O That I Had the Wings of a Dove!
"Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!" (Psalm 55:6).
The trials of a believer are often severe. Many a storm has he to endure, many a river to ford, and many a fire to pass through - in his way home to the promised land. Little did the Christian think, when he first stepped into the liberty of the gospel, that there were such rough roads, dark nights, and terrible storms before him - but, more or less, every traveler to Mount Zion, must experience them. It is generally found to be a rough road, which leads to the celestial city. Many a Christian has found his courage fail him, and his heart misgive him, on his way home.
The darkness is sometimes so dense, the cross is at times so heavy, the disappointment at some seasons is so great - that the stoutest heart quails and unites with the timed spirit, in exclaiming, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!"
These trials are necessary to try our sincerity, exercise our graces, and render the promises sweet and precious.
When all goes smooth, and everything pleasant - we attach but little importance to the promises, have little power in prayer, and are too apt to over-value ourselves. But trying times endear the throne of grace, strip of of pride and self-importance, and strengthen our trust in Jesus.
Never is Christ so precious - as in times of peculiar trial. Never is the Bible so valued - as in the day of trouble and distress. The wilderness with its barren burning sands, its storms and tempests, its dangers and its difficulties - endears the promised land; and makes the pilgrim occasionally to cry out, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!"
Rest! O how sweet is the thought of rest - to the weary, way-worn, exhausted traveler! Rest! O how sweet is the thought of rest - to the afflicted, tried, and tempted Christian! He most generally thinks of Heaven as a place of rest: rest from suffering, rest from sorrow, rest from toil, and rest from conflict.
Rest with Jesus.
Rest in the home of God.
Rest, perfect and perpetual.
Peaceful and glorious rest!
We have the foretastes of it occasionally now, which makes us at times long for its fullness and perfection. Like the grapes of Eshcol, which when tasted, stimulates us to hasten across the wilderness, that we may take possession of the promised land; so the inward calm, the secret repose, the rest at times enjoyed in the soul - urges us on, and makes us cry out, "Oh, that I have the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!"
But we may be too anxious to be gone. We may be in too great a hurry to depart. We had therefore better pray for patience to endure, and strength to bear, and courage to face our trials - than wish for wings to fly from them.
As an old writer says, "Better pray for the strength of an ox - to bear your troubles; than for the wings of a dove - to fly away from them." Even cowardice, or self-love, may prompt us to use the exclamation. Let us, therefore, while we may have a desire to depart and be with Christ as far better for us; remember, that it may be more for the glory of God, for the benefit of others, and even for our own ultimate good - that we remain here. And if so, it is better calmly and patiently to say, "all the days of my appointed time I will wait - until my change comes," than from a desire for self-indulgence to cry out, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!"
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Saturday, February 22, 2020
The Lost Soul's Request! # 1
The Lost Soul's Request! # 1
We know comparatively little of the unseen world. We do know that there is a Heaven of joy and peace for the saved sinner - and there is a place of sorrow and suffering for the lost sinner.
Our Lord in one of His parables, sets before us the suffering life, happy death, and glorious state in Heaven - of a poor believer; and the mirthful life, death, and awful state of suffering in hell - of a wealthy sinner.
"In hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torment!" He sought a little alleviation of his sufferings - but was denied the least. Being directed to remember how he had lived on earth - he thought of his former honor, and the state of those whom he had left behind him, he answered: "Then I beg you, father Abraham - send Lazarus to my father's house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment!" (Luke 16:27, 28). Observe,
The Object of the Rich Man's Solicitude: his "five brothers." They were perhaps younger than himself, though it is probable that he was comparatively young.
They were still in the land of hope - and he was in the dismal region of despair. They were still under the reign of mercy - and he was under the iron rod of justice.
He feared for them - for he knew in what state he had left them! He feared for them - lest they should persevere in sin, and at length come to the same place of torment! He most ardently desired their salvation, and that they might escape the sure wrath that is coming. He despaired of their salvation by ordinary means, and therefore he petitioned that Lazarus may be sent, that he might testify to them.
Ah, if we realized what hell is, and sympathized with sinners as we ought to do - we would be prepared to make use of any means, and of all means, in order, if possible - to prevent souls going there! It is very strange, that professing to believe the Bible representations of hell, the certainty of every unconverted sinner going there, and that conversion is effected by the use of means which are in our power - that we use them so little, or so feebly.
Look at this lost soul in hell - he remembers his brethren, and, appealing to Abraham, gives expression to:
The Rich Man's Ardent Desire: "Send Lazarus to my brothers! Lazarus is no longer a poor, ulcerated beggar - he will make a fit and suitable preacher! They know he is dead. They will be greatly affected by his appearance among them, and by the change that has taken place in him. O, send Lazarus, and let him bear testimony to the reality of this place of torment - to the certainty of all impenitent sinners coming here, however rich or distinguished they were on earth. Let Lazarus testify as to the nature of this place of torment, and tell them that their poor brother is in flames, tormenting flames, inextinguishable flames! Tell them that I am denied one solitary drop of water, or anything which will in any way alleviate my dreadful sufferings! Let him assure them that hell is real, that the punishment is most intense, that the sufferers are immortal, that annihilation is a fiction, and that deliverance from this fearful agony is impossible!
Let, O let him tell them, that once here, they are here forever! Forever! Forever!
And, O let him warn them of the folly, the madness, of neglecting the soul and its salvation. Let him testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment! It is possible. It is probable. It is certain - if they live and die in sin as I did!"
That poor wretch dreaded their coming there, for if anything could add to his torments - it would be to see his own brothers under the same condemnation, in the same horrid place of punishment! He also dreaded it, as most probably by his own example, and by his influence - he had hardened them in sin, and encouraged them in their ungodly course. It would therefore be an aggravation of his woe, and cause the flame that tormented him to blaze more fiercely - to see their eternal sufferings as his own fault!
It must be dreadful - to be the cause or the occasion of another's soul being lost forever, and to have the sufferings of that soul constantly before our eyes!
Is it not a striking thought - that lost sinners, while suffering the torment of hell - sympathize with living relations, which they have left behind them on earth? O what a terrible thing, the excerise of a strong memory in hell must be!
Those who now suffer the torments of the damned, are represented as desiring the salvation of their relatives on earth, and that they may be saved at any expense - saved, cost what it may. Does not this concern of the damned - condemn the conduct of many careless, indifferent, idle, and worldly-minded professors? What a terrible thought it is, that any of us should bre more unfeeling about the spiritual state, and eternal destiny of our relatives, friends, or neighbors - than lost souls are. Is it, can it be, that we have harder hearts, or more thoughtless souls - than lost spirits have?
Brethren, how active, how eager, how untiring we should be, in testifying to sinners - in praying for lost souls!
Reader, how is it with you? Inquire diligently, I beseech you! Think of going directly from the bright land of hope - to the dismal regions of despair! Is not the thought dreadful!
But what if hell should be the destiny of your own soul? What if it should! It will be your certain doom - if you die unconverted. Perhaps there are some now in hell, once related to you - who are now concerned for you. Are you as much concerned for yourself?
Have you not some dear ones on the road to hell - for whom you should be especially concerned? If so, act the Christian on their behalf, and act so at once, persevering until they are saved!
~James Smith~
(The End)
We know comparatively little of the unseen world. We do know that there is a Heaven of joy and peace for the saved sinner - and there is a place of sorrow and suffering for the lost sinner.
Our Lord in one of His parables, sets before us the suffering life, happy death, and glorious state in Heaven - of a poor believer; and the mirthful life, death, and awful state of suffering in hell - of a wealthy sinner.
"In hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torment!" He sought a little alleviation of his sufferings - but was denied the least. Being directed to remember how he had lived on earth - he thought of his former honor, and the state of those whom he had left behind him, he answered: "Then I beg you, father Abraham - send Lazarus to my father's house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment!" (Luke 16:27, 28). Observe,
The Object of the Rich Man's Solicitude: his "five brothers." They were perhaps younger than himself, though it is probable that he was comparatively young.
They were still in the land of hope - and he was in the dismal region of despair. They were still under the reign of mercy - and he was under the iron rod of justice.
He feared for them - for he knew in what state he had left them! He feared for them - lest they should persevere in sin, and at length come to the same place of torment! He most ardently desired their salvation, and that they might escape the sure wrath that is coming. He despaired of their salvation by ordinary means, and therefore he petitioned that Lazarus may be sent, that he might testify to them.
Ah, if we realized what hell is, and sympathized with sinners as we ought to do - we would be prepared to make use of any means, and of all means, in order, if possible - to prevent souls going there! It is very strange, that professing to believe the Bible representations of hell, the certainty of every unconverted sinner going there, and that conversion is effected by the use of means which are in our power - that we use them so little, or so feebly.
Look at this lost soul in hell - he remembers his brethren, and, appealing to Abraham, gives expression to:
The Rich Man's Ardent Desire: "Send Lazarus to my brothers! Lazarus is no longer a poor, ulcerated beggar - he will make a fit and suitable preacher! They know he is dead. They will be greatly affected by his appearance among them, and by the change that has taken place in him. O, send Lazarus, and let him bear testimony to the reality of this place of torment - to the certainty of all impenitent sinners coming here, however rich or distinguished they were on earth. Let Lazarus testify as to the nature of this place of torment, and tell them that their poor brother is in flames, tormenting flames, inextinguishable flames! Tell them that I am denied one solitary drop of water, or anything which will in any way alleviate my dreadful sufferings! Let him assure them that hell is real, that the punishment is most intense, that the sufferers are immortal, that annihilation is a fiction, and that deliverance from this fearful agony is impossible!
Let, O let him tell them, that once here, they are here forever! Forever! Forever!
And, O let him warn them of the folly, the madness, of neglecting the soul and its salvation. Let him testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment! It is possible. It is probable. It is certain - if they live and die in sin as I did!"
That poor wretch dreaded their coming there, for if anything could add to his torments - it would be to see his own brothers under the same condemnation, in the same horrid place of punishment! He also dreaded it, as most probably by his own example, and by his influence - he had hardened them in sin, and encouraged them in their ungodly course. It would therefore be an aggravation of his woe, and cause the flame that tormented him to blaze more fiercely - to see their eternal sufferings as his own fault!
It must be dreadful - to be the cause or the occasion of another's soul being lost forever, and to have the sufferings of that soul constantly before our eyes!
Is it not a striking thought - that lost sinners, while suffering the torment of hell - sympathize with living relations, which they have left behind them on earth? O what a terrible thing, the excerise of a strong memory in hell must be!
Those who now suffer the torments of the damned, are represented as desiring the salvation of their relatives on earth, and that they may be saved at any expense - saved, cost what it may. Does not this concern of the damned - condemn the conduct of many careless, indifferent, idle, and worldly-minded professors? What a terrible thought it is, that any of us should bre more unfeeling about the spiritual state, and eternal destiny of our relatives, friends, or neighbors - than lost souls are. Is it, can it be, that we have harder hearts, or more thoughtless souls - than lost spirits have?
Brethren, how active, how eager, how untiring we should be, in testifying to sinners - in praying for lost souls!
Reader, how is it with you? Inquire diligently, I beseech you! Think of going directly from the bright land of hope - to the dismal regions of despair! Is not the thought dreadful!
But what if hell should be the destiny of your own soul? What if it should! It will be your certain doom - if you die unconverted. Perhaps there are some now in hell, once related to you - who are now concerned for you. Are you as much concerned for yourself?
Have you not some dear ones on the road to hell - for whom you should be especially concerned? If so, act the Christian on their behalf, and act so at once, persevering until they are saved!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, February 15, 2020
More of Christ! More of Christ! # 2
More of Christ! More of Christ! # 2
I want more assimilation to Christ. What I see in Christ I admire, and I admire all that I see in Christ. But admiration is not enough. I want to be like Jesus, just like Him - altogether like Him. The more I am with Him, and the more I see of Him - the more I sigh, cry, and long to be like Him! I think one may live at such a distance from Christ, and have so little to do with Christ, - that he may not be very anxious or desirous to be like Him. But I am sure that we cannot be much in His company, or be led by the Holy Spirit, to see much of His moral and spiritual beauty - but we shall desire to be fully like Him. At times, this seems to be the one thing needful with me, the one thing that I desire of the Lord - that I may be like Jesus. But it is not always so, it is not sufficiently so - therefore I cannot but wish for more assimilation to Christ.
I want to be fully possessed of Christ. Not only to be like Him - but to be with Him - not only with Him in grace - but with Him in glory! I am sure that I shall never be perfectly satisfied - until I have Christ always with me - until I am always with Him in His Father's home and kingdom. This is promised me, I must believe the promise, and wait for for its fulfillment. Soon it will be true in my experience, "Absent from the body - present with the Lord." I shall "depart and be with Christ - which is far better" than being here, distant from Him, and so often sighing for the enjoyment of Him! Then I shall possess Christ! Then I shall be fully satisfied with the presence of Christ!
O Lord, let me have a deeper sense of my saving interest in Christ now, let me enjoy more of Him while on earth - and then I know that I shall be satisfied when I awake up in His glorious likeness!
Now it seems to me that these things go together, or naturally follow each other:
In proportion as I feel my need of Christ - I shall desire to know Christ - to know Him fully, to know Him experimentally.
In proportion as I know Christ - shall I desire to set my affections on Christ, and to love Him with an unquenchable love.
Just in proportion to my love to Him - will be my desire to realize close and vital union to Him.
In proportion as I realize my union to Christ - shall I want to have and enjoy communion with Christ.
In proportion as I enjoy communion with Christ - shall I long for assimilation to Christ.
And as I long for assimilation to Christ - shall I desire fully to possess Him, and to be forever with Him!
Reader, do you know anything about these things? I have written these lines out of my own heart, and they express the feelings and desires of my soul.
If I know anything - I do know in a degree my need of Christ.
If I desire anything - I do desire to know Christ.
If I wish to love at all - I wish to love Christ supremely.
If I prize anything - I prize union to Christ.
If I desire anything - I desire communion with Christ.
If I aspire to anything - I aspire to be like Christ.
If I am persuaded that I shall be satisfied with anything - I am persuaded that I shall be satisfied with the presence and possession of Christ.
All my religion finds its center in Christ!
My whole creed begins, goes on, and ends with Christ!
I value doctrines - but I set more value on Christ!
I prize ordinances - but I think more highly of Christ!
With me it is - Christ first, Christ middle, Christ last!
Reader, is it so with you?
~James Smith~
(The End)
I want more assimilation to Christ. What I see in Christ I admire, and I admire all that I see in Christ. But admiration is not enough. I want to be like Jesus, just like Him - altogether like Him. The more I am with Him, and the more I see of Him - the more I sigh, cry, and long to be like Him! I think one may live at such a distance from Christ, and have so little to do with Christ, - that he may not be very anxious or desirous to be like Him. But I am sure that we cannot be much in His company, or be led by the Holy Spirit, to see much of His moral and spiritual beauty - but we shall desire to be fully like Him. At times, this seems to be the one thing needful with me, the one thing that I desire of the Lord - that I may be like Jesus. But it is not always so, it is not sufficiently so - therefore I cannot but wish for more assimilation to Christ.
I want to be fully possessed of Christ. Not only to be like Him - but to be with Him - not only with Him in grace - but with Him in glory! I am sure that I shall never be perfectly satisfied - until I have Christ always with me - until I am always with Him in His Father's home and kingdom. This is promised me, I must believe the promise, and wait for for its fulfillment. Soon it will be true in my experience, "Absent from the body - present with the Lord." I shall "depart and be with Christ - which is far better" than being here, distant from Him, and so often sighing for the enjoyment of Him! Then I shall possess Christ! Then I shall be fully satisfied with the presence of Christ!
O Lord, let me have a deeper sense of my saving interest in Christ now, let me enjoy more of Him while on earth - and then I know that I shall be satisfied when I awake up in His glorious likeness!
Now it seems to me that these things go together, or naturally follow each other:
In proportion as I feel my need of Christ - I shall desire to know Christ - to know Him fully, to know Him experimentally.
In proportion as I know Christ - shall I desire to set my affections on Christ, and to love Him with an unquenchable love.
Just in proportion to my love to Him - will be my desire to realize close and vital union to Him.
In proportion as I realize my union to Christ - shall I want to have and enjoy communion with Christ.
In proportion as I enjoy communion with Christ - shall I long for assimilation to Christ.
And as I long for assimilation to Christ - shall I desire fully to possess Him, and to be forever with Him!
Reader, do you know anything about these things? I have written these lines out of my own heart, and they express the feelings and desires of my soul.
If I know anything - I do know in a degree my need of Christ.
If I desire anything - I do desire to know Christ.
If I wish to love at all - I wish to love Christ supremely.
If I prize anything - I prize union to Christ.
If I desire anything - I desire communion with Christ.
If I aspire to anything - I aspire to be like Christ.
If I am persuaded that I shall be satisfied with anything - I am persuaded that I shall be satisfied with the presence and possession of Christ.
All my religion finds its center in Christ!
My whole creed begins, goes on, and ends with Christ!
I value doctrines - but I set more value on Christ!
I prize ordinances - but I think more highly of Christ!
With me it is - Christ first, Christ middle, Christ last!
Reader, is it so with you?
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, February 8, 2020
More of Christ! More of Christ! # 1
More of Christ! More of Christ! # 1
What is it my soul, which causes this uneasiness, this dissatisfaction, this deep inward yearning after something which you have not, or do not at present enjoy? I am not at rest. I am not rejoicing in God. I am not singing from the heights of Zion. Yet, I have no slavish fears. I have no gloomy doubts of my saving interest in Christ. I have no actual dread of death or the judgment. But I feed a desire to climb higher, to know more, and to enjoy the power of religion within - as I have not of late. It seems to me that all my needs lead me to Christ, and all my desires go out toward Christ. I want - well, what do I want?
I want to feel more of my need of Christ. I have imagined at times, that I could not have a deeper sense of my need of Christ, and of all that Christ is, and has - than I have already experienced. But I am persuaded now that I may, and that only in proportion as I daily feel my need of Christ - shall I desire to know Him, trust in Him, and enjoy Him. I know theoretically, that I need Christ in every office which He sustains, in every relationship which He fills, and in every character which He has assumed. I need Him not only to rescue me from death - but to feed me. I need Him to do all for me, and all within me - which either God, or my circumstances require. O to feel more of my need of Jesus, that I may not be happy one moment - but only as I look to Him, lean on Him, and receive from Him!
I want to know more of Christ. O how little do I really know of Christ! I have thought of Him, spoken of Him, and wrote about Him - but how little I really know of Him. I want to know more of the person of Christ, more of the grace of Christ, and more of the work of Christ. I want to know more of Christ for me, and more of Christ within me. I want to know more of the words of Christ, and more of the heart of Christ. I want to know Jesus as God's Christ - and as my Christ. I want so to know Christ, as never to doubt His love, question His veracity, or to fear His coming. Yes, so to know Him - as to devote myself wholly to Him, and be ready at any time to depart and be with Him!
I want more AFFECTION for Christ. Yes, I want to love Jesus - and to feel that I love Him. I want to love Him - and to prove by my conversation, conduct, and spirit - that I do so love Him. There ought to be no doubt on my own mind on this point - but I should be ready to say, "I love Him - because He first loved me." There ought to be no cause or occasion for any one who know me, to question whether I love Him. O no, His love should so influence my conduct, and His love should so season my conversation - that all about me may feel sure, that if I love anyone, I love Jesus! O that the Holy Spirit would shed abroad the love of Christ in my heart more and more - that my love to Him may be as strong as death!
I want to realize more sensibly my UNION with Christ. Christ is the head of the church, and all the true members of that church are in union with Him. I cannot but believe that I am one with Christ. I often feel as if I could not live without Christ. But I want daily and hourly to live under the impression - that Christ and my soul are one. That I am a member of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. What privilege can exceed this - to be united to Christ! Then, because He lives - I shall live also. Then He will use His influence for me, spend His wealth upon me, and desire to have me with Him to behold His glory. O Jesus, dwell more sensibly in my heart, and let me dwell more sensibly in You!
I want more COMMUNION with Christ. Communion flows from union - and proves its vitality. No union to Christ - no communion with Christ. And if there is no communion with Christ - then there is no evidence of union to Christ. The branch being one with the vine - receives its life, sap, and nourishment from the vine. Just so, we being one with Christ - receive our spiritual life, holiness, and happiness from Christ. The member lives, grows, and is strong - because it is in union with the Head. Just so, the believer lives, grows, and is strong - because he is in union with Christ, the head. In proportion as we realize our union with Christ, will be the sweetness and constancy of our communion with Christ. And in proportion to the sweetness and constancy of our communion with Christ - will be the assurance of our union to Christ. O for more sweet, sanctifying, and soul-ennobling communion with Jesus!
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
What is it my soul, which causes this uneasiness, this dissatisfaction, this deep inward yearning after something which you have not, or do not at present enjoy? I am not at rest. I am not rejoicing in God. I am not singing from the heights of Zion. Yet, I have no slavish fears. I have no gloomy doubts of my saving interest in Christ. I have no actual dread of death or the judgment. But I feed a desire to climb higher, to know more, and to enjoy the power of religion within - as I have not of late. It seems to me that all my needs lead me to Christ, and all my desires go out toward Christ. I want - well, what do I want?
I want to feel more of my need of Christ. I have imagined at times, that I could not have a deeper sense of my need of Christ, and of all that Christ is, and has - than I have already experienced. But I am persuaded now that I may, and that only in proportion as I daily feel my need of Christ - shall I desire to know Him, trust in Him, and enjoy Him. I know theoretically, that I need Christ in every office which He sustains, in every relationship which He fills, and in every character which He has assumed. I need Him not only to rescue me from death - but to feed me. I need Him to do all for me, and all within me - which either God, or my circumstances require. O to feel more of my need of Jesus, that I may not be happy one moment - but only as I look to Him, lean on Him, and receive from Him!
I want to know more of Christ. O how little do I really know of Christ! I have thought of Him, spoken of Him, and wrote about Him - but how little I really know of Him. I want to know more of the person of Christ, more of the grace of Christ, and more of the work of Christ. I want to know more of Christ for me, and more of Christ within me. I want to know more of the words of Christ, and more of the heart of Christ. I want to know Jesus as God's Christ - and as my Christ. I want so to know Christ, as never to doubt His love, question His veracity, or to fear His coming. Yes, so to know Him - as to devote myself wholly to Him, and be ready at any time to depart and be with Him!
I want more AFFECTION for Christ. Yes, I want to love Jesus - and to feel that I love Him. I want to love Him - and to prove by my conversation, conduct, and spirit - that I do so love Him. There ought to be no doubt on my own mind on this point - but I should be ready to say, "I love Him - because He first loved me." There ought to be no cause or occasion for any one who know me, to question whether I love Him. O no, His love should so influence my conduct, and His love should so season my conversation - that all about me may feel sure, that if I love anyone, I love Jesus! O that the Holy Spirit would shed abroad the love of Christ in my heart more and more - that my love to Him may be as strong as death!
I want to realize more sensibly my UNION with Christ. Christ is the head of the church, and all the true members of that church are in union with Him. I cannot but believe that I am one with Christ. I often feel as if I could not live without Christ. But I want daily and hourly to live under the impression - that Christ and my soul are one. That I am a member of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. What privilege can exceed this - to be united to Christ! Then, because He lives - I shall live also. Then He will use His influence for me, spend His wealth upon me, and desire to have me with Him to behold His glory. O Jesus, dwell more sensibly in my heart, and let me dwell more sensibly in You!
I want more COMMUNION with Christ. Communion flows from union - and proves its vitality. No union to Christ - no communion with Christ. And if there is no communion with Christ - then there is no evidence of union to Christ. The branch being one with the vine - receives its life, sap, and nourishment from the vine. Just so, we being one with Christ - receive our spiritual life, holiness, and happiness from Christ. The member lives, grows, and is strong - because it is in union with the Head. Just so, the believer lives, grows, and is strong - because he is in union with Christ, the head. In proportion as we realize our union with Christ, will be the sweetness and constancy of our communion with Christ. And in proportion to the sweetness and constancy of our communion with Christ - will be the assurance of our union to Christ. O for more sweet, sanctifying, and soul-ennobling communion with Jesus!
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, February 1, 2020
Enjoying God's Best # 4
Enjoying God's Best # 4
Long before Joshua was born, Elihu had affirmed, "If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures" (Job 36:11); and centuries after Joshua's death, the Holy Spirit declared through Zechariah, "Thus says God: Why do you disobey the Lord's commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the Lord, He has forsaken you!" (2 Chron. 24:20).
Nor is there any justification to insist that such statements pertained only to the Mosaic economy. If we unhesitatingly apply to our own day that precious word in Isaiah 1:18, "Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet - they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson - they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18), is it honest to refuse taking unto ourselves the very next verse, "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land" (Isaiah 1:19)? The principles which regulate God's providential dealings with His people are in no way altered by any change made in the outward form of His kingdom upon earth.
The teaching of the New Testament is equally expressive: that "godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come" (1 Tim. 4:8); yet the fulfillment of that promise is conditional upon our keeping of the divine precepts, upon our personal piety.
There is a definite proviso on which we are warranted to hope for an enjoyment of God's best. That was announced by Joshua and Caleb when they said unto Israel, "If the Lord delights in us - then He will bring us into this land, and give it to us" (Num. 14:8). That term, "delight," has no reference there unto that divine love unto the souls of believers which is the source of their salvation - but rather to His complacency in their character and conduct.
So also is it to be understood in the words used by David when he was fleeing from the conspiracy of Absalom: "Then the king said to Zadok: Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the Lord's eyes, He will bring me back and let me see it and His dwelling place again. But if He says, I am not pleased with you," then I am ready; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him." (2 Sam. 15:25-26). David certainly could not mean by that language: If God have no love for my soul, I am willing to be forever banished from Him; for such submission is required of none who lives under a dispensation of mercy. Rather did he signify, If God approve not of me as I am the head of His people, let Him take away my life if that so pleases Him.
We must distinguish between His eternal love for us - and His present delight in us; between His acceptance of us in Christ - and the acceptableness of our character and conduct unto Him. It is the latter which determines His governmental smile upon us.
Of Enoch, it is said, "before his translation, he had this testimony, the he pleased God" (Hebrews 11:5); whereas of Israel in the wilderness, He declared, "I was grieved with that generation" (Hebrews 3:10)!
It must not be inferred from what has been said above - that the one who walks in the paths of righteousness brings God into his debt, or that he merits favor at His hands. Not so! for nothing that we can do, profits God anything; and if we rendered perfect obedience unto His every precept, we had merely performed our duty and rendered unto God what is His rightful due.
On the other hand, it is very plain that we profit from and are the gainers by our obedience.
Scripture has not a little to say upon the subject of REWARDS. It goes so far as to teach that the joys of the future - will bear a definite relation and proportion to our conduct in the present - such as obtains between sowing and reaping (Gal. 6:7-8). If then the future rewarding of the saints according to their work (Rev. 22:12) clashes neither with the grace of God nor the merit of Christ - then we present rewarding of them cannot do so, for no difference in place or condition, can make any difference as to the nature of things. Deity does not hesitate to take as on of His titles, "the LORD God of recompenses" (Jere. 51:56), and many are the passages which show Him recompensing righteousness, even in this world
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
Long before Joshua was born, Elihu had affirmed, "If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures" (Job 36:11); and centuries after Joshua's death, the Holy Spirit declared through Zechariah, "Thus says God: Why do you disobey the Lord's commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the Lord, He has forsaken you!" (2 Chron. 24:20).
Nor is there any justification to insist that such statements pertained only to the Mosaic economy. If we unhesitatingly apply to our own day that precious word in Isaiah 1:18, "Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet - they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson - they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18), is it honest to refuse taking unto ourselves the very next verse, "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land" (Isaiah 1:19)? The principles which regulate God's providential dealings with His people are in no way altered by any change made in the outward form of His kingdom upon earth.
The teaching of the New Testament is equally expressive: that "godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come" (1 Tim. 4:8); yet the fulfillment of that promise is conditional upon our keeping of the divine precepts, upon our personal piety.
There is a definite proviso on which we are warranted to hope for an enjoyment of God's best. That was announced by Joshua and Caleb when they said unto Israel, "If the Lord delights in us - then He will bring us into this land, and give it to us" (Num. 14:8). That term, "delight," has no reference there unto that divine love unto the souls of believers which is the source of their salvation - but rather to His complacency in their character and conduct.
So also is it to be understood in the words used by David when he was fleeing from the conspiracy of Absalom: "Then the king said to Zadok: Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the Lord's eyes, He will bring me back and let me see it and His dwelling place again. But if He says, I am not pleased with you," then I am ready; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him." (2 Sam. 15:25-26). David certainly could not mean by that language: If God have no love for my soul, I am willing to be forever banished from Him; for such submission is required of none who lives under a dispensation of mercy. Rather did he signify, If God approve not of me as I am the head of His people, let Him take away my life if that so pleases Him.
We must distinguish between His eternal love for us - and His present delight in us; between His acceptance of us in Christ - and the acceptableness of our character and conduct unto Him. It is the latter which determines His governmental smile upon us.
Of Enoch, it is said, "before his translation, he had this testimony, the he pleased God" (Hebrews 11:5); whereas of Israel in the wilderness, He declared, "I was grieved with that generation" (Hebrews 3:10)!
It must not be inferred from what has been said above - that the one who walks in the paths of righteousness brings God into his debt, or that he merits favor at His hands. Not so! for nothing that we can do, profits God anything; and if we rendered perfect obedience unto His every precept, we had merely performed our duty and rendered unto God what is His rightful due.
On the other hand, it is very plain that we profit from and are the gainers by our obedience.
Scripture has not a little to say upon the subject of REWARDS. It goes so far as to teach that the joys of the future - will bear a definite relation and proportion to our conduct in the present - such as obtains between sowing and reaping (Gal. 6:7-8). If then the future rewarding of the saints according to their work (Rev. 22:12) clashes neither with the grace of God nor the merit of Christ - then we present rewarding of them cannot do so, for no difference in place or condition, can make any difference as to the nature of things. Deity does not hesitate to take as on of His titles, "the LORD God of recompenses" (Jere. 51:56), and many are the passages which show Him recompensing righteousness, even in this world
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
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