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.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
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).
23. I have Made Thee a Watchman
I Have Made Thee a Watchman
I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
Ezekiel 3. 17.
“I have made thee a watchman.” These words should grip any Christian. A watchman is an important man. In fact, he is a most important man in times of danger. He can be either a curse or a blessing to the people.
A watchman’s position must be on a high elevation. The higher up he sits the more he can see. His vision becomes greater in proportion to his elevation. The Lord has a place which He expects all His people to occupy. He “has made us alive together with Christ (by grace have ye been saved) and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2. 5—6). “The heavenly places” are the heights upon which God’s people are to live. They are the mountain tops of victorious living. It is from here that the enemy can be detected. “I have made thee a watchman,” says our Lord; but how can we be true watchmen, if we live in the valley of defeat?
A watchman must be wide awake. In the army, a guard or watchman suffers a severe penalty if he falls asleep on his post. No excuse is accepted. What good is a sleeping watchman? It is not enough that he is awake most of the time. He must be awake all the time. The first man the lurking enemy looks for is the watchman. If they can get by him, their greatest difficulty is solved. What responsibility to be a Christian — God’s watchman of today! Think of Satan’s gains because of the spiritual drowsiness of Christians! In Israel’s day the Lord said, “I have set watchmen upon thy wall, 0 Jerusalem; and they shall never hold their peace day or night: ye that are Jehovah’s remembrancers, take ye no rest” (Isaiah 62. 6). Paul was just such a watchman, for he could say, “Wherefore watch ye, remembering that by the space of three years I ceased not to admonish everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20. 31). Oh, for grace to be such a watchman!
A watchman must speak up. He goes about his work in a quiet way. He is usually by himself in some appointed place. To many, his work seems quite useless. Perhaps he himself is tempted to think this. However, a true watchman sees danger long before others see it. He must not wait for others to see what he sees. The alarm must be given. “Give them warning,” are the clear words of our text. If the warning is not heeded, that is not the fault of the watchman. “Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity, but thou hast deliv.ered thy soul” (Ezekiel 3. 19). However, it is as clearly stated, that if the watchman does not speak “to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thy (the watchman’s) hand” (Ezekiel 3. 18). Truly the watchman has a great responsibility.
Do you claim to be a Christian? Then you are a watchman. You have been commissioned in the words of our text, “I have made thee a watchman.” Great honor and responsibility have been bestowed upon you. What kind of a watchman are you?
I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
Ezekiel 3. 17.
“I have made thee a watchman.” These words should grip any Christian. A watchman is an important man. In fact, he is a most important man in times of danger. He can be either a curse or a blessing to the people.
A watchman’s position must be on a high elevation. The higher up he sits the more he can see. His vision becomes greater in proportion to his elevation. The Lord has a place which He expects all His people to occupy. He “has made us alive together with Christ (by grace have ye been saved) and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2. 5—6). “The heavenly places” are the heights upon which God’s people are to live. They are the mountain tops of victorious living. It is from here that the enemy can be detected. “I have made thee a watchman,” says our Lord; but how can we be true watchmen, if we live in the valley of defeat?
A watchman must be wide awake. In the army, a guard or watchman suffers a severe penalty if he falls asleep on his post. No excuse is accepted. What good is a sleeping watchman? It is not enough that he is awake most of the time. He must be awake all the time. The first man the lurking enemy looks for is the watchman. If they can get by him, their greatest difficulty is solved. What responsibility to be a Christian — God’s watchman of today! Think of Satan’s gains because of the spiritual drowsiness of Christians! In Israel’s day the Lord said, “I have set watchmen upon thy wall, 0 Jerusalem; and they shall never hold their peace day or night: ye that are Jehovah’s remembrancers, take ye no rest” (Isaiah 62. 6). Paul was just such a watchman, for he could say, “Wherefore watch ye, remembering that by the space of three years I ceased not to admonish everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20. 31). Oh, for grace to be such a watchman!
A watchman must speak up. He goes about his work in a quiet way. He is usually by himself in some appointed place. To many, his work seems quite useless. Perhaps he himself is tempted to think this. However, a true watchman sees danger long before others see it. He must not wait for others to see what he sees. The alarm must be given. “Give them warning,” are the clear words of our text. If the warning is not heeded, that is not the fault of the watchman. “Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity, but thou hast deliv.ered thy soul” (Ezekiel 3. 19). However, it is as clearly stated, that if the watchman does not speak “to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thy (the watchman’s) hand” (Ezekiel 3. 18). Truly the watchman has a great responsibility.
Do you claim to be a Christian? Then you are a watchman. You have been commissioned in the words of our text, “I have made thee a watchman.” Great honor and responsibility have been bestowed upon you. What kind of a watchman are you?
22. What the Lord Can Do If We give Him a Chance.
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).
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).
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.
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