, we should pray with the Psalmist, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Psalm 119. 18). May our text today be an answer to this prayer!
Jesus always identifies Himself with the souls He saves. “For both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of one” (v. 11). To be sanctified means to be cleansed, or to be made holy. “He that sanctifieth” is Jesus. “They that are sanctified” are His followers, who have been washed in His blood. Our verse could then read, “Both Jesus and His cleansed people are all of one.” No wonder the Scriptures use the figure of Christ as the head and the redeemed as His body. Could there be a closer union than that of the head and body? They can not be separated and live.
Again, the figure of the bride and the bridegroom is used. The bride is here the redeemed. The bridegroom is Christ. What tender love there is between the bridegroom and the bride! They have become one. The joy of the one is in the other. This truth, that Jesus always identifies Himself with His own, is also brought out in His promise to the dying thief, “Today thou shalt be with me in paradise” (Luke 23. 43). Note that Jesus specifically said “with me.” When Saul persecuted the Christians Jesus said to him, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9. 4). Why did He not say, “Why persecutest thou the Christians?” Because “He that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are of one.” Jesus always identifies Himself with His own.
Jesus “is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Not even when His disciples fled at the time of His arrest was He ashamed to call them brethren. The first Easter message given to Mary was, “Go to my brethren.” How sweetly these words must have sounded in the ears of these frightened men! On the judgment day Jesus shall say to those on His right hand, “Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me” (Matthew 25. 40).
Jesus introduces the redeemed soul to his other “brethren.” He has said, “I will declare thy name unto my brethren.” When one saved soul meets another saved soul they immediately feel they know each other. And why not, for Jesus said, “I will declare thy name.” He owns the saved one as His child. He declares his name to the Christians. That is why there is that close brotherly tie between Christians. Walls of separation are immediately broken down. No written credentials are necessary. The living Saviour has given the heart assurance that this individual is also a brother.
What is more wonderful than to be saved! What better family to belong to than the family of Jesus Christ! Is any title more precious than “brethren”? Does Jesus look upon you as one of His brethren? What a day it will be when Jesus shall gather His entire family together and say, “Behold, I and the children whom God hath given me” (Hebrews 2. 13).
He is not ashamed to call them brethren. Hebrews 2.11
A saved soul stands closer to Jesus than he realizes. Martin Luther made the statement that, if we fully realized what it means to be saved, we would become so happy that we would die of joy. Surely, then, we should pray with the Psalmist, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Psalm 119. 18). May our text today be an answer to this prayer!
Jesus always identifies Himself with the souls He saves. “For both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of one” (v. 11). To be sanctified means to be cleansed, or to be made holy. “He that sanctifieth” is Jesus. “They that are sanctified” are His followers, who have been washed in His blood. Our verse could then read, “Both Jesus and His cleansed people are all of one.” No wonder the Scriptures use the figure of Christ as the head and the redeemed as His body. Could there be a closer union than that of the head and body? They can not be separated and live.
Again, the figure of the bride and the bridegroom is used. The bride is here the redeemed. The bridegroom is Christ. What tender love there is between the bridegroom and the bride! They have become one. The joy of the one is in the other. This truth, that Jesus always identifies Himself with His own, is also brought out in His promise to the dying thief, “Today thou shalt be with me in paradise” (Luke 23. 43). Note that Jesus specifically said “with me.” When Saul persecuted the Christians Jesus said to him, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9. 4). Why did He not say, “Why persecutest thou the Christians?” Because “He that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are of one.” Jesus always identifies Himself with His own.
Jesus “is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Not even when His disciples fled at the time of His arrest was He ashamed to call them brethren. The first Easter message given to Mary was, “Go to my brethren.” How sweetly these words must have sounded in the ears of these frightened men! On the judgment day Jesus shall say to those on His right hand, “Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me” (Matthew 25. 40).
Jesus introduces the redeemed soul to his other “brethren.” He has said, “I will declare thy name unto my brethren.” When one saved soul meets another saved soul they immediately feel they know each other. And why not, for Jesus said, “I will declare thy name.” He owns the saved one as His child. He declares his name to the Christians. That is why there is that close brotherly tie between Christians. Walls of separation are immediately broken down. No written credentials are necessary. The living Saviour has given the heart assurance that this individual is also a brother.
What is more wonderful than to be saved! What better family to belong to than the family of Jesus Christ! Is any title more precious than “brethren”? Does Jesus look upon you as one of His brethren? What a day it will be when Jesus shall gather His entire family together and say, “Behold, I and the children whom God hath given me” (Hebrews 2. 13).
Saturday, January 2, 2010
28. Wait
Wait
For from of old men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen a God beside thee, who worketh for him that waiteth for him. Isaiah 64. 4.
To wait upon the Lord is one of the hardest things we ever do. Back in our mind we are often tempted to believe that God works for the man who will in turn work for Him. It is true, rather, that our God works for the man who will in patience wait for Him, or look to Him. Let us just note the importance of the one short word “wait.”
It is when we wait upon the Lord that we can be saved. “My soul waiteth in silence for God only; from him cometh my salvation” (Psalm 62. 1). Those that have sought salvation from any other source have wasted their time. One who really met the Lord by waiting upon Him once testified, “I waited patiently for Jehovah; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and he set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings” (Psalm 40. 1—2). Friend, is that what you want? Then wait in silence upon God only. “Wait for Jehovah, and he will save thee” (Proverbs 20. 22),
It is good to know that none that wait upon the Lord is ever disappointed. “Yea, none that wait for thee shall be put to shame” (Psalm 25. 3). None means none. Not one of the millions of people that have turned to the Lord in patient waiting has ever been disappointed. Friend, have you ever met one? Of course not, for “blessed are all they that wait for him” (Isaiah 30. 18). All who enter God’s school of waiting graduate with honors.
Those that wait on the Lord are given renewed strength. “They that wait for Jehovah shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40. 31). Are you tired and weary? Do you find your strength too small to accomplish your God-given task? Are you standing before some great mountain that you can not see beyond, and which you are helpless to scale? Why, friend, you need “renewed strength” that you may “run and not be weary.” You need endurance that you may continue to “walk and not faint.” All this you can have if you “wait for Jehovah.” Remember He is a God that “worketh for him that waiteth for him.”
Those who wait upon the Lord inherit rich spiritual blessings. “Those that wait for Jehovah, they shall inherit the land” (Psalm 37. 9). When Moses led Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land, he did not dare make a move until the cloud that hung over the tabernacle moved first. There were days and weeks and months of waiting. The people were no doubt tempted to think their progress was slow, but God was teaching them the precious lesson of waiting upon Him. To wait upon the Lord was more important than to move on. Much activity in the name of our Lord is useless because there has been no waiting upon the Lord. When Jesus commissioned His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel, He gave them a tremendous job. No time must be lost in carrying out this commission. However, Jesus also charged them “to wait for the promise of the Father” (Acts 1. 4). For ten days these commissioned disciples waited for the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon them. What a tragedy it would have been if they had not waited! Nothing was lost by waiting. Everything would have been lost if they had failed to wait. They experienced the truth that our God “worketh for him that waiteth for him.”
God wants to do something for you, dear friend. He has given you the promise that if you will but wait for Him you shall see Him work. Remember He is a God who “worketh for him that waiteth for him.” “Wait for Jehovah: Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; Yea, wait thou for Jehovah” (Psalm 27. 14).
For from of old men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen a God beside thee, who worketh for him that waiteth for him. Isaiah 64. 4.
To wait upon the Lord is one of the hardest things we ever do. Back in our mind we are often tempted to believe that God works for the man who will in turn work for Him. It is true, rather, that our God works for the man who will in patience wait for Him, or look to Him. Let us just note the importance of the one short word “wait.”
It is when we wait upon the Lord that we can be saved. “My soul waiteth in silence for God only; from him cometh my salvation” (Psalm 62. 1). Those that have sought salvation from any other source have wasted their time. One who really met the Lord by waiting upon Him once testified, “I waited patiently for Jehovah; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and he set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings” (Psalm 40. 1—2). Friend, is that what you want? Then wait in silence upon God only. “Wait for Jehovah, and he will save thee” (Proverbs 20. 22),
It is good to know that none that wait upon the Lord is ever disappointed. “Yea, none that wait for thee shall be put to shame” (Psalm 25. 3). None means none. Not one of the millions of people that have turned to the Lord in patient waiting has ever been disappointed. Friend, have you ever met one? Of course not, for “blessed are all they that wait for him” (Isaiah 30. 18). All who enter God’s school of waiting graduate with honors.
Those that wait on the Lord are given renewed strength. “They that wait for Jehovah shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40. 31). Are you tired and weary? Do you find your strength too small to accomplish your God-given task? Are you standing before some great mountain that you can not see beyond, and which you are helpless to scale? Why, friend, you need “renewed strength” that you may “run and not be weary.” You need endurance that you may continue to “walk and not faint.” All this you can have if you “wait for Jehovah.” Remember He is a God that “worketh for him that waiteth for him.”
Those who wait upon the Lord inherit rich spiritual blessings. “Those that wait for Jehovah, they shall inherit the land” (Psalm 37. 9). When Moses led Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land, he did not dare make a move until the cloud that hung over the tabernacle moved first. There were days and weeks and months of waiting. The people were no doubt tempted to think their progress was slow, but God was teaching them the precious lesson of waiting upon Him. To wait upon the Lord was more important than to move on. Much activity in the name of our Lord is useless because there has been no waiting upon the Lord. When Jesus commissioned His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel, He gave them a tremendous job. No time must be lost in carrying out this commission. However, Jesus also charged them “to wait for the promise of the Father” (Acts 1. 4). For ten days these commissioned disciples waited for the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon them. What a tragedy it would have been if they had not waited! Nothing was lost by waiting. Everything would have been lost if they had failed to wait. They experienced the truth that our God “worketh for him that waiteth for him.”
God wants to do something for you, dear friend. He has given you the promise that if you will but wait for Him you shall see Him work. Remember He is a God who “worketh for him that waiteth for him.” “Wait for Jehovah: Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; Yea, wait thou for Jehovah” (Psalm 27. 14).
27. Patmos
27. Patmos
I John, . . . was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 1. 9.
Patmos is a small, rocky, barren island out in the Mediterranean Sea. It was here where the Apostle John was exiled “for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” A siege of persecution had swept the country, and this faithful pastor was seized and imprisoned on this forsaken island. Many Christians have also been willing to pay a similar price “for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” which has also led them to a “Patmos.”
Patmos is a lonely place. Heaven’s road becomes lonely at times. Many of God’s children have found themselves in situations where there is very little or no Christian fellowship. There, in some shop, factory, office, or schoolroom, he has found himself alone—alone among thousands of others—and yet not alone, for Christ is with him. How precious then are the words, “I am with you always even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 2& 20)
Patmos is an unattractive place. It has little or no earthly beauty to cheer you. It has nothing but cold barren rocks everywhere. No one seeking self glory would be found in a place like this. John’s faithfulness to Christ brought him there. Every Christian should earnestly pray that the Lord may lead him into his place of work, and that a high salary, beautiful surroundings, or luxurious living may not become deciding factors in his life. “For the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” the Lord may perhaps send him into some place that is very unattractive. Would you be willing to be marooned on a “Patmos”?
“Patmos” is a place of reproach and ridicule. “All that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3. 12). There can be no exception. Every true child of God will find himself on this island “Patmos” sooner or later. Like Joseph of old he may even be despised and hated by his brothers, and as a result be isolated in some faraway “Egypt.” However, years later, he, too, like Joseph, may be able to testify to his former persecutors, “As for you, ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50. 20).
“Patmos” is a confining place. John, who once was free to roam the then known world, is now limited to this small island. What a test! Many a child of God has found himself in a similar situation. Ill health has conveyed many a Christian to a narrow sick room. Old age has limited others to the confines of a home. Others again, who have been zealous for their Lord, have been given small and less attractive fields of service. Millions of faithful Christians have even been thrown into prison because of their love for the Saviour.
“Patmos” is a place where Jesus reveals Himself. John could say, in spite of his outward circumstances, “I was in the spirit” (Revelation 1. 10). It was in this lonely, unattractive, and confining place that John received the greatest blessing of his life. Little did he realize as he set foot on this forsaken island that he would here have the greatest experience of his life. This was the place where he was so overcome with his Saviour’s majesty that he “fell at his feet as one dead” (v. 17). It was here that he could say, “He laid his right hand upon me” (v. 17). It is here that he could hear Jesus distinctly say, “Fear not.” It was here, where his earthly vision was so limited, that he was privileged to see with Spirit-anointed eyes into heaven itself. It was here on “Patmos,” that, though he was separated from earthly friends, he communed with heavenly angels. “Patmos” became the best place on earth, for Jesus was very near at Patmos.
I John, . . . was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 1. 9.
Patmos is a small, rocky, barren island out in the Mediterranean Sea. It was here where the Apostle John was exiled “for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” A siege of persecution had swept the country, and this faithful pastor was seized and imprisoned on this forsaken island. Many Christians have also been willing to pay a similar price “for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” which has also led them to a “Patmos.”
Patmos is a lonely place. Heaven’s road becomes lonely at times. Many of God’s children have found themselves in situations where there is very little or no Christian fellowship. There, in some shop, factory, office, or schoolroom, he has found himself alone—alone among thousands of others—and yet not alone, for Christ is with him. How precious then are the words, “I am with you always even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 2& 20)
Patmos is an unattractive place. It has little or no earthly beauty to cheer you. It has nothing but cold barren rocks everywhere. No one seeking self glory would be found in a place like this. John’s faithfulness to Christ brought him there. Every Christian should earnestly pray that the Lord may lead him into his place of work, and that a high salary, beautiful surroundings, or luxurious living may not become deciding factors in his life. “For the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” the Lord may perhaps send him into some place that is very unattractive. Would you be willing to be marooned on a “Patmos”?
“Patmos” is a place of reproach and ridicule. “All that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3. 12). There can be no exception. Every true child of God will find himself on this island “Patmos” sooner or later. Like Joseph of old he may even be despised and hated by his brothers, and as a result be isolated in some faraway “Egypt.” However, years later, he, too, like Joseph, may be able to testify to his former persecutors, “As for you, ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50. 20).
“Patmos” is a confining place. John, who once was free to roam the then known world, is now limited to this small island. What a test! Many a child of God has found himself in a similar situation. Ill health has conveyed many a Christian to a narrow sick room. Old age has limited others to the confines of a home. Others again, who have been zealous for their Lord, have been given small and less attractive fields of service. Millions of faithful Christians have even been thrown into prison because of their love for the Saviour.
“Patmos” is a place where Jesus reveals Himself. John could say, in spite of his outward circumstances, “I was in the spirit” (Revelation 1. 10). It was in this lonely, unattractive, and confining place that John received the greatest blessing of his life. Little did he realize as he set foot on this forsaken island that he would here have the greatest experience of his life. This was the place where he was so overcome with his Saviour’s majesty that he “fell at his feet as one dead” (v. 17). It was here that he could say, “He laid his right hand upon me” (v. 17). It is here that he could hear Jesus distinctly say, “Fear not.” It was here, where his earthly vision was so limited, that he was privileged to see with Spirit-anointed eyes into heaven itself. It was here on “Patmos,” that, though he was separated from earthly friends, he communed with heavenly angels. “Patmos” became the best place on earth, for Jesus was very near at Patmos.
26. David Slays Goliath
David Slays Goliath
And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead; and the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth.
1 Samuel 17. 49.
David declares his purpose in fighting Goliath to be “that all the earth may know there is a God in Israel” (1 Samuel 17. 46). All glory was to go to God. That should be the purpose of every conflict we have with our arch-enemy, Satan. Let us learn of David a few tactics we can use in our warfare.
David approached Goliath in the name of his God. “I come to thee in the name of Jehovah of Hosts” (1 Samuel 17. 45). How else can victories be won? Not a word was said of his own strength, for he had none to talk about. Five times he mentioned his God as he approached his enemy, one time for each stone in his bag. His last words were, “The battle is Jehovah’s, and he will give you into our hand” (v. 47). Could there be a better battle cry? Those were the last words that the giant heard before he fell in defeat. Oh, for grace to learn these words that they may also be used in our day of battle. Should not proud, haughty, God-defying Satan hear them again and again as we face him in present-day conflicts?
‘David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine” (v. 48). He showed no fear whatsoever. No time was to be lost, for the sooner the battle was over the better. Such an enemy is not to be fooled with. He cannot be reasoned with. He refuses to back down. Therefore the sooner he falls the better. David would give him no time to talk back. Talking in the day of battle is dangerous. David would have the last words himself, and that would be words to glorify his God. We, like David, must have confidence in our God, and not forget the words of Christ, “Behold, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall in any wise hurt you” (Luke 10. 19). If we believe this, we, too, can hasten to engage the enemy before he has time to cast a spell of fear over us.
David aimed his shot well. “He smote the Philistine in his forehead . . . and he fell upon his face to the earth” (1 Samuel 17. 49). One shot, well aimed, is all that it takes to quiet the enemy. Notice that the stone sank “into his forehead.” Even such a skull could not resist such ammunition. Jesus silenced Satan in the three sieges of His temptation with single verses of Scripture. Each time he repeated the words, “It is written,” and then hurled at him the Word of God. Satan had nothing more to say after the Word was given. What tremendous power there must then be in the right use of God’s Word! Truly “the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4. 12). Is it not too bad our shepherd’s bags are so depleted? Oh, for grace to linger longer by the stream of life that we may more carefully choose stones for the day of battle.
The battle was soon over. Let us notice the results. The armies of the Philistines fled when they saw “that their champion was dead” (v. 51). God grant that the demon world may often be upset over the defeats of their leader. When Goliath fell, the armies of the living God “arose, shouted and pursued” the enemy. One man’s victory gave courage to thousands of discouraged soldiers. Do you feel discouraged, dear friend? Does Satan stalk back and forth across your path, preventing you from moving forward? Take courage. Did not our David win the victory for us on Calvary’s cross? Did He not defeat Satan there? Did He not tell us that the gates of hell shall not prevail against His church? Then, why sit we here? Let us hasten down to the stream of life. There on our knees, let us carefully choose our ammunition. Then with confidence and faith in the living God, let us hurl the Word of God at our enemy. Remember, “the battle is Jehovah’s,” and the victory is given, “that all the earth may know there is a God.”
And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead; and the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth.
1 Samuel 17. 49.
David declares his purpose in fighting Goliath to be “that all the earth may know there is a God in Israel” (1 Samuel 17. 46). All glory was to go to God. That should be the purpose of every conflict we have with our arch-enemy, Satan. Let us learn of David a few tactics we can use in our warfare.
David approached Goliath in the name of his God. “I come to thee in the name of Jehovah of Hosts” (1 Samuel 17. 45). How else can victories be won? Not a word was said of his own strength, for he had none to talk about. Five times he mentioned his God as he approached his enemy, one time for each stone in his bag. His last words were, “The battle is Jehovah’s, and he will give you into our hand” (v. 47). Could there be a better battle cry? Those were the last words that the giant heard before he fell in defeat. Oh, for grace to learn these words that they may also be used in our day of battle. Should not proud, haughty, God-defying Satan hear them again and again as we face him in present-day conflicts?
‘David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine” (v. 48). He showed no fear whatsoever. No time was to be lost, for the sooner the battle was over the better. Such an enemy is not to be fooled with. He cannot be reasoned with. He refuses to back down. Therefore the sooner he falls the better. David would give him no time to talk back. Talking in the day of battle is dangerous. David would have the last words himself, and that would be words to glorify his God. We, like David, must have confidence in our God, and not forget the words of Christ, “Behold, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall in any wise hurt you” (Luke 10. 19). If we believe this, we, too, can hasten to engage the enemy before he has time to cast a spell of fear over us.
David aimed his shot well. “He smote the Philistine in his forehead . . . and he fell upon his face to the earth” (1 Samuel 17. 49). One shot, well aimed, is all that it takes to quiet the enemy. Notice that the stone sank “into his forehead.” Even such a skull could not resist such ammunition. Jesus silenced Satan in the three sieges of His temptation with single verses of Scripture. Each time he repeated the words, “It is written,” and then hurled at him the Word of God. Satan had nothing more to say after the Word was given. What tremendous power there must then be in the right use of God’s Word! Truly “the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4. 12). Is it not too bad our shepherd’s bags are so depleted? Oh, for grace to linger longer by the stream of life that we may more carefully choose stones for the day of battle.
The battle was soon over. Let us notice the results. The armies of the Philistines fled when they saw “that their champion was dead” (v. 51). God grant that the demon world may often be upset over the defeats of their leader. When Goliath fell, the armies of the living God “arose, shouted and pursued” the enemy. One man’s victory gave courage to thousands of discouraged soldiers. Do you feel discouraged, dear friend? Does Satan stalk back and forth across your path, preventing you from moving forward? Take courage. Did not our David win the victory for us on Calvary’s cross? Did He not defeat Satan there? Did He not tell us that the gates of hell shall not prevail against His church? Then, why sit we here? Let us hasten down to the stream of life. There on our knees, let us carefully choose our ammunition. Then with confidence and faith in the living God, let us hurl the Word of God at our enemy. Remember, “the battle is Jehovah’s,” and the victory is given, “that all the earth may know there is a God.”
25. David's Fighting Equiptment
David’s Fighting Equipment
And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his wallet; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. 1 Samuel 17. 40.
David’s fighting equipment was different from that of his opponent. At first he was tempted to dress up in King Saul’s armor and fight sword against sword. However, he quickly dismissed this plan with the words “I can not go with these, for I have not proved them” (1 Samuel 17. 39). He would, no doubt, have made a better impression upon all present had he come dressed as his opponent. But battles are not won by good appearances. David resolved to use only that which he himself possessed. “He took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out the brook, and put them in his shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his wallet; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.”
“He took his staff.” What would his purpose be to take such a thing into battle? David had decided to maintain his identity as a shepherd. He would not pretend he was someone else. He was not ashamed to be known as a mere shepherd. Perhaps his staff was all that he possessed. If so, he would take all that he had with him into the battle. Then, too, he would need his staff after the struggle was over to help him on his return from the field. Thus it was an act of faith that caused him to take his staff along.
He “chose him five smooth stones out of the brook.” Stones—what strange ammunition! Yet, not so strange. They were hard, so they could penetrate deeply; smooth, so they would carry straight to the mark; and plentiful, so he could choose as many as he desired. What a perfect picture of the ammunition that is at the disposal of every Christian! What is more solid than the Word of God? What shoots as straight and to the heart as the Scriptures? And what is more plentiful than the Word? The Word can be carefully chosen, and used for protection as in David’s case, or it can be neglected and trampled under foot.
“His shepherd’s bag.” This was a gift from his mother. In this he had a place to store his carefully chosen stones. How necessary to have a shepherd’s bag in the day of battle! A Christian must also have access to a store of carefully chosen Bible verses, He must have them within easy reach, for not a moment can be lost in fumbling for them in the day of battle. Our Father has given us just such a bag. We call it our hearts. What we store in our hearts, we have in easy reach. The Psalmist could say, “Thy word have I laid up in my heart” (Psalm 119. 11). Oh, for grace to fill our hearts with such ammunition!
“His sling was in his hand.” He came prepared to hurl the carefully chosen stones at his enemy. No ammunition is any good unless used. A “sling” is therefore essential if the stones shall find their mark. They must leave at lightning speed before the enemy has time to strike his death blow. The sling must therefore be carried so that it can be put to instant use. We, too, have been given a “sling.” It is our voice, our gift of speech, our Christian witness. Thereby we can meet our opponent with God’s Word. Satan rejoices when our testimony is aimless, when we speak forth meaningless words. Such ammunition never hurts him. It may, however, injure our fellow men. Oh, friend, this is a day of battle. Life and death are in the balance. Our enemy is ready to hurl his deadly darts. Carefully check your “sling” and have it ready.
David had all the equipment necessary for this fight. He did not need to run hither and thither to look for more. God would use what he had no matter how simple and foolish it looked to others. After all it was not his equipment that was so important but God who would bless and use it. Every child of God has been provided with ample equipment. This is a day to use what God has given us. The zero hour has come. The battle is on. “Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6. 13).
And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his wallet; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. 1 Samuel 17. 40.
David’s fighting equipment was different from that of his opponent. At first he was tempted to dress up in King Saul’s armor and fight sword against sword. However, he quickly dismissed this plan with the words “I can not go with these, for I have not proved them” (1 Samuel 17. 39). He would, no doubt, have made a better impression upon all present had he come dressed as his opponent. But battles are not won by good appearances. David resolved to use only that which he himself possessed. “He took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out the brook, and put them in his shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his wallet; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.”
“He took his staff.” What would his purpose be to take such a thing into battle? David had decided to maintain his identity as a shepherd. He would not pretend he was someone else. He was not ashamed to be known as a mere shepherd. Perhaps his staff was all that he possessed. If so, he would take all that he had with him into the battle. Then, too, he would need his staff after the struggle was over to help him on his return from the field. Thus it was an act of faith that caused him to take his staff along.
He “chose him five smooth stones out of the brook.” Stones—what strange ammunition! Yet, not so strange. They were hard, so they could penetrate deeply; smooth, so they would carry straight to the mark; and plentiful, so he could choose as many as he desired. What a perfect picture of the ammunition that is at the disposal of every Christian! What is more solid than the Word of God? What shoots as straight and to the heart as the Scriptures? And what is more plentiful than the Word? The Word can be carefully chosen, and used for protection as in David’s case, or it can be neglected and trampled under foot.
“His shepherd’s bag.” This was a gift from his mother. In this he had a place to store his carefully chosen stones. How necessary to have a shepherd’s bag in the day of battle! A Christian must also have access to a store of carefully chosen Bible verses, He must have them within easy reach, for not a moment can be lost in fumbling for them in the day of battle. Our Father has given us just such a bag. We call it our hearts. What we store in our hearts, we have in easy reach. The Psalmist could say, “Thy word have I laid up in my heart” (Psalm 119. 11). Oh, for grace to fill our hearts with such ammunition!
“His sling was in his hand.” He came prepared to hurl the carefully chosen stones at his enemy. No ammunition is any good unless used. A “sling” is therefore essential if the stones shall find their mark. They must leave at lightning speed before the enemy has time to strike his death blow. The sling must therefore be carried so that it can be put to instant use. We, too, have been given a “sling.” It is our voice, our gift of speech, our Christian witness. Thereby we can meet our opponent with God’s Word. Satan rejoices when our testimony is aimless, when we speak forth meaningless words. Such ammunition never hurts him. It may, however, injure our fellow men. Oh, friend, this is a day of battle. Life and death are in the balance. Our enemy is ready to hurl his deadly darts. Carefully check your “sling” and have it ready.
David had all the equipment necessary for this fight. He did not need to run hither and thither to look for more. God would use what he had no matter how simple and foolish it looked to others. After all it was not his equipment that was so important but God who would bless and use it. Every child of God has been provided with ample equipment. This is a day to use what God has given us. The zero hour has come. The battle is on. “Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6. 13).
24. Giants
Giants
And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines named Goliath.
1 Samuel 17. 4.
Goliath had earned his title of champion. He was a giant in size, and had never met a man his equal. He had become the pride of the Philistine army. Under his leadership they had come to fight the armies of Israel, also known as the armies of the living God. Israel was blocked because of the strength of this champion, and could get nowhere. He stood between them and victory. Let us carefully observe this champion, for we, too, have a giant to contend with, whom we call Satan.
Goliath was more than a match for any man. He knew he had power, and therefore called out to the hosts of Israel, “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together” (v. 10). What a perfect type of Satan! He, too, stalks back and forth, preventing the armies of the living God from moving forward. He stands between them and victory. He offers to fight any man who dares to step forward. He claims to be a champion.
Goliath filled God’s people with fear. “They were dismayed and greatly afraid” (v. 11). Day after day they were paralyzed with fear. How like Satan! He, too, creates an atmosphere of fear, for then he can strut around unchallenged. He spreads the poison of fear, for that is the very opposite of faith. He dares not fight where faith prevails. He knows too well that “this is the victory that hath overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 5. 4).
Goliath appeared daily. “And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days” (v. 16). It was Goliath’s ambition to ruin every day for the people of God. Thus he made his appearance in the morning to wreck the beginning of the day, and then again at evening to ruin the close of each day. He would come early enough to bring despair to God’s people, and late enough to cause them to go to rest discouraged. Can anything be more like Satan than this? Why, the evil giant of our day uses the same tactics as the giant in David’s day.
Then, too, Goliath chose a valley for his battle ground. “There was a valley between them” (v. 3). The devil always fights in valleys. He chooses a place of depression where one’s vision is limited. He loves to fight in the shadows. Expect him, therefore, in the valley of testing. The valley of discouragement is one of his favorite fighting grounds. He waits until his victims leave the mountain of inspiration and descend into the valley, before he makes his appearance. You see, Satan can always choose his own battle ground.
The Goliath of our day is as real as the Goliath that David encountered. Many a man of God has been halted in his tracks because of Satan. He sits paralyzed, and fears to move on. Unbelief begins to enfold him as a thick fog until he loses his vision, and dares not proceed. Satan, who is known as the deceiver, has put on such a bold act that timid Christians fear to move on. The valley looks deep and dark. Victory, however, lies beyond, and there is no by-pass to it. What shall be done? Is this your situation, dear friend? Take courage. Have you forgotten the giant’s taunt, “Give me a man that we may fight together” (v. 10)? This very challenge you feared can be your comfort. Have you forgotten that God has provided the Man, Jesus Christ, the God-man? Are you forgetting that on Calvary He “bruised” the serpent’s head? Our Goliath has already been defeated.
Arise, dear friend, face your enemy with confidence, remembering the assurance, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12. 9-10). The saints of old were also in this situation. God’s record of them reads: “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death” (Revelation 12. 11).
And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines named Goliath.
1 Samuel 17. 4.
Goliath had earned his title of champion. He was a giant in size, and had never met a man his equal. He had become the pride of the Philistine army. Under his leadership they had come to fight the armies of Israel, also known as the armies of the living God. Israel was blocked because of the strength of this champion, and could get nowhere. He stood between them and victory. Let us carefully observe this champion, for we, too, have a giant to contend with, whom we call Satan.
Goliath was more than a match for any man. He knew he had power, and therefore called out to the hosts of Israel, “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together” (v. 10). What a perfect type of Satan! He, too, stalks back and forth, preventing the armies of the living God from moving forward. He stands between them and victory. He offers to fight any man who dares to step forward. He claims to be a champion.
Goliath filled God’s people with fear. “They were dismayed and greatly afraid” (v. 11). Day after day they were paralyzed with fear. How like Satan! He, too, creates an atmosphere of fear, for then he can strut around unchallenged. He spreads the poison of fear, for that is the very opposite of faith. He dares not fight where faith prevails. He knows too well that “this is the victory that hath overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 5. 4).
Goliath appeared daily. “And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days” (v. 16). It was Goliath’s ambition to ruin every day for the people of God. Thus he made his appearance in the morning to wreck the beginning of the day, and then again at evening to ruin the close of each day. He would come early enough to bring despair to God’s people, and late enough to cause them to go to rest discouraged. Can anything be more like Satan than this? Why, the evil giant of our day uses the same tactics as the giant in David’s day.
Then, too, Goliath chose a valley for his battle ground. “There was a valley between them” (v. 3). The devil always fights in valleys. He chooses a place of depression where one’s vision is limited. He loves to fight in the shadows. Expect him, therefore, in the valley of testing. The valley of discouragement is one of his favorite fighting grounds. He waits until his victims leave the mountain of inspiration and descend into the valley, before he makes his appearance. You see, Satan can always choose his own battle ground.
The Goliath of our day is as real as the Goliath that David encountered. Many a man of God has been halted in his tracks because of Satan. He sits paralyzed, and fears to move on. Unbelief begins to enfold him as a thick fog until he loses his vision, and dares not proceed. Satan, who is known as the deceiver, has put on such a bold act that timid Christians fear to move on. The valley looks deep and dark. Victory, however, lies beyond, and there is no by-pass to it. What shall be done? Is this your situation, dear friend? Take courage. Have you forgotten the giant’s taunt, “Give me a man that we may fight together” (v. 10)? This very challenge you feared can be your comfort. Have you forgotten that God has provided the Man, Jesus Christ, the God-man? Are you forgetting that on Calvary He “bruised” the serpent’s head? Our Goliath has already been defeated.
Arise, dear friend, face your enemy with confidence, remembering the assurance, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12. 9-10). The saints of old were also in this situation. God’s record of them reads: “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death” (Revelation 12. 11).
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