Better is the end of a thing

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof." Ecclesiastes 7:8

Look at David's Lord and Master; see His beginning. He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Would you see the end? He sits at His Father's right hand, expecting until His enemies be made his footstool. "As He is, so are we also in this world." You must bear the cross, or you shall never wear the crown; you must wade through the mire, or you shall never walk the golden pavement. Cheer up, then, poor Christian. "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof." See that creeping worm, how contemptible its appearance! It is the beginning of a thing. Mark that insect with gorgeous wings, playing in the sunbeams, sipping at the flower bells, full of happiness and life; that is the end thereof. That caterpillar is yourself, until you are wrapped up in the chrysalis of death; but when Christ shall appear you shall be like Him, for you shall see Him as He is. Be content to be like Him, a worm and no man, that like Him you may be satisfied when you wake up in His likeness. That rough-looking diamond is put upon the wheel of the lapidary. He cuts it on all sides. It loses much—much that seemed costly to itself. The king is crowned; the diadem is put upon the monarch's head with trumpet's joyful sound. A glittering ray flashes from that coronet, and it beams from that very diamond which was just now so sorely vexed by the lapidary. You may venture to compare yourself to such a diamond, for you are one of God's people; and this is the time of the cutting process. Let faith and patience have their perfect work, for in the day when the crown shall be set upon the head of the King, Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, one ray of glory shall stream from you. "They shall be Mine," saith the Lord, "in the day when I make up My jewels." "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof."

Think on these things

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report,—think on these things.—Philippians 4:8.

As he thinketh in his heart, so is he.—Proverbs 23:7.

Still may Thy sweet mercy spread

A shady arm above my head,

About my paths; so shall I find

The fair centre of my mind

Thy temple, and those lovely walls

Bright ever with a beam that falls

Fresh from the pure glance of Thine eye,

Lighting to eternity.

R. CRASHAW.

Make yourselves nests of pleasant thoughts. None of us yet know, for none of us have been taught in early youth, what fairy palaces we may build of beautiful thought—proof against all adversity. Bright fancies, satisfied memories, noble histories, faithful sayings, treasure—houses of precious and restful thoughts, which care cannot disturb, nor pain make gloomy, nor poverty take away from us,—houses built without hands, for our souls to live in.

J. RUSKIN.

—Daily Strength for Daily Needs

Thy sins be forgiven thee

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”Mark 2:5

I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. — Who can forgive sins but God only?

I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. — Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity. — Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity?

God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. — The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. — Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

They took knowledge of them

They took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.—Acts 4:13.

O hearts of love! O souls that turn

Like sunflowers to the pure and best!

To you the truth is manifest,

For they the mind of Christ discern

Who lean like John upon His breast.

John G. Whittier.

Wilt thou with St. John rest on the loving heart of our Lord Jesus Christ, thou must be transformed into the beauteous image of our Lord by a constant, earnest contemplation thereof, considering His holy meekness and humility, the deep, fiery love that He bore to His friends and His foes, and His mighty, obedient resignation which He manifested in all the paths wherein His Father called Him to tread. And now ye must gaze much more closely and deeply into the glorious image of our Lord Jesus Christ than I can show you with my outward teaching, and maintain a continual, earnest effort and aspiration after it. Then look attentively at thyself, how unlike thou art to this image, and behold thy own littleness. Here will thy Lord let thee rest on, Him. In the glorious likeness of Christ thou wilt be made rich, and find all the solace and sweetness in the world.

John Tauler.

His Kindness And Covenant

"For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isa. 54:10

One of the most delightful qualities of divine love is its abiding character. The pillars of the earth may be moved out of their places, but the kindness and the covenant of our merciful Jehovah never depart from His people. How happy my soul feels in a firm belief of this inspired declaration! The year is almost over, and the years of my life are growing few, but time does not change my Lord. New lamps are taking the place of the old, perpetual change is on all things; but our Lord is the same. Force overturns the hills, but no conceivable power can affect the eternal God. Nothing in the past, the present, or the future can cause Jehovah to be unkind to me.

My soul, rest in the eternal kindness of the Lord, who treats thee as one near of kin. Remember also the everlasting covenant. God is ever mindful of it -see that thou art mindful of it too. In Christ Jesus the glorious God has pledged Himself to thee to be thy God, and to hold thee as one of His people. Kindness and covenant -- dwell on these words as sure and lasting things which eternity itself shall not take from thee.

Are You Available For Training?

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Some time ago, I had the privilege of leading a businessman to Christ. A business magnate observed what transpired and excitedly said to me, "Dwight! I want to learn to do that! Would you train my senior executives and me in discipleship?"

So, for the next several months when I visited his city, I called his office to arrange for a meeting. However, his secretary repeatedly informed me that due to business pressures and opportunities, he regrettably was unavailable. I am reminded of Jesus' comments about people who succumbed to secondary pressures, rather than respond to His initiatives:

"Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses. The first said, 'I bought a piece of property and need to look it over. Send my regrets.' Another said, 'I just bought five teams of oxen, and I really need to check them out. Send my regrets.' And yet another said, 'I just got married and need to get home to my wife.'" (Luke 14:18-20 – Message)

Some years ago, by way of contrast, Ron Holechek, a young military intelligence officer jumped at the opportunity for spiritual training and altered his career plans to get it. Today he affects military personnel around the world for Christ.

Similarly, Timothy responded to Paul's offer to travel with him. As a result, he absorbed Paul's godly values, perspective, and training:

"[Paul] came… to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived… Paul wanted to take him along on the journey… " (Acts 16:1b, 3a)

The effect of Paul's life on Timothy became apparent years later in one of Paul's letter to him:

"You… know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings… " (2 Timothy 3:10b, 11a)

Paul's years of building into Timothy's life drives home the point that the people who become qualified laborers are those who avail themselves for training. No wonder Christ commented on the chronic shortage of laborers, as few are willing to make the necessary sacrifice to obtain the training. (See Philippians 2:19-24)

QUESTION: Tell me, are you making yourself available for training in character development and ministry skills so that you will be able to effectively help accomplish Christ's command to "go… make disciples"? Or is your primary focus in life on the pursuit of a withering crown? (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 9:25)

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly… " (Matthew 28:18-19a; 1 Corinthians 9:24-26a)

Dads, Want To Ruin Your Kids?

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Here are seven sure-fire ways to do it:

1. Don't inconvenience yourself with managing the home. Rather, leave it to your wife. That will pretty well ensure a shrill atmosphere as she carries the emotional burden of running the household. Don't let her rely upon you as a backup in discipline or in setting a positive tone. In time she will burn out and grow resentful, but you will be free to continue an adolescent lifestyle of self-indulgence through your adult years. "He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect." (1 Timothy 3:4)

2. Don't bother to encourage your kids. As one old man told me, "When I was growing up there weren't enough 'atta boy's.'" When the kid gets a "B" on his report card, jump on him; when your boy strikes out in Little League, let him know he should have done better (never mind the fact that he hit .333 for the day). "Fathers, do not exasperate your children… " (Ephesians 6:4a) (See Genesis 31:14, 15; 1 Samuel 20:30-34; Colossians 3:21)

3. Choose not to get personally involved in their lives. That is, give directives. Be the boss. Keep your distance emotionally. Never say, "I'm sorry." Stay at the office longer, and miss their ball games and concerts. Bring your work home with you. Don't bother to tuck them in at night or tell them stories. Be a perfectionist. Scold them when they spill their milk. Be sparse in handing out affirmation or compliments. "We dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God… " (1 Thessalonians 2:11b, 12b) (See Matthew 7:9, 10)

4. Don't worry about modeling the values you claim to embrace. Ignore the fact that your kids desperately need a dad who is genuinely authentic. "I will be careful to lead a blameless life… I will walk in my house with blameless heart." (Psalm 101:2a,c)

5. Absolve yourself from the responsibility of instructing your children in spiritual matters. Leave it up to your wife or the church. That will pretty much guarantee the fact that the boys will view Christianity as a weak proposition. Your daughters, in all likelihood will look for men like their father: Spiritually insipid. "Fathers… bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4a,c) (See Genesis 18:19)

6. Stunt their development by exercising such a standard of control and perfection that a lack of trust is communicated. Could a father's actions here reflect his lack of confidence in how he raised them? "(Love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13:7) (See Romans 15:1)

7. Criticize and undermine your wife, especially in front of the children. Never demonstrate affection toward her in their presence. Allow the kids to drive a wedge between the two of you. Argue a lot, and be sure to always "win." "Husbands… be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect… and do not be harsh with them." (1 Peter 3:7a,c; Colossians 3:19b) (See Ecclesiastes 9:9; Proverbs 5:18, 19; Ephesians 5:25, 28, 29)

10 Good Reasons Why We Do Not Want To Twaddle Around With Sin

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1. "Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment… including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 11:9; 12:14b)

2. "'Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?' declares the Lord. 'Do not I fill heaven and earth?' declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 23:24)

3. "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." (Matthew 12:36)

4. "There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known." (Luke 12:2)

5. "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." (Acts 17:30, 31)

6. "On the day [of judgment]… God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ… " (Romans 2:16b)

7. "You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat… So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." (Romans 14:10, 12)

8. "God will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts… " (1 Corinthians 4:5b)

9. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10)

10."Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books… Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:12, 14, 15)

A Wake Up Call

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things says he that has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know your works, that you have a name that you live, and are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found your works perfect before God.  (Revelation 3:1-2. KJ2000)


Perhaps you know a church like this.  I do.  It was many years ago, but the memory cannot be erased. 

I was a young man in a new city.  New to the church, I was awed by the brilliance of the preacher—his sermons were magnificent.  How stunning to overhear an elderly parishioner say, "Isn't it a shame he's lost his touch?"  Evidently he was a magnificent preacher.  Evidently they were sermon samplers—not sermon followers.

For the church was practically dead.  The preaching was eloquent, but not to the point.  Consider the symptoms:

The preaching was great—but never on a subject which might possibly offend the hearers.
There were lots of social activities—but very few spiritual activities.

Another telltale sign:  there was money associated with everything, for giving was very poor.

But it is my pleasure to tell you that the church in question followed the advice of our Lord.  As time went by, more and more Christians became dissatisfied.

First there came the "wake up call."  It was in the form of a congregational meeting.  One of the members was a lawyer, and I have never heard so masterly an indictment.  From this sprang repentance.

Next, they moved to strengthen what was still alive.  A new minister was called;  old forms were overthrown and discarded.  But those things which God had continued to bless—such as their charity towards some of the poorer churches—were strengthened and blossomed for Christ.

They began to complete the work God had given them.  It is not enough to begin;  all through this book we see the thought that we must carry on our tasks to completion for the Lord.

It happens that I do not know the end of the story.  Changes in my life took me away from that congregation.  So I cannot tell you if their awakening bore fruit for the Lord or not.  But one thing I can tell you:  our Lord said he would come like a thief in the night.  He comes without warning, and for that reason alone we are to be ready.  So he says to the nearly dead what he says to the vibrant living:  watch!

He that has an ear, let him hear

 

He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows except him who receives it.  (Rev 2:17 KJ2000)

It is disappointing, really.  For those who have read mysteries for enjoyment, to learn how they are constructed seems almost, well, pedestrian.  It is so mechanical.  The author knows perfectly well who did it, and plants little seeds along the way (along with a goodly crop of weeds).

So this passage appears to us.  Surely someday it will be clear, but right now, just what is this hidden manna?  The new name?

The hidden manna
Manna, of course, is what fed the Israelites from heaven for 40 years.  So whatever this is, we can consider it food (at least spiritually) and from heaven.  But it is hidden.  The only manna ever "hidden" was that which Moses had placed in the Ark of the Covenant.  Only the High Priest would have seen that manna. Is it too much of a stretch to conclude that this represents our new relationship as priests to God?

One thing is certain:  it stands out in contrast to the food for which they were condemned—meat sacrificed to idols.

The white stone

White, of course, is the color of purity.  It makes an immediate contrast with the sexual immorality which troubled them so greatly.  But can we not also see in it the Urim of the Old Testament High Priest?  Urim, which means "light", gave the decision of God to the High Priest.  He wore this stone on his breastplate.

The new name

This is a concept which will recur in Revelation.  Evidently at the time of his return we will learn something new about our Lord—something about a new name.  To know someone's pet name is a sign of close personal relationship;  it is likely that when he returns that relationship will be much closer.

Lessons for us

The mark of the victor is this:  he keeps himself from the things of this world, and rather turns in private prayer to God.  He abstains from sexual immorality, keeping himself pure.  He cherishes his close, personal relationship with the Lord Jesus.

That's the target:  no worldliness, no immorality, only the relationship with Jesus.  How's your aim?

Pergamum: Bad News

But I have a few things against you, because you have there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So have you also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (Rev 2:14-16 KJ2000)


For the last 1500 years Christians have been immune to the temptation to eat food sacrificed to idols—for the very good reason that we simply don't encounter that situation any more.  The Gospel has eliminated them from Western civilization.  So we need to see just what accusations are being brought here, so that we do not fall into the same trouble:

We know from Paul's letters that eating food sacrificed to idols caused several problems for the church.  First, it weakened the faith of some of the newer Christians by confusing them—were those idols really gods after all?  More than that, it was a way of showing tacit approval of idols—of "winking" at the practice.  How often today do we "wink" at evil, just letting it go by?

We have also the accusation of sexual immorality.  It is a sad fact that the church today has an ample supply of those who commit adultery.  Worse, there is little if any sense that the church disapproves;  it's just "an error in judgment."  At least we retain some shred of doubt here;  divorce is now so common among Christians that many are shocked to discover that Christ himself condemns it!

We no longer remember the Nicolaitans—but they're still with us.  They proclaimed a teaching that you could do anything in the body, no matter how immoral—as long as you "kept your spirit pure."  Saturday night a wild time; Sunday morning a pious, hung-over face.  It is an organized form of hypocrisy.

The word of the Lord is clear.  Jesus tells them to repent—and the message is opportune for us, too—or else he will send against them (or us) the sword of his mouth.  What is this sword?  Isaiah describes himself as such;  so it could mean those godly men who put forth the Gospel in pure and powerful terms.  It is described as sharp, and double edged.  From that many conclude that this is a description of the Scripture itself—that God will send forth those who will open the Bible to the minds of those who are perishing.

Whichever (or both) it might be, these souls needed it.  So do we.  We forget that God will strike down the church that does not repent and turn to him.  Think how many strong churches have withered when they forgot his Word!  Listen to the words of His warning;  they are meant for us, too.

Pergamum: Good News

"And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, 'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: "I know your works, and where you live, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith in the days in which Antipas was My faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan is dwelling.
Rev 2:12-13 Complete Apostles' Bible



A little history lesson might make this clearer.  Pergamum, the church referenced here, was also the city in which could be found the chief temple of the god Aesculapius.    You are familiar, somewhat, with his image today.  If you've ever seen the entwined serpents on a doctor's emblem, this is a holdover from this Greek god.  Aesculapius was the god of healing, and was represented by the entwined serpents.  (An interesting parallel may be drawn with Moses' bronze snake in the wilderness.)  The cult of this god was one of the most fanatic of the time.

Satan, often represented in the Bible as a serpent, is seen here.  From this short passage we can learn something about him:

First, he is a deceiver.  You might think the God of healing would never prompt his followers to hound someone to death—but it happened in Pergamum.  Satan portrays himself as kind and gentle and ever so wise.  "Evil is enlightening," he says, just as he said to Eve.  "God will forgive no matter what;  there is no need of repentance."  The serpent is an apt representation of Satan—smooth and low.

Next, he persecutes the church.  The method and the argument change with the times, but the persecution is a constant them.  Today it is "tolerance" - meaning, of course, unless you renounce the faith you must be a bigot, and therefore subject to extermination (in a politically correct way, of course.)

His motivation, and his chief sin, is pride.  It is no accident that Satan is described as having his throne—for that throne is set up in rivalry to God.  He is the ultimate rebel;  no wonder our teenagers are taught today that rebellion is good.

Antipas

What is a Christian to do about this?  Antipas paid with his life, evidently.  Some see in this name, which means "against all," a symbolic person.  In some interpretations this period is associated with the time of one Athanasius, who defended the Trinity so well.  He was told, "Athanasius, all the world is against you."  He replied, "Then say that Athanasius is against all the world."  Exiled for his faith by the Arians, his firm faith and dogged persistence eventually turned the church back to the truth. 
Athanasius contra mundum.  Even if all the world is against us, we must remain true to the One who loves us.

Let Him Hear

He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death. (Rev 2:11 KJ2000)


It is another of the solemn warnings by the Spirit.  We can see, however, that this one is a promise of protection:

It is again addressed to all the churches, hence to us.

It refers only to those who overcome—not those whose membership was in the right denomination.
There is a much disputed translation point here.  The phrase "at all" is designed to support the premillennial interpretation.  The word used for "hurt" carries with it the idea of "harm unjustly."  Most translations omit the "at all."  But one thing is clear:  those who overcome are in no danger of unjust harm—for the Righteous Lord is Lord of the second death, as of all else.


The second death
 
The phrase "second death" occurs only in Revelation.  We know a little bit about it:

From Revelation 20:6, we know that those who overcome and escape this fate are those in the first resurrection.

From that same passage we learn that those who overcome and are in the first resurrection will be priests of God and Christ.  (We are a royal priesthood, if you recall.)

That reign and priesthood are said to take place during the period of a thousand years (the millennium).
Of course, your view of when this happens and how depends upon the theory of interpretation you have chosen.  But you have to like the result in any theory.

But just what is the second death?  Revelation 21:8 tells us that it is a fiery lake of burning sulfur.  We need not necessarily take this literally—the book is full of imagery—but whether you do or not, the image is distinctly one of a place which probably will not show up in tourist brochures any time soon.  Indeed, it is the primary source of the contemporary description of hell (which is inaccurate, of course.)  Indeed, death and hell (Hades, as translated in Revelation 20:14) are thrown into this lake of fire. 

Look who winds up here:  "the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars" (Revelation 21:8).  It's enough to make a man repent.

Smyrna: I Know Your Poverty

 

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things says the first and the last, who was dead, and is alive; I know your works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but you are rich) and I know the blasphemy of them who say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which you will suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life. (Rev 2:8-10 KJ2000)

The strangest of things happen in this world.

My friend was the treasurer of a large Russian Orthodox church.  One day he called me over and told me this story.  It seemed that for many years he had been accustomed to discovering a gold coin in the offering each week.  The coin dated from the time Russia was ruled by the Czars.  He would then take the coins to a coin dealer and sell them for the church.  No one knew who was putting this coin in the offering until one of the priests called him to come down to the church.  It seemed that one of the elderly members of the church had died.  The priest, knowing that the old gentleman had promised to leave his belongings to the church, asked the treasurer to take charge of matters.

The old man lived in a shabby apartment.  His only income, it appeared, was Social Security.  Imagine the shock when my friend discovered, tidily kept under the bed, bags and bags of Russian gold coins!   Evidently he thought that these coins were of no value, since the Czars no longer ruled.

Sometimes we see a passage like this and think, "Hmm..afflictions plus poverty equals riches.  That makes no sense."  We're like the old man, not realizing what we have.  These afflictions and poverty for Christ are riches indeed. 

So our Lord encourages us to hold on to our riches!  James tells us that the crown of life is given to those who persevere under trial.  Here our Lord says the trials may include imprisonment or death.

Perseverance

Many of us are capable of great things—once.  I know from experience that even the poorest of players can hit a home run once.  Perseverance, however, is the life of continuing in Christ, from the moment of salvation through the moment of death.  That's the real test.

Under trial

The measure of a baseball manager is not what he can do with the All-Star team;  it is what he can do with a mediocre team.  The measure of a Christian is taken under trial.  When the rest of the world sneers at you for being so stupid as to be a Christian, when you are shunned and want to "fit in," there is a test.  It can get worse—Smyrna knows.

If you're willing to listen, you will understand

He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Rev 2:7 KJ2000 

The statement is a model of compactness and impact.  It carries with it a punch line from the earliest moments in Scripture.

 
He who

The implication is clear:  if you're willing to listen, you will understand.  This—despite its reputation—is not wreathed in smoke and mirrors;  this statement is plain.

 
Spirit says

This is not John's message, but the Spirit's.  The Spirit is to convict the world of sin, and judgment to come, but this message brings hope of escape from the consequences of sin.

 
To the churches

The noun is plural;  it is addressed to us as well as to the Ephesians.  The message applies for all the church.  Is this surprising, since the Spirit is one source of our unity—One Spirit?

 
Overcomes

The rewards come to the one who overcomes the world, as Christ has overcome the world.

 
The tree of life

Perhaps it seems strange to talk of this.  It is mentioned in the Genesis account of Adam and Eve, and then seldom heard of.  You will recall that an angel was posted to keep Adam and Eve from eating of it—for it gives eternal life.  If they had been allowed to eat of it, sin would have been made eternal, and God can have no contact with sin.  Here we learn that this tree—whatever it is, we can but speculate—is in Paradise with God.

If the literal understanding of this is beyond us, the symbolic understanding is not.  It is very simple:  Adam and Eve were kept from this tree because they were sinners.  Those who overcome will be permitted this tree—which means they are no longer accounted as sinners.  How could that be?  Only through the sacrifice on the Cross.  Only because atonement has been made for our sins by Jesus Christ. 

But there is a restriction:  those who overcome.  In this world we will have trouble, but take heart:  He has overcome the world.  By his grace, through living faith, so shall we.

Bad News

Nevertheless I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will remove your lampstand out of its place, except you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (Rev 2:4-6 KJ2000)


"A man always wants to be a woman's first love;  a woman always wants to be a man's last."  Or so I am told;  the only way to satisfy both, evidently, is for both to cling to their first love.
My parents did that.  They were married for over 57 years.  I once asked my father the secret of that longevity.

"Do you remember the movie Damn Yankees?"
    "Yeah,"

"Do you remember `Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets?'"
    "Yeah,"

"I married Lola."

Because he cared for her so much, and she loved him so much, they stayed together for life.  That's the picture Christ would like to draw of his marriage with the church—it is to be forever.  But sometimes, as here, the church forgets that first love.  Christ here draws the pattern for the restoration of the church:

Remember the height

So many Christians assume that a dull pain is the ordinary sensation of marriage—and Christianity.  It need not be so, if you will but remember.  Then ask yourself, "Who changed—me, or God?"  This is difficult for individuals;  it is very difficult for a church.  It is also most necessary.  Leadership is required to aim for the heights of God, not the flatlands of this world.

Repent

The word "repent" is now just a church word;  perhaps we should substitute "hang a U-turn."  Because that's what it means—a spiritual U-turn.  Turn around and go back to where you were.

Or else

Remember that our Lord is often pictured as a gardener.  He prunes the vines which bear good fruit, so that they will be even more fruitful.  But for those which cannot produce—or will not produce—he gives a short time of repentance.  Then he removes them.  You think not?  How many denominations, how many churches that were alive 50 or 100 years ago are now hollow shells?  Has their theology changed—or is it their love for Christ that has shifted?

It's a sad thing to see a marriage just going through the motions.  It is much worse to see a church doing that.

Good News

To the angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him Who holds the seven stars [which are the messengers of the seven churches] in His right hand, Who goes about among the seven golden lampstands [which are the seven churches]:  I know your industry and activities, laborious toil and trouble, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot tolerate wicked [men] and have tested and critically appraised those who call [themselves] apostles (special messengers of Christ) and yet are not, and have found them to be impostors and liars.  I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name’s sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary. Revelation 2:1-3.Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

There is a stylized structure to all the writings to the seven churches.  It begins with a description of Christ.  Generally, there is good news and then bad news—but not always.

Seven and seven

We are told earlier that the seven stars are the angels (probably guardian angels) of the seven churches.  The seven lampstands are the churches themselves.  It is typical of the imagery;  lampstands are earthly things;  stars are heavenly things.  So is it not fairly obvious that our Lord—who is Lord of All—is equally Lord of things on earth (churches, lampstands) and things in heaven (angels, stars)?  He walks among them, equally at home in both realms.  Thus it is that he can be counselor to those of us on earth, and advocate before the Father in heaven.

Good News

He commends the church of Ephesus for these things:

• Their good deeds.  Faith without works is dead, and theirs was a very lively faith indeed.
• Hard work.   We sometimes forget that this is a virtue.
• Perseverance.  How often we see someone quit just at the moment when things begin to turn around!

But this is not all.  He commends them for their attitude.

• They cannot tolerate wicked men in the church.  How different from our day, in which every form of sexual immorality is seen as "an expression of God's love."  "Tolerance" is the mantra chanted to drive out righteousness.  These people were intolerant, and our Lord commended them for it.
• They tested those who claimed to be Apostles.  Not content with hearing smooth speeches and glossy words, they measured these men by the Scripture—as should we.
• They endured hardship, and did not grow weary.  Persecution is the inevitable lot of the Christian;  some mild; some strong.  But it will continue until our Lord returns.  Therefore we must decide what to do about it.  They decided to keep persisting in good deeds, not wearying because of the hardship but growing stronger.  Your attitude is a decision, not something the world forces on you—right?

I Am

 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard a loud voice like a trumpet behind me,
 saying, "That which you see, write in a book and send to the seven churches: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

And there I turned to see the voice which was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands stood One like the Son of Man, having been clothed in a robe reaching to His feet and having been girded across His chest with a golden belt.
And His head and His hair were white, and like white wool, like snow, and His eyes were like a flame of fire;  And His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;   He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was as the sun shining in its strength.

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as if dead. But He put His right hand on me, saying, "Do not fear; I am the First and the Last.

 I am He who lives, and became dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Death and of Hades.

 Write therefore the things which you saw, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.

The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.


There is a mythology about angels that holds them to be cute, fluffy and rather scatter brained in appearance.  This does not hold well with the Bible's account of same—where they usually begin their statements with, "Fear not."

How much more, then, does this blazing apparition strike terror in the Apostle John.  Not only is there the appearance of this one;  there is also the fear of seeing the Living God.  At a moment like that one tends to look at one's sins, and not with any pleasure of remembrance.  But our Lord puts John's fears to rest by his commanding power.

The Living One

Contrary to what you might expect, the word used here does not imply a spiritual life—but a biological one.  It's the Greek word used as the root of our word, zoo.  The point is simple:  He lives, in the biological sense, just as we do—and much more.

He was dead—not some ghostly retreat from this world, or some swoon, but stone, cold dead and in the tomb. 

But now he lives, and death has no further power over him.  He therefore lives forever.

More than that, he has power over death and hell;  he holds the keys, the symbols of authority.  This is just as we might present the key to the city to a visiting dignitary, but here, so much more.

Write

All this is preliminary to the command of Christ:  write.  He is to write what he has seen—to record faithfully the visions being given to him.  Let  others puzzle out their meanings, John;  you record them faithfully.  But I will tell you this much:

Some, at least, are words concerning what is now occurring.  They describe the present conditions of the churches.

Others are words of what is yet to come.

Many are the theories, strong the arguments concerning what these words mean.  To some it seems hopeless to try for an interpretation.  But among all the words there comes the clear message of just who has complete control over heaven and hell, life and death.  It is our Lord Jesus Christ;  to him we must listen.

The "A" and the "Z"

 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the Lord, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. Rev 1:8. KJ2000


"Call me Ahab," opens Moby Dick.  The opening of a book often sets its tone.  This is the book of Revelation, and its opening sets the tone for the triumph of God.

Alpha and Omega
 
 in the alphabet of the Greeks, the beginning and the end.  It is a phrase of power—it signifies his dominion over all things:

By him all things were created;  there is nothing that was created that he did not create.  All other things must use his creation as raw material.

In him all things consist.  Why do the "laws of Nature" work so consistently?  Is it not because they reflect the unchanging nature of the one who ordained them, and who upholds them by his will?
In him all things have their being.  You and I literally borrow the very idea of existence from the great "I AM."

The Almighty

The phrase is almost unique in the New Testament—but not in the Old Testament.  It is often translated, in the Old Testament, "Lord of Hosts."  It means the one who is all powerful;  he is the Lord over all powers.

The phrase occurs most commonly in Ezekiel's prophecy, and it reminds us that the things which are prophesied will come to pass, for the Lord of Hosts, the all-powerful one, has spoken it.  It is his promise, the promise of power.

Who was, who is, who is to come

It is a trinity of existence proclaiming the eternity of God.  Do we even know what it means to be eternal?  In a small way we do;  it means to be unchanging.  That John received this revelation 1900 years ago means nothing to its validity today.  The one who is eternal has spoken, and he does not change. 

So we have it:  the high trumpet call of God announcing his intentions to his children.  He reminds us that all things are his;  all power is his; all time is his—and that all things will come to pass just as he has said.

Sufficient

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may rest upon me.2 Co 12:9 Complete Apostles' Bible


Grace

Grace—the unmerited favor of God.  Christ tells us here it is sufficient.  It does seem, however, that such grace seems to be delivered in suffering and weakness.  Certainly this is how it came to us on the Cross.  Should we expect anything else in person?

Sufficient

The greedy always want more;  the saintly are satisfied with the sufficient.  Paul raised the dead, healed the sick, struck down the sorcerers and so on; God's grace to him was great indeed.  But it was just sufficient;  for he also was beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked and ultimately martyred for the faith.  Our Lord makes it clear there is a reason for this.

Suppose you had the unlimited gift of healing.  Just by touching someone you could heal them of any disease they had.  What would that do for your ego?  Could you withstand the temptations of pride that came with the publicity?  So it is with Paul;  so God provides tribulation as part of his sufficient grace.

Power made perfect

Remember that "perfect" means "perfect for a purpose."  It is not God's intention to turn out a race of flying supermen.  His intention is the reconciliation of the world;  that is his will.  We will be empowered as need be for that purpose.

In weakness

Think about it:  if none of us were tired, if none of us were sore and weary, if all things went entirely well—would we really know the grace of God?  Would we see it as unmerited favor, or would we soon decide that we must be indeed worthy people to get such a favor?  For this reason God gives us weakness, so that the strength he gives us will not be our downfall.  By this weakness, by this tribulation, he builds in us the character of saints.  It is not an oversight;  he planned it that way.

The Lighthouse

We are sent to be light to the world;  lighthouses, that's us.  But will the lighthouse withstand the waves and rain of the storm?  Only the storm can determine that.  But oh how sweet the sunshine that comes afterwards.

My Body, My Blood

And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, after he had eaten, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do you, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.  (1 Cointhians 11:24-25. KJ2000)


Picture in your mind a tall suspension bridge.  There is a tower on the near side, a tower on the far side and a graceful span between.  In a sense, the Lord's Supper is a picture of the bridge between God and man which is Jesus Christ.

The near side—his body

Note that the tells us that his body is "for you" - the old King James says, "broken for you" - the word applies to breaking of bread for a shared meal.  Is there anything so common, so earthy, as bread?  If you had to pick a symbol of Christ's earthly, human nature, you could hardly do better.

It is also a symbol of our unity in the church.  You are what you eat, they told us in college (not very comforting for those who ate in the dorm), and therefore we are one in this spiritual meal.  There is only one bridge;  this is the near side.

The far side—the cup

The cup is the new covenant.  New?  Covenant?  Perhaps we should begin with the old covenant.  This is the law, given to Moses, which was implemented with the blood of sacrificial animals.  Moses didn't dream that up, for a covenant is something that God proclaims to man—take it or leave it.  The Israelites had no choice about the terms;  they weren't the Ten Suggestions.  So if there is to be a new covenant, it must also come from God.  So in that sense the cup represents the far side of the bridge—the side that touches God.  It is a picture, in a way, of the divine nature of Jesus Christ.

The bridge—Jesus

Between the towers there must be a span;  that span is Jesus, the Christ.  Can we extend our picture just a bit further?  If you want to go from the human side to the Godly side, you must cross the bridge.  You must walk in Christ.

In this life, he is the only span.  God may be approached only by the holy, and to become holy you must walk in Christ. 

When this life ends, he is the only way to the Father.  You may wish it otherwise, but the great gulf is fixed, and there is only one way over it.  If you want to get home, home to eternal life and joy, you must walk the bridge named Jesus Christ.  He is the way, the truth, the life—the bridge.

Suicide Mission

Suicide mission, Hollywood style

You've probably seen a dozen of these movies.  There's a suicide mission to be done, and the army turns to our hero to recruit a team.  What does he do?

• He gets a bunch of villains—with no hope of freedom.
• He offers them redemption—on conditions.
• The conditions include this mission of desperate adventure
• And they always ask, "Why?  Why is it so important?"

If you think about it, that's exactly what Jesus has done for Paul here.  He's been the worst of villains toward the Lord—but now he's offered redemption;  redemption and a mission of desperate adventure.  Just like in the movies, you have to tell the man why.

Why?

He's going to the Gentiles;  it will be a desperate adventure;  it will be his redemption—and here's why the mission needs to be accomplished:

• To open their eyes—is the problem that they are so completely wicked as to be fit only for the fires of hell?  No!  The problem is that they are ignorant of what God desires.  Once their eyes are opened, then they can make a choice.
• To turn from darkness to light—if your eyes are closed it doesn't make any difference.  But if you now know the difference, you move towards the light. 
• To turn from the power of Satan to God—these are a people who are worshiping fertility goddesses, sacred rocks and who knows what else.  Can you imagine what it must be like to go from a religion of hundreds of gods to be appeased to knowing the living God who is love?
• So that they may receive forgiveness—Now that they know what they've been doing, they can ask for the forgiveness Christ so freely offers.
• So that they may receive a place with the sanctified— this is not just an academic forgiveness, but the promise of the resurrection of the dead and life eternal with Christ.

Sounds like a grand mission;  desperate adventure in a plan that sweeps the ages.  Any volunteers?

Take Courage

And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as you have testified of me in Jerusalem, so must you bear witness also at Rome. (Acts 23:11. KJ2000)


When you think of the word "witness" you usually think of a courtroom—a place where a witness is called to testify.  But in the Bible a witness means more than that:

• A witness is called to testify by word—but not just in court, in everyday life.  We are called by Christ to be his witnesses, telling others what we know about him, by our personal experience.
• A witness is also called to testify in deeds.  If you believe something to be true, you should act upon it.  It should make a difference in your life;  otherwise, you're just someone with a random opinion.
• If need be, this should be maintained to death.  It often surprises Christians that the same Greek word translated "witness" is also the Greek word, "martyr."  Being a witness is serious business.

Paul tells us here just what we are to be a witness to:  the Resurrection.  What does that mean?  Many things;  but here are three that are most important:

• It means that Jesus rose from the grave, bodily—not a ghost or wishful thinking.It means that we, like Jesus, will rise from the grave when he returns.  This is a bodily resurrection. 
• It means that death is not the end.  It doesn't matter how many toys you die with. 
• It means that when he comes, he will judge the living and the dead.  Death does not close God's account books on a man;  there is final judgment yet to come.

If you believe that, then you should testify in word and deed.  For if you believe that, then you cannot escape the conclusion of his divine nature.  You also cannot escape the idea that he is Lord, and will hold you (and all others) accountable for what is done.

Go back to that courtroom.  I sat in one once, waiting for a friend to come to trial.  The first order of business:  the judge cleared the records of those who had been caught driving drunk.  After reviewing each man's completion of the required remedial training, he announced to each, "You may now say that you have never been arrested."  It sounded strange, but forgiveness often does.

When Jesus returns I will be able to say, "I am not guilty!" - and that by order of the court of heaven.  For my Redeemer lives, he has paid the price—and I testify to that.  Do you?

To The Gentiles

And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive your testimony concerning me. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on you: And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the clothing of them that slew him. And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send you far from here unto the Gentiles.
(Acts 22:17-21. KJ2000)



Of all the men who ever testified to the Jews, Paul should have been the most credible.

• He had been born and raised in the strictest set of Pharisees.
• He had the best possible Jewish education, at the feet of Gamaliel.
• He had been zealous in persecuting Christians.
• He had even willingly participated in the martyrdom of Stephen.

When a man like that comes before you, his credentials would seem to be impeccable.  At least it ought to get him a fair hearing.  But it doesn't.  Christ tells him that to begin with, so that he will know how to react.

That Christ does not ask for bravado
 
It sometimes takes more courage to appear to be a coward than it does to pretend to be a hero.  Christ never asks his disciples for bravado;  he gives them strength and asks true courage.  Bravado is the denial of fear;  courage, the overcoming.  Christ tells him here that they won't listen.  And that he has other plans.

Christ permits us to flee
 
Here—and in other places—Christ makes it clear that the answer to such persecution is to run.  We are to flee.  This sounds so cowardly that we fight it.  But we must understand that he allows such persecution to prompt our flight.  That flight will take us, as it took Paul, to new places and new people.  These are ones who have not heard the Gospel.
It is a form of spiritual judo.  Does Satan attack?  Then we will flee, running from place to place—spreading the Gospel.  In a sense, it is because of Satan's attack that the Gospel is spread!  If we flee for the purposes of God, at his command, he will keep us in his care and show us greater things.

Greater good
 
It is said that God allows no evil unless from it He can make a greater good.  It is not always true that He does make a greater good;  that may depend upon our obedience.  Paul is obedient to the heavenly vision given to him.  Are we obedient to the instruction given to us?

More Blessed

I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.  Act 20:35. KJ2000


This, by the way, is not found in the Gospels.  Evidently it was a saying well known to the disciples which did not find its way into Matthew, Mark, Luke or John.

How can it be more blessed to give than to receive?  The saying defies common sense.  But perhaps we can make sense of it:

It is the Lord who blesses

If the ultimate source of bread is the bakery, then common sense may rule.  But it's not.  It is the Lord who blesses, not "random chance."  If you believe that, then you must ask what it takes to obtain his blessing.  This is not a matter of finance;  it's a matter of personal relationship.

He's quite willing to tell you.  "He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done."   (Proverbs 19:17).  If you will see from this that it is the Lord's desire to be responsible for rewarding you, and reward you He will, then the matter becomes one of faith.  Do you believe that he means what he says?  Do you believe that he is capable of delivering his reward to you?

Receiving

Receiving a gift is obviously a blessing.  That's particularly true if you're the "poor" mentioned in the verse above.  But receiving blesses once—when the gift arrives.  All the blessing is usually visible, immediately.  There is no "long term benefit" - or eternal benefit.  The contrast is clearest where Paul tells the Ephesians that those who used to steal should now do honest work—so that they will have something to give!  (Ephesians 4:28)

Giving

The command of God is clear:  we are to help the poor and weak.  We are especially to help those who have no ability to repay us, for then He will repay (and generous he is).  We are to help in proportion to our wealth.

This is an imitation of Christ.  He came to our help when we could do nothing;  he gave us salvation, of highest value.  We cannot repay;  we can only be grateful.

It is also a sacrifice to God, in the Old Testament sense—something we give up that He might have the glory.

Encouragement in the Night

 Acts 18:9-10.

The providence of God takes many forms.  Paul is not immune to the pressure of those who threaten, and we see here how the providence of God delivers him.

Encouragement 

Most often, when we feel the pressure of the world around us, an encouraging word is sufficient to quell the stomach and steady the course.  See what Christ does for him:

Do not be afraid.  Christ knows your fears;  you need not hide them.  He understands;  he knows those fears from his night in the Garden—and he will strengthen you as he was strengthened that night.

Keep on—often we just need to know that we are on the right track.  Sometimes opposition appears to us as a sign that we are wasting our time, spinning our wheels.  Christ comes and tells us, steady on!  We need that.

I am with you—is there any greater amplifier of discouragement than loneliness?  It is a comfort to keep busy, but often just being alone is terrible.  We are never alone as long as we are in the Lord.

For God's purposes

Such encouragement is for God's purposes.  Do you note that after he encourages Paul, he tells him why?  The reason Paul is called to courage is that Christ has many to save in this city.

By God's methods

For a year or so Christ's words hold up.  Then the Jews take up the attack by hauling Paul before the Roman authorities. 

We know something about this Gallio;  he was known as "Sweet Gallio" for his likeable temper.  He was the older brother of the philosopher Seneca.  He held to the Roman ethics of governance, and therefore knew the limits of his authority.  Do you see how God has provided a righteous pagan in defense of the Gospel?  By righteousness is righteousness established, not by conniving. 

If we are to be the children of God, we must use the methods of God for the purposes of God.  When we do, we can expect and will receive the encouragement of God.  In his providence his kingdom will flourish, if we will but take heart and carry on.




Acts 18:9-10. KJ2000

(9)  Then spoke the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not your peace:
(10)  For I am with you, and no man shall set on you to hurt you: for I have many people in this city.

as thou walkest in the truth

 


 "For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth." 3John 1:3.

The truth was in Gaius, and Gaius walked in a the truth. If the first had not been the case, the second could never have occurred; and if the second could not be said of him the first would have been a mere pretence.

Truth must enter into the soul, penetrate and saturate it, or else it is of no value. Doctrines held as a matter of creed are like bread in the hand, which ministers no nourishment to the frame; but doctrine accepted by the heart, is as food digested, which, by assimilation, sustains and builds up the body. In us truth must be a living force, an active energy, an indwelling reality, a part of the woof and warp of our being. If it be in us, we cannot henceforth part with it. A man may lose his garments or his limbs, but his inward parts are vital, and cannot be torn away without absolute loss of life.

A Christian can die, but he cannot deny the truth. Now it is a rule of nature that the inward affects the outward, as light shines from the centre of the lantern through the glass: when, therefore, the truth is kindled within, its brightness soon beams forth in the outward life and conversation. It is said that the food of certain worms colours the cocoons of silk which they spin: and just so the nutriment upon which a man's inward nature lives gives a tinge to every word and deed proceeding from him. To walk in the truth, imports a life of integrity, holiness, faithfulness, and simplicity—the natural product of those principles of truth which the gospel teaches, and which the Spirit of God enables us to receive. We may judge of the secrets of the soul by their manifestation in the man's conversation. Be it ours today, O gracious Spirit, to be ruled and governed by Thy divine authority, so that nothing false or sinful may reign in our hearts, lest it extend its malignant influence to our daily walk among men.
—Morning and Evening

Do it with thy might

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." Ecclesiastes 9:10

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do," refers to works that are possible. There are many things which our heart findeth to do which we never shall do. It is well it is in our heart; but if we would be eminently useful, we must not be content with forming schemes in our heart, and talking of them; we must practically carry out "whatsoever our hand findeth to do."

One good deed is more worth than a thousand brilliant theories. Let us not wait for large opportunities, or for a different kind of work, but do just the things we "find to do" day by day. We have no other time in which to live. The past is gone; the future has not arrived; we never shall have any time but time present. Then do not wait until your experience has ripened into maturity before you attempt to serve God. Endeavour now to bring forth fruit. Serve God now, but be careful as to the way in which you perform what you find to do—"do it with thy might." Do it promptly; do not fritter away your life in thinking of what you intend to do tomorrow as if that could recompense for the idleness of today. No man ever served God by doing things tomorrow. If we honour Christ and are blessed, it is by the things which we do today. Whatever you do for Christ throw your whole soul into it. Do not give Christ a little slurred labour, done as a matter of course now and then; but when you do serve Him, do it with heart, and soul, and strength.

But where is the might of a Christian? It is not in himself, for he is perfect weakness. His might lieth in the Lord of Hosts. Then let us seek His help; let us proceed with prayer and faith, and when we have done what our "hand findeth to do," let us wait upon the Lord for His blessing. What we do thus will be well done, and will not fail in its effect.

The glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams

Isaiah 33:21

Broad rivers and streams produce fertility, and abundance in the land. Places near broad rivers are remarkable for the variety of their plants and their plentiful harvests.

God is all this to His Church. Having God she has abundance. What can she ask for that He will not give her? What want can she mention which He will not supply? "In this mountain shall the Lord of Hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things." Want ye the bread of life? It drops like manna from the sky. Want ye refreshing streams? The rock follows you, and that Rock is Christ. If you suffer any want it is your own fault; if you are straitened you are not straitened in Him, but in your own bowels. Broad rivers and streams also point to commerce. Our glorious Lord is to us a place of heavenly merchandize. Through our Redeemer we have commerce with the past; the wealth of Calvary, the treasures of the covenant, the riches of the ancient days of election, the stores of eternity, all come to us down the broad stream of our gracious Lord. We have commerce, too, with the future.

What galleys, laden to the water's edge, come to us from the millennium! What visions we have of the days of heaven upon earth! Through our glorious Lord we have commerce with angels; communion with the bright spirits washed in blood, who sing before the throne; nay, better still, we have fellowship with the Infinite One. Broad rivers and streams are specially intended to set forth the idea of security. Rivers were of old a defence. Oh! beloved, what a defence is God to His Church! The devil cannot cross this broad river of God. How he wishes he could turn the current, but fear not, for God abideth immutably the same. Satan may worry, but he cannot destroy us; no galley with oars shall invade our river, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.

Praying in the Holy Ghost

Jude 20

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. — We ... have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

The Spirit ... helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. — This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. — When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication.

Grieve not the Holy Spirit."

All that the believer has must come from Christ, but it comes solely through the channel of the Spirit of grace.

Moreover, as all blessings thus flow to you through the Holy Spirit, so also no good thing can come out of you in holy thought, devout worship, or gracious act, apart from the sanctifying operation of the same Spirit. Even if the good seed be sown in you, yet it lies dormant except He worketh in you to will and to do of His own good pleasure.

Do you desire to speak for Jesus—how can you unless the Holy Ghost touch your tongue? Do you desire to pray? Alas! what dull work it is unless the Spirit maketh intercession for you! Do you desire to subdue sin? Would you be holy? Would you imitate your Master? Do you desire to rise to superlative heights of spirituality? Are you wanting to be made like the angels of God, full of zeal and ardour for the Master's cause? You cannot without the Spirit—"Without me ye can do nothing." O branch of the vine, thou canst have no fruit without the sap! O child of God, thou hast no life within thee apart from the life which God gives thee through His Spirit! Then let us not grieve Him or provoke Him to anger by our sin. Let us not quench Him in one of His faintest motions in our soul; let us foster every suggestion, and be ready to obey every prompting. If the Holy Spirit be indeed so mighty, let us attempt nothing without Him; let us begin no project, and carry on no enterprise, and conclude no transaction, without imploring His blessing.

Let us do Him the due homage of feeling our entire weakness apart from Him, and then depending alone upon Him, having this for our prayer, "Open Thou my heart and my whole being to Thine incoming, and uphold me with Thy free Spirit when I shall have received that Spirit in my inward parts."

You have pleaded the causes of my soul

O Lord, you have pleaded the causes of my soul; you have redeemed my life. 
Lam 3:58 KJ2000

Observe how positively the prophet speaks.

He doth not say, "I hope, I trust, I sometimes think, that God hath pleaded the causes of my soul"; but he speaks of it as a matter of fact not to be disputed.

"Thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul." Let us, by the aid of the gracious Comforter, shake off those doubts and fears which so much mar our peace and comfort. Be this our prayer, that we may have done with the harsh croaking voice of surmise and suspicion, and may be able to speak with the clear, melodious voice of full assurance. 

Notice how gratefully the prophet speaks, ascribing all the glory to God alone! You perceive there is not a word concerning himself or his own pleadings. He doth not ascribe his deliverance in any measure to any man, much less to his own merit; but it is "thou"—"O Lord, Thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; Thou hast redeemed my life." A grateful spirit should ever be cultivated by the Christian; and especially after deliverances we should prepare a song for our God. 

Earth should be a temple filled with the songs of grateful saints, and every day should be a censor smoking with the sweet incense of thanksgiving. How joyful Jeremiah seems to be while he records the Lord's mercy. How triumphantly he lifts up the strain! He has been in the low dungeon, and is even now no other than the weeping prophet; and yet in the very book which is called "Lamentations," clear as the song of Miriam when she dashed her fingers against the tabor, shrill as the note of Deborah when she met Barak with shouts of victory, we hear the voice of Jeremy going up to heaven—"Thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life." O children of God, seek after a vital experience of the Lord's lovingkindness, and when you have it, speak positively of it; sing gratefully; shout triumphantly.

Foolish questions

"Avoid foolish questions." Titus 3:9

Our days are few, and are far better spent in doing good, than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor importance. 

The old schoolmen did a world of mischief by their incessant discussion of subjects of no practical importance; and our Churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that can be said, neither party is any the wiser, and therefore the discussion no more promotes knowledge than love, and it is foolish to sow in so barren a field. Questions upon points wherein Scripture is silent; upon mysteries which belong to God alone; upon prophecies of doubtful interpretation; and upon mere modes of observing human ceremonials, are all foolish, and wise men avoid them. Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the apostle's precept (Titus 3:8) to be careful to maintain good works, we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings.

There are, however, some questions which are the reverse of foolish, which we must not avoid, but fairly and honestly meet, such as these: Do I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? Am I renewed in the spirit of my mind? Am I walking not after the flesh, but after the Spirit? Am I growing in grace? Does my conversation adorn the doctrine of God my Saviour? Am I looking for the coming of the Lord, and watching as a servant should do who expects his master? What more can I do for Jesus? Such enquiries as these urgently demand our attention; and if we have been at all given to cavilling, let us now turn our critical abilities to a service so much more profitable. Let us be peace-makers, and endeavour to lead others both by our precept and example, to "avoid foolish questions."

"To whom be glory for ever. Amen"

Romans 11:36

"To whom be glory for ever." This should be the single desire of the Christian. All other wishes must be subservient and tributary to this one. The Christian may wish for prosperity in his business, but only so far as it may help him to promote this—"To Him be glory for ever." He may desire to attain more gifts and more graces, but it should only be that "To Him may be glory for ever." You are not acting as you ought to do when you are moved by any other motive than a single eye to your Lord's glory. As a Christian, you are "of God, and through God," then live "to God." Let nothing ever set your heart beating so mightily as love to Him. Let this ambition fire your soul; be this the foundation of every enterprise upon which you enter, and this your sustaining motive whenever your zeal would grow chill; make God your only object. Depend upon it, where self begins sorrow begins; but if God be my supreme delight and only object,

"To me 'tis equal whether love ordain

My life or death—appoint me ease or pain."

Let your desire for God's glory be a growing desire. You blessed Him in your youth, do not be content with such praises as you gave Him then. Has God prospered you in business? Give Him more as He has given you more. Has God given you experience? Praise Him by stronger faith than you exercised at first. Does your knowledge grow? Then sing more sweetly. Do you enjoy happier times than you once had? Have you been restored from sickness, and has your sorrow been turned into peace and joy? Then give Him more music; put more coals and more sweet frankincense into the censer of your praise. Practically in your life give Him honour, putting the "Amen" to this doxology to your great and gracious Lord, by your own individual service and increasing holiness.