Wahoo—Sunday is almost here! In order to help prepare us for church, here are some good words from Thomas Watson, from his, "All Things for Good" masterpiece:
"See then what an encouragement here is to become godly. All things shall work for good. Oh, that this may induce the world to fall in love with [the true] religion! Can there be a greater magnet to piety? Can anything more prevail with us to be good, than this; all things shall work for our good? [The true] re-ligion is the true philosopher’s stone that turns everything into gold.
"Take the sourest part of [the true] religion, the suffering part, and there is comfort in it. God sweetens suffering with joy; He candies our wormwood with sugar. Oh, how may this bribe us to godliness! 'Acquaint now yourself with God, and be at peace; thereby good shall come unto you,' (Job 22:21). No man did ever come off a loser by his acquaintance with God. By this, good shall come unto you, abundance of good, the sweet distillations of grace, the hidden manna, yes, everything shall work for good. Oh, then get acquaint-ance with God, espouse His interest."
Friday, September 29, 2017
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Thurs., 9/28/17 Devotion (Ps. 79:1)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 79:1, where we read these words:
"O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance; Your holy temple they have defiled; they have laid Jerusalem in heaps."
In this particular Psalm (79), Asaph, the author, is bemoaning the fact that the "nations have come into [God's] inheritance." The reason? Because they came at that time to destroy the temple, and to lay waste the promised land of old. But in the New Covenant, the blessed promise is that the Gentile nations would enter into Christ and His church—not to destroy; but to beautify it.
Many of the other Psalms (like Ps. 22:27) actually speak of this happening. Most of us reading this devotion today are the fulfillment of this promise and prophecy. We, the ones who used to be of the idol-worshipping peoples, are now the true children of Abraham, by faith in Jesus. For this blessed fact, we will forever give God praise.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Surely God deals familiarly with men; His conde-scensions to His own clay are astonishing.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]
"O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance; Your holy temple they have defiled; they have laid Jerusalem in heaps."
In this particular Psalm (79), Asaph, the author, is bemoaning the fact that the "nations have come into [God's] inheritance." The reason? Because they came at that time to destroy the temple, and to lay waste the promised land of old. But in the New Covenant, the blessed promise is that the Gentile nations would enter into Christ and His church—not to destroy; but to beautify it.
Many of the other Psalms (like Ps. 22:27) actually speak of this happening. Most of us reading this devotion today are the fulfillment of this promise and prophecy. We, the ones who used to be of the idol-worshipping peoples, are now the true children of Abraham, by faith in Jesus. For this blessed fact, we will forever give God praise.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Surely God deals familiarly with men; His conde-scensions to His own clay are astonishing.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Wed., 9/27/17 Devotion (Ps. 78:38a, 39a)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 78, verses 38a & 39a, where we read these words:
"But [God], being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity . . . For He remem-bered that they were but flesh . . . "
Behold the amazing mercy and forbearance of God. In Ps. 78, the Lord's con-tinued kindnesses to a stubborn and rebellious people are rehearsed over and over. The same is true today: Christ's New Covenant church is also made up of people who are saints and yet still sinners. We need the grace and kindness of our Heavenly Father everyday.
Believers are also able to emulate their Lord: whereas God sees us as "but flesh”—let us remember that our fellow brothers and sisters in the church are also "but flesh," even as we are, as well. This should make us sympathetic toward one another; and it should arrest our tendency to be harsh with each another.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The Lord expects praise wherever you have com-fort.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]
"But [God], being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity . . . For He remem-bered that they were but flesh . . . "
Behold the amazing mercy and forbearance of God. In Ps. 78, the Lord's con-tinued kindnesses to a stubborn and rebellious people are rehearsed over and over. The same is true today: Christ's New Covenant church is also made up of people who are saints and yet still sinners. We need the grace and kindness of our Heavenly Father everyday.
Believers are also able to emulate their Lord: whereas God sees us as "but flesh”—let us remember that our fellow brothers and sisters in the church are also "but flesh," even as we are, as well. This should make us sympathetic toward one another; and it should arrest our tendency to be harsh with each another.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The Lord expects praise wherever you have com-fort.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]
Monday, September 18, 2017
Mon., 9/18/17 Devotion (2 Cor. 7:4c, 5c)
Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 7:4c & 5c, where we read these words:
" . . . I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. . . . Outside were conflicts, inside were fears."
It is helpful for us to read of the Apostle Paul's experiences. We can see (above) that even he, the stalwart of faith and strength, was "fearful" at times. But even more than this, he could find a way (in Christ) to be "joyful" in "tri-bulation."
All of us true Christian believers are capable of enduring a whole lot more than we could ever imagine that we could. There is valor within that will never come to the fore unless it is put through the fire (of afflictions). Still, none of us look forward to these troubles. The only thing we like is the Christlike char-acter that develops in us (which brings us much peace, stability, and happi-ness).
[Puritan quote of the day: "People [become] distracted from coming to God by their own self-imposed spiritual disciplines.” —John Owen, in, "Sin and Temp-tation”]
" . . . I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. . . . Outside were conflicts, inside were fears."
It is helpful for us to read of the Apostle Paul's experiences. We can see (above) that even he, the stalwart of faith and strength, was "fearful" at times. But even more than this, he could find a way (in Christ) to be "joyful" in "tri-bulation."
All of us true Christian believers are capable of enduring a whole lot more than we could ever imagine that we could. There is valor within that will never come to the fore unless it is put through the fire (of afflictions). Still, none of us look forward to these troubles. The only thing we like is the Christlike char-acter that develops in us (which brings us much peace, stability, and happi-ness).
[Puritan quote of the day: "People [become] distracted from coming to God by their own self-imposed spiritual disciplines.” —John Owen, in, "Sin and Temp-tation”]
Friday, September 15, 2017
Fri.-Sabbath, 9/15-17/17 Devotion
Yippee—Sunday is almost here! Here is Thomas Watson, in "The Happiness of Drawing Near to God":
"To draw near to God is our peace. The only thing which breaks our peace is, when we do not keep close to God. But what harmony, yea Heaven is in the soul when it draws nigh to God! Psalm 119:165: ‘Great peace have they which love thy law.’ This peace, like pearl in broth, is cordial. David drew near to God, for He was ‘ever with him,’ (Psalm 139:17). And this made his pillow soft when he went to sleep—Psalm 4:8: ‘I will lay me down in peace.’ . . . O that sweet serenity which drops as honey upon the soul while it is drawing near to God! How comfortable it is to draw near to the sun! And how sweet is it to approach nigh to the Sun of Righteousness.
"To draw near to God is our riches. It is good drawing near to a gold mine. If we draw near to God, He will enrich us with promises, and divine consola-tions. He will enrich us with the ‘pearl of great price.' He will reward us as a King, yea as a God. He will give His land and jewels to us. He will give us the spring flowers of joy here, and the harvest of glory hereafter."
"To draw near to God is our peace. The only thing which breaks our peace is, when we do not keep close to God. But what harmony, yea Heaven is in the soul when it draws nigh to God! Psalm 119:165: ‘Great peace have they which love thy law.’ This peace, like pearl in broth, is cordial. David drew near to God, for He was ‘ever with him,’ (Psalm 139:17). And this made his pillow soft when he went to sleep—Psalm 4:8: ‘I will lay me down in peace.’ . . . O that sweet serenity which drops as honey upon the soul while it is drawing near to God! How comfortable it is to draw near to the sun! And how sweet is it to approach nigh to the Sun of Righteousness.
"To draw near to God is our riches. It is good drawing near to a gold mine. If we draw near to God, He will enrich us with promises, and divine consola-tions. He will enrich us with the ‘pearl of great price.' He will reward us as a King, yea as a God. He will give His land and jewels to us. He will give us the spring flowers of joy here, and the harvest of glory hereafter."
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Thurs., 9/14/17 Devotion (2 Cor. 3:5-6a)
Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 3:5 & 6a, where Paul wrote these words:
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from our-selves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as mini-sters of the new covenant . . . "
What has God given us to do, in this life? Are we content with our assign-ments? Are they a bit "less glamorous" than we would have desired? The suf-ficient Lord supplies His saints with all the resources we need, in order to ful-fill our God-given roles on earth. The church's ministry, which cannot be done in the flesh, is totally dependent upon the grace of Christ.
Let us not be discouraged, if we are faithful in our spheres. Instead, we have cause to thank God that He has equipped us, and honored us with His seal of love in Jesus and His church.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The Son is the fullness of God, and the church is the fullness of the Son of God.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Glory of God"]
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from our-selves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as mini-sters of the new covenant . . . "
What has God given us to do, in this life? Are we content with our assign-ments? Are they a bit "less glamorous" than we would have desired? The suf-ficient Lord supplies His saints with all the resources we need, in order to ful-fill our God-given roles on earth. The church's ministry, which cannot be done in the flesh, is totally dependent upon the grace of Christ.
Let us not be discouraged, if we are faithful in our spheres. Instead, we have cause to thank God that He has equipped us, and honored us with His seal of love in Jesus and His church.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The Son is the fullness of God, and the church is the fullness of the Son of God.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Glory of God"]
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Wed., 9/13/17 Devotion (2 Sam. 8:6b, 14b)
Today's encouragement comes from a collation of 2 Samuel 8, vv. 6b & 14b, where we read this refrain:
"The LORD preserved David wherever he went. . . . And the LORD preserved David wherever he went."
The Holy Spirit is certainly making a point here. David, the man subject to lots of dangers in his military exploits, and in his being the target of many schem-ing enemies—is preserved by the God who loved him. So it is with every faithful Christian churchman: the way may be tough, the cross is always hard; but the Lord is good, tender, loving, gentle, and kind.
Let us not lose heart, if we belong to Christ. Our victory is sure; and our safe-ty is sealed by God Himself.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Our victory will be further realized as the new man immediately springs to action, and cheerfully fights against lust the moment it appears.” —John Owen, in, "The Mortification of Sin"]
"The LORD preserved David wherever he went. . . . And the LORD preserved David wherever he went."
The Holy Spirit is certainly making a point here. David, the man subject to lots of dangers in his military exploits, and in his being the target of many schem-ing enemies—is preserved by the God who loved him. So it is with every faithful Christian churchman: the way may be tough, the cross is always hard; but the Lord is good, tender, loving, gentle, and kind.
Let us not lose heart, if we belong to Christ. Our victory is sure; and our safe-ty is sealed by God Himself.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Our victory will be further realized as the new man immediately springs to action, and cheerfully fights against lust the moment it appears.” —John Owen, in, "The Mortification of Sin"]
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Tues., 9/12/17 Devotion (Ps. 56:3)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 56:3, where David wrote these words:
"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You."
David was honest enough to admit that at some times he was "afraid." His resolve here, by grace, was to turn his fear into an opportunity to exercise his faith in Christ. This is a very wise thing to do. Is there anything we can do, to prevent fearful events from coming into our lives? No. But we can make the best of them, by trusting God, through them.
After all, it is relatively "easy" to get on with life, when everything is going smoothly. The challenge is when things do not accord with what we conceive of as our "comfort zone." *That* is the time for us to demonstrate genuine faith in Jesus.
[Puritan quote of the day: "What Satan did in tempting man to fall is made an occasion of the contrary to what he intended in that it gave occasion for God to glorify Himself all the more, and gives occasion for the elect being brought to higher happiness.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Wisdom of God"]
"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You."
David was honest enough to admit that at some times he was "afraid." His resolve here, by grace, was to turn his fear into an opportunity to exercise his faith in Christ. This is a very wise thing to do. Is there anything we can do, to prevent fearful events from coming into our lives? No. But we can make the best of them, by trusting God, through them.
After all, it is relatively "easy" to get on with life, when everything is going smoothly. The challenge is when things do not accord with what we conceive of as our "comfort zone." *That* is the time for us to demonstrate genuine faith in Jesus.
[Puritan quote of the day: "What Satan did in tempting man to fall is made an occasion of the contrary to what he intended in that it gave occasion for God to glorify Himself all the more, and gives occasion for the elect being brought to higher happiness.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Wisdom of God"]
Monday, September 11, 2017
Mon., 9/11/17 Devotion (1 Cor. 16:2)
Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 16:2, which says this:
"On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come."
Sunday is not only the day of worship and rest—it is also the day when we of-fer our financial resources to God (during the church’s worship services). More good is done by the "widow's mite” being placed in the faithful church's offering plate on the Lord's Day, than is done by billions of dollars being given away by unbelievers throughout the rest of the week.
It is a privilege to give back to God what is rightfully His. The Lord does not need anything from us; but He honors us by bestowing on us the opportunity to "co-labor" with Him in the furtherance of the gospel of grace.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Take heed that you do not rest in external purity, but seek purity of heart in the ways of God's appointment. Seek it in a con-stant and diligent attendance on all God's ordinances [means of Grace].”
—Jonathan Edwards, in, "Altogether Lovely"]
"On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come."
Sunday is not only the day of worship and rest—it is also the day when we of-fer our financial resources to God (during the church’s worship services). More good is done by the "widow's mite” being placed in the faithful church's offering plate on the Lord's Day, than is done by billions of dollars being given away by unbelievers throughout the rest of the week.
It is a privilege to give back to God what is rightfully His. The Lord does not need anything from us; but He honors us by bestowing on us the opportunity to "co-labor" with Him in the furtherance of the gospel of grace.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Take heed that you do not rest in external purity, but seek purity of heart in the ways of God's appointment. Seek it in a con-stant and diligent attendance on all God's ordinances [means of Grace].”
—Jonathan Edwards, in, "Altogether Lovely"]
Friday, September 8, 2017
Fri.-Sabbath, 9/8-10/17 Devotion
Wahoo—it is almost Sunday! Here is Thomas Watson, from his, "A Divine Cordial" book:
"Afflictions work for good, as they are the means of making us happy. 'Happy is the man whom God corrects,' (Job 5:17). What politician or moralist ever placed happiness in the cross? Job does. 'Happy is the man whom God cor-rects.' It may be said, 'How do afflictions make us happy?' We reply that, be-ing sanctified, they bring us nearer to God.
"The moon in the full is furthest off from the sun: so are many further off from God in the full moon of prosperity. Afflictions bring them nearer to God. The magnet of mercy does not draw us so near to God as the cords of affliction. When Absalom set Joab's corn on fire, then he came running to Absalom, (2 Sam. 14:30). When God sets our worldly comforts on fire, then we run to Him, and make our peace with Him. When the prodigal was pinched with want, then he returned home to his father, (Luke 15:13). When the dove could not find any rest for the sole of her foot, then she flew to the ark. When God brings a deluge of affliction upon us, then we fly to the ark of Christ. Thus af-fliction makes us happy, in bringing us nearer to God. Faith can make use of the waters of affliction, to swim faster to Christ."
"Afflictions work for good, as they are the means of making us happy. 'Happy is the man whom God corrects,' (Job 5:17). What politician or moralist ever placed happiness in the cross? Job does. 'Happy is the man whom God cor-rects.' It may be said, 'How do afflictions make us happy?' We reply that, be-ing sanctified, they bring us nearer to God.
"The moon in the full is furthest off from the sun: so are many further off from God in the full moon of prosperity. Afflictions bring them nearer to God. The magnet of mercy does not draw us so near to God as the cords of affliction. When Absalom set Joab's corn on fire, then he came running to Absalom, (2 Sam. 14:30). When God sets our worldly comforts on fire, then we run to Him, and make our peace with Him. When the prodigal was pinched with want, then he returned home to his father, (Luke 15:13). When the dove could not find any rest for the sole of her foot, then she flew to the ark. When God brings a deluge of affliction upon us, then we fly to the ark of Christ. Thus af-fliction makes us happy, in bringing us nearer to God. Faith can make use of the waters of affliction, to swim faster to Christ."
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Thurs., 9/7/17 Devotion (Ps. 49:5)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 49:5, where we read these words:
"Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity at my heels surrounds me?"
The psalmist asks a good question here (above). Is fear the proper response to "days of evil"? Is cowering in dread what God requires of HIs churchmen when "iniquity" "surrounds" us? Indeed, no. Instead, faith and resulting faith-fulness is to be employed. Faith in Christ says, " 'The days of evil' will not in-timidate me, or overwhelm me."
Despite the fact that the days are challenging, the reality is that Christ's church is still expanding, and the gospel is always spending out over the whole world. No matter whether things look promising, or foreboding—the faithful church has cause to glory in Jesus, and trust in our Sovereign God.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The true God perfectly knows the circumstances of everyone who prays to Him throughout the world.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Most High a Prayer-Hearing God"]
"Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity at my heels surrounds me?"
The psalmist asks a good question here (above). Is fear the proper response to "days of evil"? Is cowering in dread what God requires of HIs churchmen when "iniquity" "surrounds" us? Indeed, no. Instead, faith and resulting faith-fulness is to be employed. Faith in Christ says, " 'The days of evil' will not in-timidate me, or overwhelm me."
Despite the fact that the days are challenging, the reality is that Christ's church is still expanding, and the gospel is always spending out over the whole world. No matter whether things look promising, or foreboding—the faithful church has cause to glory in Jesus, and trust in our Sovereign God.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The true God perfectly knows the circumstances of everyone who prays to Him throughout the world.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Most High a Prayer-Hearing God"]
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Wed., 9/6/17 Devotion (Ps. 48:9)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 48:9, where we read these words:
"We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness, in the midst of Your temple."
Thinking on God's lovingkindness is a great thing to do. It is particularly good to do this in His "temple," (church). When we consider that we could well have been left out in the cold of sin and death—it is a wonder that any of us are brought into the embraces and kindnesses of God's love and forgiveness, in and through Jesus Christ alone.
Let us take time today to bless God for His goodness to us, in Christ. Sinners who are not grateful to God show, by their lack of thankfulness, that they are not true beneficiaries of His saving grace.
[Puritan quote of the day: "A man full of grace has Christ in his heart, and the world under his feet; grace humbles, yet elevates.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon entitled, "The Beauty Of Grace"]
"We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness, in the midst of Your temple."
Thinking on God's lovingkindness is a great thing to do. It is particularly good to do this in His "temple," (church). When we consider that we could well have been left out in the cold of sin and death—it is a wonder that any of us are brought into the embraces and kindnesses of God's love and forgiveness, in and through Jesus Christ alone.
Let us take time today to bless God for His goodness to us, in Christ. Sinners who are not grateful to God show, by their lack of thankfulness, that they are not true beneficiaries of His saving grace.
[Puritan quote of the day: "A man full of grace has Christ in his heart, and the world under his feet; grace humbles, yet elevates.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon entitled, "The Beauty Of Grace"]
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Tues., 9/5/17 Devotion (Ps. 46:1-2a)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 46:1 & 2a, where we read these words:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear . . . "
Christian fearlessness is never a result of perceived safety or security. In-stead, it is the result of God being "present" with us. The Lord "refuges" His true churchmen by cleansing their souls from sin by the blood of Christ. This, then, becomes the source of our strength.
Let all God's children be strong in the Lord. There is no sense in imagining that there will be a "trouble-free" existence here—but with our Christ in our midst we have nothing to fear.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Ministers should study [work] to promote God's glory. God has entrusted them with two of the most precious things: His truth, and the souls of His people.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear . . . "
Christian fearlessness is never a result of perceived safety or security. In-stead, it is the result of God being "present" with us. The Lord "refuges" His true churchmen by cleansing their souls from sin by the blood of Christ. This, then, becomes the source of our strength.
Let all God's children be strong in the Lord. There is no sense in imagining that there will be a "trouble-free" existence here—but with our Christ in our midst we have nothing to fear.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Ministers should study [work] to promote God's glory. God has entrusted them with two of the most precious things: His truth, and the souls of His people.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]
Monday, September 4, 2017
Mon., 9/4/17 Devotion (Ezek. 7:27c)
Today's encouragement comes from Ezekiel 7:27c, where we read these words:
" . . . And according to what they deserve I will judge them; then they shall know that I am the LORD!"
God always judges "according to what [people] deserve.” Every sin gets ex-actly what it deserves: death. Everyone who goes to hell will receive precisely what they deserve—nothing more, nothing less. But thankfully, the Lord metes out death for sin in another way, as well. . . .
. . . And that is the way of gospel “substitution.” Regenerate churchmen *also* deserve death and hell—but Jesus bore it all for them (us) on the cross, and they (we) were spared. If this is *our* situation by grace through faith in Christ alone, then we have great cause to praise God for His amazing love and mercy.
[Puritan quote of the day: "God is doing a great work in the world, but God's ends are to make His people sweeter, like preserves, and preserve them for a longer time, and make them be more lasting in the world.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]
" . . . And according to what they deserve I will judge them; then they shall know that I am the LORD!"
God always judges "according to what [people] deserve.” Every sin gets ex-actly what it deserves: death. Everyone who goes to hell will receive precisely what they deserve—nothing more, nothing less. But thankfully, the Lord metes out death for sin in another way, as well. . . .
. . . And that is the way of gospel “substitution.” Regenerate churchmen *also* deserve death and hell—but Jesus bore it all for them (us) on the cross, and they (we) were spared. If this is *our* situation by grace through faith in Christ alone, then we have great cause to praise God for His amazing love and mercy.
[Puritan quote of the day: "God is doing a great work in the world, but God's ends are to make His people sweeter, like preserves, and preserve them for a longer time, and make them be more lasting in the world.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]
Friday, September 1, 2017
Fri.-Sabbath, 9/1-3/17 Devotion
Wahoo—it is almost Sunday! We *get* to go back to church again! In order to help us get ready for worship, here is the great Puritan pastor Richard Sib-bes, from his "The Bruised Reed" book. . . .
"The sighs of a bruised heart carry in them a report, both of our affection to Christ, and of His care to us. The eyes of our souls cannot be towards Him unless He has cast a gracious look upon us first. The least love we have to Him is but a reflection of His love first shining upon us. As Christ did, in His example to us, whatever He charges us to do, so He suffered in His own Person whatever He calls us to suffer, so that He might the better learn to relieve and pity us in our sufferings. In His desertion in the garden and on the cross He was content to be without that unspeakable solace which the pre-sence of His Father gave, both to bear the wrath of the Lord for a time for us, and likewise to know the better how to comfort us in our greatest extremities.
"God sees fit that we should taste of that cup of which His Son drank so deep, that we might feel a little what sin is, and what His Son's love was. But our comfort is that Christ drank the dregs of the cup for us, and will comfort us, so that our spirits may not utterly fail under that little taste of His dis-pleasure which we may feel. He became not only a man but a curse, a man of sorrows, for us. He was broken that we should not be broken; He was troubled, that we should not be desperately troubled; He became a curse, that we should not be accursed. Whatever may be wished for in an all suffi-cient Comforter is all to be found in Christ."
"The sighs of a bruised heart carry in them a report, both of our affection to Christ, and of His care to us. The eyes of our souls cannot be towards Him unless He has cast a gracious look upon us first. The least love we have to Him is but a reflection of His love first shining upon us. As Christ did, in His example to us, whatever He charges us to do, so He suffered in His own Person whatever He calls us to suffer, so that He might the better learn to relieve and pity us in our sufferings. In His desertion in the garden and on the cross He was content to be without that unspeakable solace which the pre-sence of His Father gave, both to bear the wrath of the Lord for a time for us, and likewise to know the better how to comfort us in our greatest extremities.
"God sees fit that we should taste of that cup of which His Son drank so deep, that we might feel a little what sin is, and what His Son's love was. But our comfort is that Christ drank the dregs of the cup for us, and will comfort us, so that our spirits may not utterly fail under that little taste of His dis-pleasure which we may feel. He became not only a man but a curse, a man of sorrows, for us. He was broken that we should not be broken; He was troubled, that we should not be desperately troubled; He became a curse, that we should not be accursed. Whatever may be wished for in an all suffi-cient Comforter is all to be found in Christ."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
