What the Lord Can Do If We Give Him a Chance
The Lord hath comforted all her waste places. He hath made her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord. Isaiah 51. 3.
No matter how dark and hopeless a situation may be, it suddenly changes when the Lord is permitted to have His way. His coming is like the sudden bursting forth of the sun upon the darkness. Miraculously, the darkness disappears. Wherever Jesus went during His earthly ministry He brought light, and He wonderfully changed one situation after another. The hopeless received hope. The sick were healed. The dead were raised. Burdened sinners were released. No situation, however hopeless, remains unchanged when Jesus is permitted to take over.
The first staggering promise the Lord makes in this verse is that He will “comfort all her waste places.” He is referring here to Zion, which has been laid waste by the enemy. The entire city is in ruin. Fire has left it “waste.” How descriptive this word is! Nothing is left. One’s whole life’s work has gone up in smoke. It is too late to start over. Where once stood beauty there is nothing but black ashes. All is “waste” and only because they refused God’s Word. But can God do anything at a time like this, or rather, will He do anything for people who have nothing but ashes left? God Himself promises to “comfort all her waste places.” No human being dare say that. Have you felt that the word “waste” describes your life? Does a hopeless feeling overcome you when you look back upon your life? Are you also aware of your disobedience to His Word in the past? How fortunate then that you should meet the Saviour in this verse today. He stands ready to comfort you. Won’t you invite Him to take over?
The second great promise lies in the words, “He hath made her wilderness like Eden.” A wilderness is an unattractive useless area of land that lacks cultivation. It shelters wild beasts, and men shun it because of its dangers. Great possibilities may lie in a wilderness but they are all useless until the place has been converted into a place of habitation. “Wilderness” well describes a life unyielded to Christ. The Lord promises to take a wilderness and make it like “Eden.” Eden was the home of Adam and Eve. It was the most beautiful place on earth. Heaven’s richest blessing reigned supreme there. Happiness never reached a higher level than in Eden. Eden stands for the best that can be found on this earth. Our Lord offers to change a life that is like a wilderness to a place like Eden. Have you ever heard such a promise as this? What a mighty Saviour is He to be able to make this change! All He asks is that some soul will give Him a chance to prove this promise. If you feel that your life is like a wilderness, then it is you the Lord wants.
The third great promise lies in the word, “He hath made . . . her desert like the garden of Jehovah.” To comfort a waste place was great, to change a wilderness into Eden was greater, but to make a desert like the Lord’s own garden is the greatest of all. A desert is the most forsaken place on this earth. It is absolutely dried up and produces nothing. It lies helpless under the judgment heat of the sun. It lacks heaven’s blessings and has no power to change itself. It has no firmness, but its sands shift with the winds. It is utterly worthless. The Lord promises to change a life that fits this description into the likeness of “the garden of Jehovah.” We may be tempted to think the change is too great, that surely, if an individual has fallen so low as to merit the description of a “desert,” the Lord is no longer interested in him. Such thoughts are inspired by the devil. Our Lord, however, says He will “make her desert like the garden of Jehovah.” Rains from heaven can change a desert. How much more will not heaven’s spiritual rains change dried up lives to become “like the garden of Jehovah”? The Lord also promised that “The desert shall rejoice, and blossom as a rose. It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice even with joy and singing” (Isaiah 35. 1—2). Jesus summed this up in the words, “If any man thirst let him come unto me and drink” (John 7. 37).
Does it not encourage you to read such promises? How foolish, then, for anyone to live a life that is described as “waste,” “wilderness,” or “desert,” when the Lord offers “comfort,” “Eden,” and “the garden of Jehovah.” He is indeed “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3. 20).
Saturday, January 2, 2010
21. Jesus The Bread of Life
Jesus, the Bread of Life
Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. I am the living bread . . . if any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever. John 6:49-51.
Manna was the name given to the small round food flake that God rained from heaven for the Israelites to eat while traveling through the wilderness. When the puzzled people asked, “What is it?” Moses re- plied, “It is the bread which Jehovah hath given you to eat” (Exodus 16. 16). This became their daily bread for some forty years. This manna was a type of the true bread, namely, Jesus Christ, that Jehovah would send in due season. Therefore Jesus told the people when they referred to the manna, “Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. I am the living bread. . . . If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever” (John 6. 49—51). Let us note some of the similarities between the manna and Jesus.
Both the manna and Jesus came from above. In both instances it was the plan of Jehovah. He wanted to teach Israel, as He wants to teach us, that power for our daily life comes from above. We live only as we feed on Jesus Christ. “Except ye eat of the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have not life in yourselves” (John 6. 53). The manna fell to the ground where there was easy access to it. It did not grow on trees, but fell on the ground where even the children could pick it up. Jehovah always thinks of the lowly. The bread of life is to be accessible to the lowliest. Therefore Jesus cried out, “Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out”
(John 6. 37).
The manna could be trampled under foot, even though it was God’s love gift to a starving people. The matter of choice was left with the people. They were not forced to eat it. If their own hunger did not prompt them to stoop down and pick it up, it lay in their power to despise it and to trample upon it. This is also true of Jesus. “Of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and bath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” (Hebrews 10. 29).
The manna, if left untouched, melted away in the heat of the sun. “And when the sun waxed hot it melted” (Exodus 16. 22). The time came when it was too late to pick it up. The fullness of the day caused it to disappear. Of course, the next day would bring more. “For his grace is every morning new,” but if neglected day after day, death is certain. We do well to heed the warning, “Let everyone that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found” (Psalm 32. 6). There comes a time when it will be too late to receive God’s blessings.
The manna was of no use unless it was picked up and eaten. The ground was covered and there was plenty for all, but it was useless to the people until they themselves gathered and ate it. In like manner we may hear others talk about Jesus until our dying day, and it will do us no good unless we ourselves receive Him. “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me; hear and your soul shall live” (Isaiah 55. 2—3).
The Lord Jesus, our Bread of Life, invites all hungry souls to come and feast. He suffered death in order to offer Himself to us as “the bread of life.” He stands ready and prepared now to be received. He has said, “He that eateth this bread shall live forever” (John 6:58). Come, fainting friend, eat to your heart’s content.
O Bread of life from heaven,
To weary pilgrims given,
O Manna from above:
The souls that hunger feed Thou,
The hearts that seek Thee lead Thou,
With Thy most sweet and tender love.
Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. I am the living bread . . . if any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever. John 6:49-51.
Manna was the name given to the small round food flake that God rained from heaven for the Israelites to eat while traveling through the wilderness. When the puzzled people asked, “What is it?” Moses re- plied, “It is the bread which Jehovah hath given you to eat” (Exodus 16. 16). This became their daily bread for some forty years. This manna was a type of the true bread, namely, Jesus Christ, that Jehovah would send in due season. Therefore Jesus told the people when they referred to the manna, “Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. I am the living bread. . . . If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever” (John 6. 49—51). Let us note some of the similarities between the manna and Jesus.
Both the manna and Jesus came from above. In both instances it was the plan of Jehovah. He wanted to teach Israel, as He wants to teach us, that power for our daily life comes from above. We live only as we feed on Jesus Christ. “Except ye eat of the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have not life in yourselves” (John 6. 53). The manna fell to the ground where there was easy access to it. It did not grow on trees, but fell on the ground where even the children could pick it up. Jehovah always thinks of the lowly. The bread of life is to be accessible to the lowliest. Therefore Jesus cried out, “Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out”
(John 6. 37).
The manna could be trampled under foot, even though it was God’s love gift to a starving people. The matter of choice was left with the people. They were not forced to eat it. If their own hunger did not prompt them to stoop down and pick it up, it lay in their power to despise it and to trample upon it. This is also true of Jesus. “Of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and bath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” (Hebrews 10. 29).
The manna, if left untouched, melted away in the heat of the sun. “And when the sun waxed hot it melted” (Exodus 16. 22). The time came when it was too late to pick it up. The fullness of the day caused it to disappear. Of course, the next day would bring more. “For his grace is every morning new,” but if neglected day after day, death is certain. We do well to heed the warning, “Let everyone that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found” (Psalm 32. 6). There comes a time when it will be too late to receive God’s blessings.
The manna was of no use unless it was picked up and eaten. The ground was covered and there was plenty for all, but it was useless to the people until they themselves gathered and ate it. In like manner we may hear others talk about Jesus until our dying day, and it will do us no good unless we ourselves receive Him. “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me; hear and your soul shall live” (Isaiah 55. 2—3).
The Lord Jesus, our Bread of Life, invites all hungry souls to come and feast. He suffered death in order to offer Himself to us as “the bread of life.” He stands ready and prepared now to be received. He has said, “He that eateth this bread shall live forever” (John 6:58). Come, fainting friend, eat to your heart’s content.
O Bread of life from heaven,
To weary pilgrims given,
O Manna from above:
The souls that hunger feed Thou,
The hearts that seek Thee lead Thou,
With Thy most sweet and tender love.
Monday, September 14, 2009
20. What time Is It?
My Hearts Desire
Maynard Force
Chapter 20
What Time Is It?
It is time . . . Romans 13.11.
"What time is it?" This is a question we have asked many times. The answer has varied, depending upon the time of day in which we asked it. The answer has had various effects upon us. Let us, for a change, turn to God and ask Him that same question. Listen to His answer in the words of our text: "It is time for you to awake out of sleep'' (Romans 13.11). We are given three reasons why we should wake up right now:
1. "Salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed'' (v.11). Heaven never was as near as it is now. Most any time our earthly journey may come to an end. Such thoughts thrill a child of God to the very heart. With the apostle Paul we say we "have a desire to depart and be with Christ'' (Phil. 2.23).
2. "The night is far spent'' (v.12). It is just about over. We are told the darkest hours come just before dawn. Therefore, do not let the darkness of our day deceive you into believing that the night is not far spent. Every Christian has been saved for this coming day. "For ye are all sons of light, and sons of the day'' (1 Thessalonians 5.5).
3. "The day is at hand." Eternity's day is ready to dawn. The day of the Lord is upon us. Not a second can be lost. We have overslept. Surely, these three reasons should arouse the heaviest of sleepers.
Make haste, friend. God has called. "It is time to awake out of sleep."
"It is time" to remove our coverings-"cast off the works of darkness." God is asking us to throw off the coverings under which we have been sleeping. They have kept us snug and complacent long enough.
Three common coverings that have kept many a sleeping sinner warm are;
1. The blanket of hypocrisy. This covering looks so attractive. All who pull it over themselves are soon fast asleep.
2. The blanket of unbelief. It is thick and warm and is found wherever sinners sleep. How easy to snuggle under its protection and sleep the sleep of death.
3. The blanket of "pet sin." It is so easy to sleep enfolded in some pet sin, as lying, exaggerating, pride, jealousy, and the like. Many a careless child of God has fallen soundly asleep under this blanket.
We have mentioned but three blankets under which sinners are sleeping. There are many more. Listen again, dear friend. God is talking. "Throw off the works of darkness.'' If you have heard His voice, determine today to come out from under your covering. Confess your sins as you bring them into the open, and our Lord will forgive you.
"It is time'' to dress properly. God's Word tells us to "put on the armor of light'' (v.12). This is not a day for silks and satins, but for armor. A terrible battle is raging. Satan and all his forces are making their last stand. Every hellish weapon that he has is now in use. None can stand before him unless clothed in the armor of light. The Lord has commanded, "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able. to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6.11). Ample protection is given so that we can all "be strong in the Lord." But there is no protection for the back! Woe unto him, there- fore, who turns his back to the enemy! "He is not fit for the kingdom of heaven." Hurry, friend. Get dressed! Weary saints who have faced the enemy for some time need to be reinforced. Remember you are on the winning side. Therefore lose no time in putting on the armor of light, for "it is time for Jehovah to work'' (Psalm 119.126).
"It is time" also to arise and walk. "Let us walk becomingly as in the day." "Walk" means progress. This is not a day for naps. The end of the age is on us. "Time is shortened" (1Corinthians 7.39). We are admonished to "watch and pray," for "yet a very little while, he that cometh shall come, and shall not tarry" (Hebrews 10.37). "The coming of the Lord is at hand" (James 5.8). "Behold the judge standeth before the doors'' (James 5.9). Oh, friend, tarry not! "Walk while ye have the light'' (John 12.35). All heed the admonition, "Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise ; redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5.15-16) .
We have heard the time according to God's clock. His answer was a solemn one. Linger not, for that is dangerous. By the help of God, "let us not sleep as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober" (1 Thessalonians 5.6) .
Maynard Force
Chapter 20
What Time Is It?
It is time . . . Romans 13.11.
"What time is it?" This is a question we have asked many times. The answer has varied, depending upon the time of day in which we asked it. The answer has had various effects upon us. Let us, for a change, turn to God and ask Him that same question. Listen to His answer in the words of our text: "It is time for you to awake out of sleep'' (Romans 13.11). We are given three reasons why we should wake up right now:
1. "Salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed'' (v.11). Heaven never was as near as it is now. Most any time our earthly journey may come to an end. Such thoughts thrill a child of God to the very heart. With the apostle Paul we say we "have a desire to depart and be with Christ'' (Phil. 2.23).
2. "The night is far spent'' (v.12). It is just about over. We are told the darkest hours come just before dawn. Therefore, do not let the darkness of our day deceive you into believing that the night is not far spent. Every Christian has been saved for this coming day. "For ye are all sons of light, and sons of the day'' (1 Thessalonians 5.5).
3. "The day is at hand." Eternity's day is ready to dawn. The day of the Lord is upon us. Not a second can be lost. We have overslept. Surely, these three reasons should arouse the heaviest of sleepers.
Make haste, friend. God has called. "It is time to awake out of sleep."
"It is time" to remove our coverings-"cast off the works of darkness." God is asking us to throw off the coverings under which we have been sleeping. They have kept us snug and complacent long enough.
Three common coverings that have kept many a sleeping sinner warm are;
1. The blanket of hypocrisy. This covering looks so attractive. All who pull it over themselves are soon fast asleep.
2. The blanket of unbelief. It is thick and warm and is found wherever sinners sleep. How easy to snuggle under its protection and sleep the sleep of death.
3. The blanket of "pet sin." It is so easy to sleep enfolded in some pet sin, as lying, exaggerating, pride, jealousy, and the like. Many a careless child of God has fallen soundly asleep under this blanket.
We have mentioned but three blankets under which sinners are sleeping. There are many more. Listen again, dear friend. God is talking. "Throw off the works of darkness.'' If you have heard His voice, determine today to come out from under your covering. Confess your sins as you bring them into the open, and our Lord will forgive you.
"It is time'' to dress properly. God's Word tells us to "put on the armor of light'' (v.12). This is not a day for silks and satins, but for armor. A terrible battle is raging. Satan and all his forces are making their last stand. Every hellish weapon that he has is now in use. None can stand before him unless clothed in the armor of light. The Lord has commanded, "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able. to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6.11). Ample protection is given so that we can all "be strong in the Lord." But there is no protection for the back! Woe unto him, there- fore, who turns his back to the enemy! "He is not fit for the kingdom of heaven." Hurry, friend. Get dressed! Weary saints who have faced the enemy for some time need to be reinforced. Remember you are on the winning side. Therefore lose no time in putting on the armor of light, for "it is time for Jehovah to work'' (Psalm 119.126).
"It is time" also to arise and walk. "Let us walk becomingly as in the day." "Walk" means progress. This is not a day for naps. The end of the age is on us. "Time is shortened" (1Corinthians 7.39). We are admonished to "watch and pray," for "yet a very little while, he that cometh shall come, and shall not tarry" (Hebrews 10.37). "The coming of the Lord is at hand" (James 5.8). "Behold the judge standeth before the doors'' (James 5.9). Oh, friend, tarry not! "Walk while ye have the light'' (John 12.35). All heed the admonition, "Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise ; redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5.15-16) .
We have heard the time according to God's clock. His answer was a solemn one. Linger not, for that is dangerous. By the help of God, "let us not sleep as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober" (1 Thessalonians 5.6) .
19. Rivers of Blessing
My Hearts Desire
Maynard Force
Chapter 19
Rivers of Blessing
The river of God is full of water. Psalm 65. 9.
This is God's way of telling us that He has abundant blessings for us. He uses language we can all understand. He wants even the weakest individual to know that he, too, is invited to share in this abundant blessing. Let us draw near to the banks of the river and together enjoy its fullness.
The river of God satisfies. Not one of the millions who have drunk from it has said otherwise. Jesus, speaking about spiritual thirst, said, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst'' (John 4.14). That is a staggering statement. Ponder it, dear friend. If you have drunk from the river of God, your soul can say, "I know that is true." If not, the invitation is extended to you to come to the river of God and drink. "They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou wilt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life'' (Psalm 36.8-9).
The river of God never runs dry. It is full of water. There is no end to a full river. Water upon water keeps coming. Day and night its majestic flow is the same. What a perfect picture of God's "grace upon grace" (John 1.16). Where the need is great, the supply is even greater. "Where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly" (Romans 5.20). The rivers of pleasure and lust are seasonal. They merely fool those who flock to their banks, and they are left there to die in their thirst. Not so the river of God, for "everything shall live whithersoever the river cometh'' (Ezekiel 47.9).
The river of God waters the lowest places. It winds hither and thither among the alleys. It is those in the valleys who receive its blessings. If you find yourself in the valley of depression, do not give up in despair, for the river of God flows there. If you find yourself in the valley of grief, look for the river. It winds back and forth all through this place. If you find yourself in the valley of testing, with your vision limited by the mountains, fear not, but look for the river of God. "He sendeth forth springs into the valleys; they run among the mountains'' (Ps.104.10).
The river of God is free to all. A river is of such a nature that it can not be fenced. A small lake may be monopolized by some wealthy individual who can nail up "Keep-out signs all around it. Not so with a river. I have never heard of an individual being sole possessor of a river. A river winds back and forth so that many can enjoy it. If a straight line is the shortest distance between two points, may not a river be the longest distance between two points? Does it not seem that the reason it is so winding is to extend its blessings farther? Surely, that is true of the river of God. Has it not found its way even to you? Listen to our Lord Jesus as He speaks, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink'' (John 7.37). Jesus Himself is this river.
The river of God becomes a blessing only to those who will drink. One can not stand erect and expect to contact its blessings. Only those who humble themselves and kneel by its side can drink. Many a needy soul has thrown himself prostrate beside the river of God and has drunk to his heart's content. The song writer well expressed this experience when he wrote:
"I heard the voice of Jesus say,
'Behold, I freely give the living water, thirsty one,
Stoop down, and drink and live.'
I came to Jesus and I drank
Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in Him."
The river of God is full of water. It flows for our benefit. "He that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take the water of life freely'' (Revelation 22.17). "There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God'' (Psalm 46.4). Praise God for such a river! Oh, for grace to live on its banks!
Maynard Force
Chapter 19
Rivers of Blessing
The river of God is full of water. Psalm 65. 9.
This is God's way of telling us that He has abundant blessings for us. He uses language we can all understand. He wants even the weakest individual to know that he, too, is invited to share in this abundant blessing. Let us draw near to the banks of the river and together enjoy its fullness.
The river of God satisfies. Not one of the millions who have drunk from it has said otherwise. Jesus, speaking about spiritual thirst, said, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst'' (John 4.14). That is a staggering statement. Ponder it, dear friend. If you have drunk from the river of God, your soul can say, "I know that is true." If not, the invitation is extended to you to come to the river of God and drink. "They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou wilt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life'' (Psalm 36.8-9).
The river of God never runs dry. It is full of water. There is no end to a full river. Water upon water keeps coming. Day and night its majestic flow is the same. What a perfect picture of God's "grace upon grace" (John 1.16). Where the need is great, the supply is even greater. "Where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly" (Romans 5.20). The rivers of pleasure and lust are seasonal. They merely fool those who flock to their banks, and they are left there to die in their thirst. Not so the river of God, for "everything shall live whithersoever the river cometh'' (Ezekiel 47.9).
The river of God waters the lowest places. It winds hither and thither among the alleys. It is those in the valleys who receive its blessings. If you find yourself in the valley of depression, do not give up in despair, for the river of God flows there. If you find yourself in the valley of grief, look for the river. It winds back and forth all through this place. If you find yourself in the valley of testing, with your vision limited by the mountains, fear not, but look for the river of God. "He sendeth forth springs into the valleys; they run among the mountains'' (Ps.104.10).
The river of God is free to all. A river is of such a nature that it can not be fenced. A small lake may be monopolized by some wealthy individual who can nail up "Keep-out signs all around it. Not so with a river. I have never heard of an individual being sole possessor of a river. A river winds back and forth so that many can enjoy it. If a straight line is the shortest distance between two points, may not a river be the longest distance between two points? Does it not seem that the reason it is so winding is to extend its blessings farther? Surely, that is true of the river of God. Has it not found its way even to you? Listen to our Lord Jesus as He speaks, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink'' (John 7.37). Jesus Himself is this river.
The river of God becomes a blessing only to those who will drink. One can not stand erect and expect to contact its blessings. Only those who humble themselves and kneel by its side can drink. Many a needy soul has thrown himself prostrate beside the river of God and has drunk to his heart's content. The song writer well expressed this experience when he wrote:
"I heard the voice of Jesus say,
'Behold, I freely give the living water, thirsty one,
Stoop down, and drink and live.'
I came to Jesus and I drank
Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in Him."
The river of God is full of water. It flows for our benefit. "He that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take the water of life freely'' (Revelation 22.17). "There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God'' (Psalm 46.4). Praise God for such a river! Oh, for grace to live on its banks!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
18. A Potent Plea
My Heart's Desire
Maynard Force
Chapter 18
A Potent Plea
Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. John 11. 3.
This was the message Mary and Martha sent to Jesus when their brother, Lazarus, was at the point of death. Eight well-chosen words. No telegram today was better worded. They could have said, ''Our brother Lazarus is sick," but they chose to word the message, "He whom thou lovest is sick." "He whom thou lovest", what a fitting way of referring to their brother! Friend, do you realize that these words are a fitting description of you also? "He whom thou lovest'', that's you. For the Lord truly loves you, whether you realize it or not. "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins'' (1 John 4.10).
"Behold Lord; he whom thou lovest is sick." Lazarus had now become helpless even to the extent of having others wait upon him. He had met with a situation that had overcome him. Whereas his own strength had been sufficient in the past, now he had none. What a moment for Satan to strike! The afflicted often forget that the Lord loves them just as much in their helpless state as when they were strong and healthy. God's Word can not change even if our condition has changed to one of helplessness. We are still described as those "whom thou lovest." Let us never forget that our God is "a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat'' (Isaiah 25.4). How comforting to notice that it was while Lazarus lay in this helpless condition that they referred to him as "he whom thou lovest.''
"Behold, Lord, he whom thou lovest'' is now seemingly quite useless. How tragic if the Lord should cease to love us when we can no longer engage in some outward activity for Him! Such suggestions come from the devil. They seem very reasonable. The prophet Isaiah was tempted to say, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for naught and vanity'' (Isaiah 49.4). The Lord soon led the prophet out of this depression by bringing him to the conviction, "I am honorable in the eyes of Jehovah, and my God has become my strength'' (v. 5). What a blessed stopping place for a weary soul! Let us never move away from it. Remember, even though Lazarus lay apparently useless on a sickbed, still he was referred to as ''he whom thou lovest.''
"Behold, Lord, he whom thou lovest'' is at the point of death. What sweet words at a time like that, to be referred to as "he whom thou lovest''! Can it be true that at the end of life, when we are especially conscious of our many failures and shortcomings, we can still be referred to as "he whom thou lovest''? Is there not a danger of putting too much faith in the love of God? Never! Listen to the apostle Paul, "I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord'' (Romans 8.38-39) .
Regardless of where you are, or who you are, these words, "Behold, Lord, he whom thou lovest," describes Christ's relationship to you. May your memory grasp them fast. Let them sound and resound in your mind over and over again-"Behold, Lord, he whom thou lovest'' is sick, is tired, is weary, is discouraged, is sorrowful, is sinful, is in trouble, is distressed, is at death's door, or in any other possible situation. To any and to all we cry out with Paul, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . . Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us'' (Romans 8.35-37).
Maynard Force
Chapter 18
A Potent Plea
Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. John 11. 3.
This was the message Mary and Martha sent to Jesus when their brother, Lazarus, was at the point of death. Eight well-chosen words. No telegram today was better worded. They could have said, ''Our brother Lazarus is sick," but they chose to word the message, "He whom thou lovest is sick." "He whom thou lovest", what a fitting way of referring to their brother! Friend, do you realize that these words are a fitting description of you also? "He whom thou lovest'', that's you. For the Lord truly loves you, whether you realize it or not. "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins'' (1 John 4.10).
"Behold Lord; he whom thou lovest is sick." Lazarus had now become helpless even to the extent of having others wait upon him. He had met with a situation that had overcome him. Whereas his own strength had been sufficient in the past, now he had none. What a moment for Satan to strike! The afflicted often forget that the Lord loves them just as much in their helpless state as when they were strong and healthy. God's Word can not change even if our condition has changed to one of helplessness. We are still described as those "whom thou lovest." Let us never forget that our God is "a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat'' (Isaiah 25.4). How comforting to notice that it was while Lazarus lay in this helpless condition that they referred to him as "he whom thou lovest.''
"Behold, Lord, he whom thou lovest'' is now seemingly quite useless. How tragic if the Lord should cease to love us when we can no longer engage in some outward activity for Him! Such suggestions come from the devil. They seem very reasonable. The prophet Isaiah was tempted to say, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for naught and vanity'' (Isaiah 49.4). The Lord soon led the prophet out of this depression by bringing him to the conviction, "I am honorable in the eyes of Jehovah, and my God has become my strength'' (v. 5). What a blessed stopping place for a weary soul! Let us never move away from it. Remember, even though Lazarus lay apparently useless on a sickbed, still he was referred to as ''he whom thou lovest.''
"Behold, Lord, he whom thou lovest'' is at the point of death. What sweet words at a time like that, to be referred to as "he whom thou lovest''! Can it be true that at the end of life, when we are especially conscious of our many failures and shortcomings, we can still be referred to as "he whom thou lovest''? Is there not a danger of putting too much faith in the love of God? Never! Listen to the apostle Paul, "I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord'' (Romans 8.38-39) .
Regardless of where you are, or who you are, these words, "Behold, Lord, he whom thou lovest," describes Christ's relationship to you. May your memory grasp them fast. Let them sound and resound in your mind over and over again-"Behold, Lord, he whom thou lovest'' is sick, is tired, is weary, is discouraged, is sorrowful, is sinful, is in trouble, is distressed, is at death's door, or in any other possible situation. To any and to all we cry out with Paul, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . . Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us'' (Romans 8.35-37).
17. Freed From Bondage
My Heart's Desire
Maynard Force
Chapter 17
Freed from Bondage
Arise, take up thy bed and walk. John 5. 8.
These words of Jesus were spoken to a man who had been bedridden for thirty-eight years. Would it not have been enough had Jesus said, "Arise, and walk''? Why should this man be told to take his bed with him?
The sick man was to take up his bed and walk because he was never to live in this place of defeat again. He had struggled there for thirty-eight years to better his condition, but had failed. Neither was there anyone in this place who seemed to care enough to help him. His companions were classified as "sick blind, halt, and withered.'' The sick are too often self-centered people who think only of themselves and their ailments. The blind are those who have no vision, but sit in darkness all the time. The halt are those who limp around, but get no place. The withered are those who were once robust and strong, but are now dried up. In this depressing place, he had been kept a prisoner for these many years. Now that he had met Jesus, he, as well as his surroundings, was to be different. The past was to be forever gone. He was to be completely free, "For if the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed'' (John 8.36).
He was to take his bed with him so he would not be tempted to return to that place of misery again. There were "sick" people in that place from whom he might contract other diseases so that "the last state of the man'' would become "worse than the first" (Luke 11. 26). No doubt his bed was his sole possession, and Christ wanted not only him, but his meager belongings as well, liberated from this place of bondage. Too many people who have been set free by Christ never take their belongings with them into that freedom. Their possessions then become the bait that entices them back into bondage again. Moses realized this danger, and therefore told Pharaoh, "Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not a hoof be left behind'' (Exodus 10.16). He knew that if even a calf were left, some man would be tempted to sneak back and get it. Once a soul is set free there is to be no going back into the place of bondage. This truth was demonstrated when God chose to lead Israel out of Egypt by way of the Red Sea. Once they were safely on the other side He closed the passage, never to open it again, for there was to be no back-tracking. Christ stands ready to liberate not only us, but also all our possessions. "Stand fast, therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage'' (Galatians 5.1). Be sure your belongings also are set free, that they do not become your ''yoke of bondage.''
The man was to take his bed, for now he had power to do so. Until now his bed had carried him, but now that he had met Christ he was to carry his bed. This bed, which was a symbol of his possessions, had held him fast for many years. Christ had reversed the situation. Now that he was a free man, he was to be master of his bed. Christ did a similar thing for Zacchaeus, the rich man. Zacchaeus had become a slave to his wealth, and lived only for himself. When Jesus. saved him be became master of his wealth and immediately began to make right use of it. Listen to him as he exercises his freedom for the first time, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor'' (Luke 19.8). Once he worked for his money. Now his money worked for him. Arise, take your possessions, and be master of them!
He was to take up his bed for it was to be placed in new surroundings. Both he and his surroundings were to be different. The anxiety of the past was to be forever over. Now he was to rest in a new place where he could lie down in peace. He had been set free that he might fellowship with free people.He was not only to meet free people, but to make his abode with them. From this day on, he would be numbered with the free. He would be free to forget "the things which are behind'' and to stretch for- ward into the things which are before" (Phil. 3.13). He was now free to start life over again. He had become a new man. "Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new" (2 Cor.5.17).
When you see a person moving out his bed, you know that he is really leaving his former place of abode. Those who take only a suitcase or two will eventually return. Jesus wants us to break all our connection with our former defeated lives. He wants us and our possessions to be free. Therefore he gives the command, "Arise, take up your bed and walk."
Maynard Force
Chapter 17
Freed from Bondage
Arise, take up thy bed and walk. John 5. 8.
These words of Jesus were spoken to a man who had been bedridden for thirty-eight years. Would it not have been enough had Jesus said, "Arise, and walk''? Why should this man be told to take his bed with him?
The sick man was to take up his bed and walk because he was never to live in this place of defeat again. He had struggled there for thirty-eight years to better his condition, but had failed. Neither was there anyone in this place who seemed to care enough to help him. His companions were classified as "sick blind, halt, and withered.'' The sick are too often self-centered people who think only of themselves and their ailments. The blind are those who have no vision, but sit in darkness all the time. The halt are those who limp around, but get no place. The withered are those who were once robust and strong, but are now dried up. In this depressing place, he had been kept a prisoner for these many years. Now that he had met Jesus, he, as well as his surroundings, was to be different. The past was to be forever gone. He was to be completely free, "For if the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed'' (John 8.36).
He was to take his bed with him so he would not be tempted to return to that place of misery again. There were "sick" people in that place from whom he might contract other diseases so that "the last state of the man'' would become "worse than the first" (Luke 11. 26). No doubt his bed was his sole possession, and Christ wanted not only him, but his meager belongings as well, liberated from this place of bondage. Too many people who have been set free by Christ never take their belongings with them into that freedom. Their possessions then become the bait that entices them back into bondage again. Moses realized this danger, and therefore told Pharaoh, "Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not a hoof be left behind'' (Exodus 10.16). He knew that if even a calf were left, some man would be tempted to sneak back and get it. Once a soul is set free there is to be no going back into the place of bondage. This truth was demonstrated when God chose to lead Israel out of Egypt by way of the Red Sea. Once they were safely on the other side He closed the passage, never to open it again, for there was to be no back-tracking. Christ stands ready to liberate not only us, but also all our possessions. "Stand fast, therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage'' (Galatians 5.1). Be sure your belongings also are set free, that they do not become your ''yoke of bondage.''
The man was to take his bed, for now he had power to do so. Until now his bed had carried him, but now that he had met Christ he was to carry his bed. This bed, which was a symbol of his possessions, had held him fast for many years. Christ had reversed the situation. Now that he was a free man, he was to be master of his bed. Christ did a similar thing for Zacchaeus, the rich man. Zacchaeus had become a slave to his wealth, and lived only for himself. When Jesus. saved him be became master of his wealth and immediately began to make right use of it. Listen to him as he exercises his freedom for the first time, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor'' (Luke 19.8). Once he worked for his money. Now his money worked for him. Arise, take your possessions, and be master of them!
He was to take up his bed for it was to be placed in new surroundings. Both he and his surroundings were to be different. The anxiety of the past was to be forever over. Now he was to rest in a new place where he could lie down in peace. He had been set free that he might fellowship with free people.He was not only to meet free people, but to make his abode with them. From this day on, he would be numbered with the free. He would be free to forget "the things which are behind'' and to stretch for- ward into the things which are before" (Phil. 3.13). He was now free to start life over again. He had become a new man. "Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new" (2 Cor.5.17).
When you see a person moving out his bed, you know that he is really leaving his former place of abode. Those who take only a suitcase or two will eventually return. Jesus wants us to break all our connection with our former defeated lives. He wants us and our possessions to be free. Therefore he gives the command, "Arise, take up your bed and walk."
Sunday, August 16, 2009
16. When The Teacher Calls
From: My Heart's Desire
Maynard Force
When the Teacher Calls
The teacher is here and calleth thee. John 11. 28.
Death had visited the home of Martha and Mary. Lazarus, their beloved brother, had been suddenly snatched from them. With his passing had gone also their joy and happiness. It left them stunned. After four days of grief Jesus came, and word was sent to Mary,
''The teacher is here and calleth thee." How blessed a message for such a time as this! "The teacher is here and calleth thee" is a call to the heavy-hearted. No one but Christ can satisfy a heavy heart. Well-meaning friends try their best, but what are human beings at a time like this? It was Jesus alone who dared to say, "Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me" (John 14. 1). Faith is the only cure for heavy hearts. Faith in the Lord Jesus is also the key that will open the door of the dark prison of Heavy Heart and lead us into the freedom of God's sunlight. There are two truths that can help create such a faith. The first is: "He hath done all things well'' (Mark 7. 37). The second is: "For we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8. 28).
"The teacher is here and calleth thee" is a word for those who think it is too late. Mary felt it was now too late, therefore she said, "Lord if thou hadst been here my brother had not died." This is a common mistake! Many are tempted to think it is already too late. Let us not forget that this is the day of grace, and it is not too late for Jesus to help us. He is able to take all those who belong to the ''too late'' class and change the whole situation for them. Many of His faithful followers today once belonged to this group. Remember, He "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Ephesians 3. 20). The apostle Paul saw this truth and triumphantly wrote, "I can do all things in him that strengthens me" (Philippians 4.13).
"The teacher is here and calleth thee" is a call to return to Jesus' feet. Mary "rose up quickly and went out . . . and fell down at his feet" (John 11.31-32). It was at Jesus' feet she had received such great blessings in the past. Now, in this moment of sorrow, she found her way back to His feet. What a blessed place to come to when one's heart is full of grief! How wonderful that the Master "is here and calleth thee"! He invites us to come to Him. Have you, by chance, been so overwhelmed by problems and sorrow that you have neglected your former place at His feet? Perhaps there was a time when you came there in quietness and poured out your heart to Him in prayer. Listen carefully, for the call is to you. "The teacher is here and calleth thee."
What a tragedy it would have been if unbelief had hindered Mary from answering this invitation! She would have missed witnessing the resurrection of her dear brother. What a tragedy for any soul to turn down such a blessed call! Regardless of what your condition is when these words find you, remember, "The teacher is here and calleth thee." Let us answer as Mary of old, by rising up quickly and falling "down at his feet."
Maynard Force
When the Teacher Calls
The teacher is here and calleth thee. John 11. 28.
Death had visited the home of Martha and Mary. Lazarus, their beloved brother, had been suddenly snatched from them. With his passing had gone also their joy and happiness. It left them stunned. After four days of grief Jesus came, and word was sent to Mary,
''The teacher is here and calleth thee." How blessed a message for such a time as this! "The teacher is here and calleth thee" is a call to the heavy-hearted. No one but Christ can satisfy a heavy heart. Well-meaning friends try their best, but what are human beings at a time like this? It was Jesus alone who dared to say, "Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me" (John 14. 1). Faith is the only cure for heavy hearts. Faith in the Lord Jesus is also the key that will open the door of the dark prison of Heavy Heart and lead us into the freedom of God's sunlight. There are two truths that can help create such a faith. The first is: "He hath done all things well'' (Mark 7. 37). The second is: "For we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8. 28).
"The teacher is here and calleth thee" is a word for those who think it is too late. Mary felt it was now too late, therefore she said, "Lord if thou hadst been here my brother had not died." This is a common mistake! Many are tempted to think it is already too late. Let us not forget that this is the day of grace, and it is not too late for Jesus to help us. He is able to take all those who belong to the ''too late'' class and change the whole situation for them. Many of His faithful followers today once belonged to this group. Remember, He "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Ephesians 3. 20). The apostle Paul saw this truth and triumphantly wrote, "I can do all things in him that strengthens me" (Philippians 4.13).
"The teacher is here and calleth thee" is a call to return to Jesus' feet. Mary "rose up quickly and went out . . . and fell down at his feet" (John 11.31-32). It was at Jesus' feet she had received such great blessings in the past. Now, in this moment of sorrow, she found her way back to His feet. What a blessed place to come to when one's heart is full of grief! How wonderful that the Master "is here and calleth thee"! He invites us to come to Him. Have you, by chance, been so overwhelmed by problems and sorrow that you have neglected your former place at His feet? Perhaps there was a time when you came there in quietness and poured out your heart to Him in prayer. Listen carefully, for the call is to you. "The teacher is here and calleth thee."
What a tragedy it would have been if unbelief had hindered Mary from answering this invitation! She would have missed witnessing the resurrection of her dear brother. What a tragedy for any soul to turn down such a blessed call! Regardless of what your condition is when these words find you, remember, "The teacher is here and calleth thee." Let us answer as Mary of old, by rising up quickly and falling "down at his feet."
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