He Was Humbled
Man is naturally proud, and pride sets him against God, and against his fellow men. Proud men are never devout men - and they are very seldom kind men. We are about to write a few lines, respecting one of the proudest of men. But those who walk in pride, God is able to abase, and He did so, for "he was humbled." (2 Chronicles 33:19).
Who was humbled? Manasseh, the king of Judah. Manasseh, who was as proud as Pharaoh, as cruel as Hazael, as idolatrous as Ahab, as hardened as Judas, and as degraded as the thief on the Cross.
In him, seem to find a home - all that is wicked, unfeeling, and opposed to God. His murders were wholesale, his idolatry was unparalleled, and his pride knew no bounds. The son of good Hezekiah, the anointed king of Judah - yet he broke through all bounds, setting God and man at defiance, and persevered until his head was hoary, and his heart was harder than the millstone, and his life was one long catalogue of crimes. He appears to have been the greatest sinner under the Old Testament dispensation - and yet "he was humbled."
Who humbled him? There was but one who could, and He took the work in hand, proving that His hand was not shortened, that He could not save; neither was His ear heavy, that He could not hear. God alone had the power to break so hard a heart, to bend so stubborn a will, to enlighten so dark a mind, and to elevate such groveling affections.
God alone had sufficient mercy, for so far had Manasseh gone in cruelty and crime, that the public voice would have execrated him, and voted for his destruction. But God who is rich in mercy, in the exercise of His wondrous love - saved him by His grace. God alone could command the means, and put efficacy into them, that they may accomplish the marvelous design. Because the power of God is omnipotent - because the mercy of God is infinite - because God has all means at His command, and can make any means efficient, "he was humbled."
How did God humble him? By bringing his enemies upon him, and delivering him into their hand; by stripping him of his royalty, wealth, and power; by isolating him from all his relatives, friends, and courtiers; and by casting him into the prison of a foreign king.
There alone, he could reflect upon his wicked conduct, his long life of transgression, his early religious education, the ancient services of the sanctuary, and the word of God. These reflections were attended with invincible grace, and he was convinced of sin, trembled at God's justice, wondered at God's forbearance, remembered God's mercy - until his heart was melted, tears of contrition flowed, cries for pardon ascended, and throwing his guilty soul at the feet of a forgiving God, "he was humbled."
If Manasseh was humbled, God was glorified. Every sigh that heaved his bosom, every groan that escaped from his heart, every tear that fell from his eye, and every cry for mercy that ascended from his lips - glorified God.
The enemy was subdued, the rebel sought forgiveness, the idolater cast away his idols, Hezekiah's prayers were answered, the dethroned monarch was restored to his dignity, the guilty soul was saved, and in all, God was glorified.
If Manasseh was humbled - satan was disappointed. Having led him captive so long, having hardened him to such an extent, having plunged him into such depths of sin, having degraded him so far - he must have made srue of him as his prey. But the prey was taken from the mighty, and the lawful captive was delivered!
If Manasseh was humbled - GRACE was triumphant. In sovereignty, it sought him, using means it arrested him, by its vital breath it melted him, and as a poor, subdued penitent, it brought him to God's mercy seat.
If Manasseh was humbled - and humbled when he was an old man - then we should never give any one up. We should pray on, hope on, while we have breath to pray; and use all the means in our power to bring the very worst sinners to repentance.
My reader, have you been humbled? You must be - or perish. Before the honor of being saved in the Lord; adopted into God's family, and placed among His princes - is the humbling of the soul to accept of sovereign mercy, to submit to God's righteousness; and the coming of the soul to Jesus as wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. Take heed to the humbling thoughts suggested to your mind, yield yourself unto God.
Hail, mighty Jesus! how divine
Is Your victorious sword!
The stoutest rebel must resign
At Your commanding word.
The strongest holds of satan yield
To Your all-conquering hand!
When once Your glorious arm's revealed,
No creature can withstand!
Still gird Your sword upon Your thigh,
Ride with majestic sway;
Go forth, sweet Prince, triumphantly,
And make Your foes obey!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Saturday, May 23, 2020
Abiding In Christ
Abiding In Christ
"No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin - has either seen Him or known Him" (1 John 3:6).
The design of God in the gospel, is to make us like Himself - to conform us to His beloved Son, who is "the image of the invisible God." To this end - all the promises, privileges, and precepts of His Word are directed. At this, the work of the Holy and ever blessed Spirit aims. We must resemble Him - perfectly and completely. In Heaven, Christ-likeness is the object we should constantly keep in view - at this we should habitually aim. Being justified by grace, we should daily seek to be sanctified by the Holy Spirit; and that our bodies, souls, and spirits, should be preserved blameless, unto the coming day of God. This was John's object in writing this epistle, at this he aims directly or indirectly in every part of it. "These things write we unto you," he says, "so that you will not sin." And, "No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning." Here is,
First, a Distinguishing privilege. To be in Christ. To abide in Christ. Union to Christ, is the most glorious privilege of a child of God. It is vital and permanent. Faith brings us to the feet of Christ, love fixes on the beauty of Christ, and the Holy Spirit becomes the bond that unites us to His person.
Being united to Christ, it becomes our imperative duty, as well as our high privilege - to ABIDE in Christ. This gives power to prayer, as Jesus says, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you - you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done for you." And this is the cause of fruitfulness. "He who abides in Me, and I in Him, the same brings forth much fruit, for without Me, you can do nothing." No union - no power; no union - no fruit.
To abide in Christ, is to realize Him as PRESENT with us - and to act under His eye. An ever-present Saviour is one of our greatest comforts. We daily set our love upon Him. He is the object of our affection and delight. We thus become zealous for Him, and diligent in His cause. Realizing Him as present - we live in fellowship with Him. This fellowship is an interchange of thought, feeling, and purpose; we drink into His Spirit, become of His mind, and naturally seek His honor. We come to Him but it is to receive from Him; and out of His fullness we receive, grace upon grace.
We are to abide with Him as our HEAD - as our Husband. We are to abide with Him as our FOUNDATION, as our VINE which renews its branches daily.
To abide in Christ - is having to do with Christ every day and all day - for all we need, desire, or hope for.
Secondly, the RESULT of this privilege. "No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning." This does not mean that they are absolutely perfect, or entirely free from sin; otherwise every believer would be a sinless person. But it means that abiding in Christ, they do not sin DELIBERATELY The habit of sin is broken. Every true believer breaks off his sin, by righteousness. He who abides in Christ knows what sin is - in its nature, tendency, and deserts.
Thirdly, the proof of a CARNAL state. "No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him." And if he sins continually - deliberately, habitually, and finally - he has never known the Saviour. He has no true faith! Faith is the object of the soul; Christ is the object placed before it; and the gospel is the light by which Christ is seen.
Faith feels that the tendency of the love of Christ - is to holiness; and that it constrains all who feel it, to live not unto themselves - but unto Him who died for them and rose again.
Living faith always perceives Christ, receives Christ, leads to union with Christ, and devotes the life to the service of Christ!
This is the faith which distinguishes God's elect, to which the promise of salvation is made, and which invariably works by love.
~James Smith~
"No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin - has either seen Him or known Him" (1 John 3:6).
The design of God in the gospel, is to make us like Himself - to conform us to His beloved Son, who is "the image of the invisible God." To this end - all the promises, privileges, and precepts of His Word are directed. At this, the work of the Holy and ever blessed Spirit aims. We must resemble Him - perfectly and completely. In Heaven, Christ-likeness is the object we should constantly keep in view - at this we should habitually aim. Being justified by grace, we should daily seek to be sanctified by the Holy Spirit; and that our bodies, souls, and spirits, should be preserved blameless, unto the coming day of God. This was John's object in writing this epistle, at this he aims directly or indirectly in every part of it. "These things write we unto you," he says, "so that you will not sin." And, "No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning." Here is,
First, a Distinguishing privilege. To be in Christ. To abide in Christ. Union to Christ, is the most glorious privilege of a child of God. It is vital and permanent. Faith brings us to the feet of Christ, love fixes on the beauty of Christ, and the Holy Spirit becomes the bond that unites us to His person.
Being united to Christ, it becomes our imperative duty, as well as our high privilege - to ABIDE in Christ. This gives power to prayer, as Jesus says, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you - you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done for you." And this is the cause of fruitfulness. "He who abides in Me, and I in Him, the same brings forth much fruit, for without Me, you can do nothing." No union - no power; no union - no fruit.
To abide in Christ, is to realize Him as PRESENT with us - and to act under His eye. An ever-present Saviour is one of our greatest comforts. We daily set our love upon Him. He is the object of our affection and delight. We thus become zealous for Him, and diligent in His cause. Realizing Him as present - we live in fellowship with Him. This fellowship is an interchange of thought, feeling, and purpose; we drink into His Spirit, become of His mind, and naturally seek His honor. We come to Him but it is to receive from Him; and out of His fullness we receive, grace upon grace.
We are to abide with Him as our HEAD - as our Husband. We are to abide with Him as our FOUNDATION, as our VINE which renews its branches daily.
To abide in Christ - is having to do with Christ every day and all day - for all we need, desire, or hope for.
Secondly, the RESULT of this privilege. "No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning." This does not mean that they are absolutely perfect, or entirely free from sin; otherwise every believer would be a sinless person. But it means that abiding in Christ, they do not sin DELIBERATELY The habit of sin is broken. Every true believer breaks off his sin, by righteousness. He who abides in Christ knows what sin is - in its nature, tendency, and deserts.
Thirdly, the proof of a CARNAL state. "No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him." And if he sins continually - deliberately, habitually, and finally - he has never known the Saviour. He has no true faith! Faith is the object of the soul; Christ is the object placed before it; and the gospel is the light by which Christ is seen.
Faith feels that the tendency of the love of Christ - is to holiness; and that it constrains all who feel it, to live not unto themselves - but unto Him who died for them and rose again.
Living faith always perceives Christ, receives Christ, leads to union with Christ, and devotes the life to the service of Christ!
This is the faith which distinguishes God's elect, to which the promise of salvation is made, and which invariably works by love.
~James Smith~
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Look Upon Me!
Look Upon Me!
Humble hearts prize small mercies - and in their prayers they often ask for very simple things. A word or a look from God, is at times, all that they can venture upon asking - or a ray of light from a father's loving countenance. It was a sweet prayer presented by the Psalmist when he cried, "Look upon me, and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love Your name." (Psalm 110:132). Observe,
The Reference, it is God's usual method of dealing with His people. David therefore simply prayed for the family portion. The Lord has looked upon His people in their natural state - and pitied them, when under conviction of sin - and pardoned them, when in sadness and sorrow - and comforted them, when in confusion and trial - and delivered them, when in need - and supplied them, when in danger - and shielded them, when passing along the last stage of their journey at death - and received them!
Yes, the eye of the Lord has ever been on His people, His hand has been open to supply them, and His heart has rejoiced over them, to do them good.
The Petition. "Look upon me." Look, and have mercy for I am sorely tried. Look, and sympathize with me - for I am greatly troubled. Look, and strengthen me - for I am very feeble. Look, and encourage me - for I am full of fears. Look, and be a Father unto me - for I long to be treated as one of Your children.
Look, upon me, as you did on Peter - and break my heart, for I have sinned.
Look upon me, as you did on Gideon - and give me courage, for like him, I am timid and very fearful.
Look upon me, as you did on Israel - and deliver me, for I also am in difficulty and danger.
Look upon me, as you did on Elizabeth - and take away my reproach, or I also shall be despised.
It is God's custom to look upon, and show mercy to His own people. They are brought where they need mercy, then they prize mercy, then they cry for mercy, and the Lord looks - and they receive mercy. Where there is real grace, there the desire of the heart is to be treated as one of God's own children. "Remember me with the favor which You bear unto Your people." If we have no distinct law, or special promise, then we may plead custom. "Look upon me, and have mercy on me, as You always do to those who love Your name." God has ever been accustomed to deal tenderly and graciously with those who love His name, therefore we may plead with Him to deal mercifully with us.
Beloved, do you ever pray thus? Are you desirous to be treated just as God's people are? Are you satisfied with the portion of God's poor and afflicted people? The poorest saint, is better off than the riches sinner! The most afflicted believer, is happier than the healthiest and most prosperous unbeliever. One merciful look from the Lord, will turn a prison into a palace; a dungeon into a paradise, and the chamber of sickness into the vestibule of Heaven!
Lord, look upon me, and help me to look up to You - so shall I not only be numbered among Your people - but shall share with them in all the blessings of grace now, and all the blessings of glory at my journey's end.
O Saviour, may we never rest
'Til You are formed within;
'Til You have calmed our troubled breast,
And crushed the power of sin!
Oh may we gaze upon Your Cross,
Until the wondrous sight
Makes earthly treasures seem but dross,
And earthly sorrows light!
Until, released from carnal ties,
Our spirit upward springs,
And sees true peace above the skies,
True joy in heavenly things!
There as we gaze, may we become
United, Lord, to Thee;
And in a fairer, happier home
Your perfect beauty see!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Humble hearts prize small mercies - and in their prayers they often ask for very simple things. A word or a look from God, is at times, all that they can venture upon asking - or a ray of light from a father's loving countenance. It was a sweet prayer presented by the Psalmist when he cried, "Look upon me, and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love Your name." (Psalm 110:132). Observe,
The Reference, it is God's usual method of dealing with His people. David therefore simply prayed for the family portion. The Lord has looked upon His people in their natural state - and pitied them, when under conviction of sin - and pardoned them, when in sadness and sorrow - and comforted them, when in confusion and trial - and delivered them, when in need - and supplied them, when in danger - and shielded them, when passing along the last stage of their journey at death - and received them!
Yes, the eye of the Lord has ever been on His people, His hand has been open to supply them, and His heart has rejoiced over them, to do them good.
The Petition. "Look upon me." Look, and have mercy for I am sorely tried. Look, and sympathize with me - for I am greatly troubled. Look, and strengthen me - for I am very feeble. Look, and encourage me - for I am full of fears. Look, and be a Father unto me - for I long to be treated as one of Your children.
Look, upon me, as you did on Peter - and break my heart, for I have sinned.
Look upon me, as you did on Gideon - and give me courage, for like him, I am timid and very fearful.
Look upon me, as you did on Israel - and deliver me, for I also am in difficulty and danger.
Look upon me, as you did on Elizabeth - and take away my reproach, or I also shall be despised.
It is God's custom to look upon, and show mercy to His own people. They are brought where they need mercy, then they prize mercy, then they cry for mercy, and the Lord looks - and they receive mercy. Where there is real grace, there the desire of the heart is to be treated as one of God's own children. "Remember me with the favor which You bear unto Your people." If we have no distinct law, or special promise, then we may plead custom. "Look upon me, and have mercy on me, as You always do to those who love Your name." God has ever been accustomed to deal tenderly and graciously with those who love His name, therefore we may plead with Him to deal mercifully with us.
Beloved, do you ever pray thus? Are you desirous to be treated just as God's people are? Are you satisfied with the portion of God's poor and afflicted people? The poorest saint, is better off than the riches sinner! The most afflicted believer, is happier than the healthiest and most prosperous unbeliever. One merciful look from the Lord, will turn a prison into a palace; a dungeon into a paradise, and the chamber of sickness into the vestibule of Heaven!
Lord, look upon me, and help me to look up to You - so shall I not only be numbered among Your people - but shall share with them in all the blessings of grace now, and all the blessings of glory at my journey's end.
O Saviour, may we never rest
'Til You are formed within;
'Til You have calmed our troubled breast,
And crushed the power of sin!
Oh may we gaze upon Your Cross,
Until the wondrous sight
Makes earthly treasures seem but dross,
And earthly sorrows light!
Until, released from carnal ties,
Our spirit upward springs,
And sees true peace above the skies,
True joy in heavenly things!
There as we gaze, may we become
United, Lord, to Thee;
And in a fairer, happier home
Your perfect beauty see!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, May 9, 2020
Man's Expulsion
Man's Expulsion
This world at its creation, must have been a beautiful world, for God not only pronounced it good - but very good. But if the world was beautiful, what must Eden have been? A garden, the plan of which was conceived in the mind of God, and was intended to show forth His beauty, wisdom, and benevolence to man. Planted in a sunny climate, with every variety of fruit and flowers. Stocked with birds of beauteous plumage and enchanting song, with animals of every kind - but all docile, gentle, and full of affection. Provided with a helper, a social companion, the counterpart of himself. Man had everything to feast the senses - and delight the heart. He was happy - perfectly happy.
All things were placed at his disposal, and put under his control - except one tree. That tree was to be the test of obedience, and a standing witness of his accountability. What splendid possessions, what glorious prospects were his! But an enemy crept into that garden, he deceived the woman by his subtlety, and she fell. Not satisfied to fall alone, she solicited her husband, and with his eyes wide open, out of the depth of his affection - he put her in the place of God, and he fell too. The man, now vainly and wickedly imagined himself to be as God, and to have a right to the tree of life, therefore the Lord drove them out of Eden.
He had been God's friend and favorite. He walked in sweetest communion with Him, in the walks and groves of paradise. But now he was a criminal, convicted of crime. He was the enemy of God, and would if he could, usurp God's throne. His love to God, his sympathy with God, was gone. He was unfit to stand in God's presence, he had forfeited all claim to God's love.
Paradise was no place for a rebel - he must therefore be expelled! He had heard his doom, he had preferred his own will to God's - and he must take the consequences.
But mercy was mingled with judgment. They were not turned out naked - God made coats of animal skins, and clothed them. They were not cast into hell - only driven out into the world. They had lost their characters, being convicted of theft, as thieves they were expelled. They had forfeited their situation, and without a character, and without a home, they were sent to till the ground, now under God's curse, and bringing forth thorns and briars as the evidence of it.
Poor guilty Adam! Poor unhappy Eve! And are these our parents! Are we the children of thieves and robbers? We are! Never then let us boast of our ancestry, or be proud of our descent; but in tracing our pedigree,, let us look back far enough, and we shall see that we descended from a guilty, ungrateful, wretched pair! Will not this humble us? It ought to. Will not this stop all boasting? It should.
"He drove out the man." Was he willing to leave that enchanting spot? Did he draw back when he saw his deserved doom? If so, it was in vain. From Eden, he must depart. From the tree of life, he must be debarred. Into the world he must proceed - a godless, friendless, unhappy man! His wife was no longer the helper he needed - but was likely to increase his misery and aggravate his woe! His conscience, once his friend - was not his foe! Once it ministered only pleasure - but now it ministers condemnation and gloom! The world was before him - he might wander where he would. But go where he may - he carried the elements of his misery within him! He was now a weary, wandering, wretched, lost and ruined creature! The glorious garden was lost. His heart's peace was lost!
And now the words, "You will surely die!" rings through all the chambers of his soul. He must have thought, "What is dying? What is it to be dead?" O miserable man, to bring yourself into such a state - nor yourself alone - but all your unborn posterity! Here Adam leaves us: under condemnation - with a depraved nature; weary - and desiring rest; wandering - and needing a home; wretched - and requiring comfort; lost - and in need of a Saviour.
Where Adam leaves us - Jesus finds us. He comes to deliver from guilt, to rescue from death, and to restore to God. He comes to give rest to the weary, comfort to the wretched, a home to the wandering, and salvation to the lost. He came to us - to seek and to save that which was lost. He invites us to come to Him - as ruined as we are - as thirsty as we are, as lost and ruined as we are - and promises to give us rest, to satisfy the cravings of our immortal nature, and to save us gratuitously and forever!
He receives all comers, nor was an applicant ever refused, or one that came, cast out. He reconciles the soul to God, harmonizing all the divine perfections in its salvation; and introducing it to a state of friendship and fellowship with God. He restores to the divine favor, and brings back peace into the conscience, and joy into the soul. He saves at once from condemnation, and from the power and domination, and love of sin; and will save eternally from the curse and all effects of the fall. We lost much by Adam - but we gain more by Christ! We shall rejoice that God in His infinite wisdom, took advantage of Adam's fall, to raise us to greater glory, and fill us with sweeter joy - than would have been enjoyed, if Adam had never fallen.
We must have faith in Christ. We must be united to Christ. We must receive the Holy Spirit from Christ. We must be conformed to Christ. Or we shall never be glorious and happy with Christ.
Adam was driven out of the garden - because he sinned; and we shall be admitted into heaven, into glory - because Jesus obeyed, and suffered. Adam's ruin was wholly of himself - it was entirely his own act and deed; our salvation is wholly of another - it is altogether through the doing and dying of Christ. Adam had to blame himself - and we have to praise the Saviour!
Let us see to it then, that we truly believe in Christ, that we are truly united to Christ, otherwise we shall never be saved by Christ. "For as by one man's disobedience - many were made sinners; so by the obedience of one - shall many be made righteous."
~James Smith~
(The End)
This world at its creation, must have been a beautiful world, for God not only pronounced it good - but very good. But if the world was beautiful, what must Eden have been? A garden, the plan of which was conceived in the mind of God, and was intended to show forth His beauty, wisdom, and benevolence to man. Planted in a sunny climate, with every variety of fruit and flowers. Stocked with birds of beauteous plumage and enchanting song, with animals of every kind - but all docile, gentle, and full of affection. Provided with a helper, a social companion, the counterpart of himself. Man had everything to feast the senses - and delight the heart. He was happy - perfectly happy.
All things were placed at his disposal, and put under his control - except one tree. That tree was to be the test of obedience, and a standing witness of his accountability. What splendid possessions, what glorious prospects were his! But an enemy crept into that garden, he deceived the woman by his subtlety, and she fell. Not satisfied to fall alone, she solicited her husband, and with his eyes wide open, out of the depth of his affection - he put her in the place of God, and he fell too. The man, now vainly and wickedly imagined himself to be as God, and to have a right to the tree of life, therefore the Lord drove them out of Eden.
He had been God's friend and favorite. He walked in sweetest communion with Him, in the walks and groves of paradise. But now he was a criminal, convicted of crime. He was the enemy of God, and would if he could, usurp God's throne. His love to God, his sympathy with God, was gone. He was unfit to stand in God's presence, he had forfeited all claim to God's love.
Paradise was no place for a rebel - he must therefore be expelled! He had heard his doom, he had preferred his own will to God's - and he must take the consequences.
But mercy was mingled with judgment. They were not turned out naked - God made coats of animal skins, and clothed them. They were not cast into hell - only driven out into the world. They had lost their characters, being convicted of theft, as thieves they were expelled. They had forfeited their situation, and without a character, and without a home, they were sent to till the ground, now under God's curse, and bringing forth thorns and briars as the evidence of it.
Poor guilty Adam! Poor unhappy Eve! And are these our parents! Are we the children of thieves and robbers? We are! Never then let us boast of our ancestry, or be proud of our descent; but in tracing our pedigree,, let us look back far enough, and we shall see that we descended from a guilty, ungrateful, wretched pair! Will not this humble us? It ought to. Will not this stop all boasting? It should.
"He drove out the man." Was he willing to leave that enchanting spot? Did he draw back when he saw his deserved doom? If so, it was in vain. From Eden, he must depart. From the tree of life, he must be debarred. Into the world he must proceed - a godless, friendless, unhappy man! His wife was no longer the helper he needed - but was likely to increase his misery and aggravate his woe! His conscience, once his friend - was not his foe! Once it ministered only pleasure - but now it ministers condemnation and gloom! The world was before him - he might wander where he would. But go where he may - he carried the elements of his misery within him! He was now a weary, wandering, wretched, lost and ruined creature! The glorious garden was lost. His heart's peace was lost!
And now the words, "You will surely die!" rings through all the chambers of his soul. He must have thought, "What is dying? What is it to be dead?" O miserable man, to bring yourself into such a state - nor yourself alone - but all your unborn posterity! Here Adam leaves us: under condemnation - with a depraved nature; weary - and desiring rest; wandering - and needing a home; wretched - and requiring comfort; lost - and in need of a Saviour.
Where Adam leaves us - Jesus finds us. He comes to deliver from guilt, to rescue from death, and to restore to God. He comes to give rest to the weary, comfort to the wretched, a home to the wandering, and salvation to the lost. He came to us - to seek and to save that which was lost. He invites us to come to Him - as ruined as we are - as thirsty as we are, as lost and ruined as we are - and promises to give us rest, to satisfy the cravings of our immortal nature, and to save us gratuitously and forever!
He receives all comers, nor was an applicant ever refused, or one that came, cast out. He reconciles the soul to God, harmonizing all the divine perfections in its salvation; and introducing it to a state of friendship and fellowship with God. He restores to the divine favor, and brings back peace into the conscience, and joy into the soul. He saves at once from condemnation, and from the power and domination, and love of sin; and will save eternally from the curse and all effects of the fall. We lost much by Adam - but we gain more by Christ! We shall rejoice that God in His infinite wisdom, took advantage of Adam's fall, to raise us to greater glory, and fill us with sweeter joy - than would have been enjoyed, if Adam had never fallen.
We must have faith in Christ. We must be united to Christ. We must receive the Holy Spirit from Christ. We must be conformed to Christ. Or we shall never be glorious and happy with Christ.
Adam was driven out of the garden - because he sinned; and we shall be admitted into heaven, into glory - because Jesus obeyed, and suffered. Adam's ruin was wholly of himself - it was entirely his own act and deed; our salvation is wholly of another - it is altogether through the doing and dying of Christ. Adam had to blame himself - and we have to praise the Saviour!
Let us see to it then, that we truly believe in Christ, that we are truly united to Christ, otherwise we shall never be saved by Christ. "For as by one man's disobedience - many were made sinners; so by the obedience of one - shall many be made righteous."
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Loving Rebukes
Loving Rebukes
"As many as I love - I rebuke an chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent" (Revelation 3:19).
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word" (Psalms 119:67).
"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees!" Psalm 119:71).
"I know, O Lord, that in faithfulness You have afflicted me!" (Psalm 119:75).
As God loves His people with an everlasting love, He takes the deepest interest in their welfare, and rejoices to do them good. But love can frown as well as smile; rebuke as well as commend; and God's rebukes are often very pointed, and very sharp. "As many as I love - I rebuke and chasten." Of one thing we may be sure, He never rebukes us for doing right, nor does He chasten us without reason. Whenever we feel the rod of God - we may be sure that we deserve it; and whenever our Heavenly Father rebukes us - we may rest satisfied that we are wrong. The most tried - have often the clearest proofs of the Lord's love. And when the Lord afflicts - He especially comforts.
Mary Scott was in a good situation, enjoyed many privileges, and was doing well; but she got vain, dressy, and carnally-minded. She thought too much of earthly things, and too little of heavenly things - and at length you could discern but little difference between her and the world! The Lord then laid His afflictive hand upon her - she fell sick, had to leave her pleasant situation, her little all was soon spent - and she is now poor, and totally dependent on friends.
But God has attended the painful dispensation with His blessing - so that she is now humble, spiritual, and heavenly-minded. Worldly things have lost their charms - and spiritual things appear all-important. She now deeply deplores her former worldly course. His Bible is now her precious companion, and she finds sweet access to God at the throne of grace. She now looks forward to Heaven, rejoicing that there shall be no more pain, nor sorrow, nor crying. She often blesses God for her affliction! This was a loving rebuke from her heavenly Father!
Thomas Davy was rising in the world, his business increased, his name gained reputation, and he began to look important. He had been a simple believer in the Lord Jesus, he loved His Bible and his prayer closet, and always filled his place in the church. He would speak well upon spiritual subjects, and enjoyed the company of the saints. But, poor fellow, he could not stand prosperity. he became proud. His Bible was very much neglected. Prayer, especially family prayer, became formal and lifeless. He never sought the company of the most spiritual Christians - but was taken up with men of business. He was at his business books now, when he used to be at the prayer meeting; and his relish for spiritual things appeared to be lost.
Under these circumstances, God came forth to rebuke him. He had several losses, his speculations failed and business struggled. He could not meet his bills, and his creditors threatened him. Poverty stared him in the face, and he knew not what to do. He felt his distance from God, and how ungrateful he had acted. His conscience reproached him, satan harrassed him with temptations, and he was at wits end.
But when thoroughly convinced of sin and folly, he returned unto the Lord with weeping and with supplication. Broken-hearted and cast down - he appealed to the Divine mercy, and God restored unto him the joys of his salvation. He now walks humbly with God, is jealous of his own heart, and often prays with Agur, "Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." This was a loving rebuke from his heavenly Father!
"As many as I love - I rebuke and chasten." If therefore the Lord loves us - we must expect to be rebuked by Him when we turn out of the godly path. Often shall we need it - and as often shall we receive it. Never let us turn a deaf ear to His kind rebukes - but take them all as flowing from His infinite love. And whenever smitten either in body or soul, personally or relatively - let us say with the Church, "Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord." And if upon diligent search we find that we have wandered, or withdrawn our hearts from God - let us adopt the language of one of old, "I will go, and return to my first husband, for then was it better with me than now." But never let us give way to the thought that God is turned against us, or is changed in His love to us; seeing He has sworn that He will not be wrathful with us, nor as a judge rebuke us. It is love, paternal love, which rebukes us; and it is for our profit, and to make us partakers of His holiness.
~James Smith~
(The End)
"As many as I love - I rebuke an chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent" (Revelation 3:19).
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word" (Psalms 119:67).
"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees!" Psalm 119:71).
"I know, O Lord, that in faithfulness You have afflicted me!" (Psalm 119:75).
As God loves His people with an everlasting love, He takes the deepest interest in their welfare, and rejoices to do them good. But love can frown as well as smile; rebuke as well as commend; and God's rebukes are often very pointed, and very sharp. "As many as I love - I rebuke and chasten." Of one thing we may be sure, He never rebukes us for doing right, nor does He chasten us without reason. Whenever we feel the rod of God - we may be sure that we deserve it; and whenever our Heavenly Father rebukes us - we may rest satisfied that we are wrong. The most tried - have often the clearest proofs of the Lord's love. And when the Lord afflicts - He especially comforts.
Mary Scott was in a good situation, enjoyed many privileges, and was doing well; but she got vain, dressy, and carnally-minded. She thought too much of earthly things, and too little of heavenly things - and at length you could discern but little difference between her and the world! The Lord then laid His afflictive hand upon her - she fell sick, had to leave her pleasant situation, her little all was soon spent - and she is now poor, and totally dependent on friends.
But God has attended the painful dispensation with His blessing - so that she is now humble, spiritual, and heavenly-minded. Worldly things have lost their charms - and spiritual things appear all-important. She now deeply deplores her former worldly course. His Bible is now her precious companion, and she finds sweet access to God at the throne of grace. She now looks forward to Heaven, rejoicing that there shall be no more pain, nor sorrow, nor crying. She often blesses God for her affliction! This was a loving rebuke from her heavenly Father!
Thomas Davy was rising in the world, his business increased, his name gained reputation, and he began to look important. He had been a simple believer in the Lord Jesus, he loved His Bible and his prayer closet, and always filled his place in the church. He would speak well upon spiritual subjects, and enjoyed the company of the saints. But, poor fellow, he could not stand prosperity. he became proud. His Bible was very much neglected. Prayer, especially family prayer, became formal and lifeless. He never sought the company of the most spiritual Christians - but was taken up with men of business. He was at his business books now, when he used to be at the prayer meeting; and his relish for spiritual things appeared to be lost.
Under these circumstances, God came forth to rebuke him. He had several losses, his speculations failed and business struggled. He could not meet his bills, and his creditors threatened him. Poverty stared him in the face, and he knew not what to do. He felt his distance from God, and how ungrateful he had acted. His conscience reproached him, satan harrassed him with temptations, and he was at wits end.
But when thoroughly convinced of sin and folly, he returned unto the Lord with weeping and with supplication. Broken-hearted and cast down - he appealed to the Divine mercy, and God restored unto him the joys of his salvation. He now walks humbly with God, is jealous of his own heart, and often prays with Agur, "Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." This was a loving rebuke from his heavenly Father!
"As many as I love - I rebuke and chasten." If therefore the Lord loves us - we must expect to be rebuked by Him when we turn out of the godly path. Often shall we need it - and as often shall we receive it. Never let us turn a deaf ear to His kind rebukes - but take them all as flowing from His infinite love. And whenever smitten either in body or soul, personally or relatively - let us say with the Church, "Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord." And if upon diligent search we find that we have wandered, or withdrawn our hearts from God - let us adopt the language of one of old, "I will go, and return to my first husband, for then was it better with me than now." But never let us give way to the thought that God is turned against us, or is changed in His love to us; seeing He has sworn that He will not be wrathful with us, nor as a judge rebuke us. It is love, paternal love, which rebukes us; and it is for our profit, and to make us partakers of His holiness.
~James Smith~
(The End)
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