The True Token
"Give me a true token!" (Joshua 2:12).
This was the request of the harlot Rahab. Jericho was threatened with destruction; its doom was fast approaching; its danger was not imminent; the spies came to her house, and she received them, for she believed that God would give the Jericho into the hands of Israel. Her concern for the salvation of herself and family was great and natural; her precaution was wise; she wanted a token - one which she could trust, which would inspire confidence; she asked it, and her request was granted.
She used a scarlet-colored rope to let down the spies, and they said, "You shall tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down." And she collected all her family together, into her house, "And she tied the scarlet cord in the window." This was to mark the house, to remind the spies, to support her hope, and to preserve her family.
It was visible, being of a scarlet color; it was useful, being the cord by which the spies escaped. It was the means of the salvation of the family; for when Jericho was destroyed Joshua said, "Go into the harlot's house and bring her out and all who belong to her, in accordance with your oath to her" and they did so.
Now let us improve the subject: The world is threatened with destruction, as Jericho was; its doom is fast approaching; the danger is near and imminent; we should be concerned for our safety, and the salvation of those concerned with us; we should not be satisfied with a, "Perhaps we may be safe," but should seek, "a true token." The Lord gives such - and many possess them.
The life of God in the soul, is a true token of safety. If quickened by the Holy Spirit, if God dwells in us, and occupies our thoughts, engages our affections, and separates us from sin and folly - then it is a clear proof that we are the Lord's.
The fear of the Lord, by which men depart from evil, is also, "a true token." If a person fears to offend God, and desires above everything to please Him - if, with this end in view, every plan is formed, every purpose executed, and every duty attended to - then it is a scriptural evidence of union to Christ.
The spirit of prayer is also "a true token." If we are taught our need of the blessings God has promised; if we experience the irrepressible desire after them; if we are frequently prompted to retire to pray for them; if we are assisted in pleading with God for them, with fervor, zeal, and importunity, if prayer becomes natural to our souls, like breathing to our bodies; if prayer is our relief in trouble, our solace in sorrow, our delight in joy, and felt to be our privilege - then it is clear that we are born from above.
True repentance is, "a true token." By which we mean heartfelt sorrow for sin, because it is an offence against God and grievous in His sight; accompanied with a loathing of sin, and departure from it - on account of its filthiness and evil character. Such repentance is the gift of Jesus, the production of the Holy Spirit, and the distinguishing mark of an "Israelite indeed."
Faith in Jesus is, "a true token." That is, not only giving credence to His Word - but resting upon His perfect work for acceptance with God, looking to His mediation as the only ground of hope and comfort, and presenting and pleading His atoning blood before God for all that we need. Faith always fastens the scarlet cord in the window - or sprinkles the doorposts with the blood of the paschal lamb, that the inhabitants may be safe from the sword of justice and the wrath of God.
Love to the saints is, "a true token.
A holy life, flowing from faith in Christ, is "a true token."
Reader, have you "a true token?" Is it as visible as the gleaming scarlet - and as useful as the cord which let down the spies? Has it secured others, as well as benefitted yourself?
Are you seeking a true token? If so, do not be discouraged. Pray, "Give me a true token!"
Is the scarlet cord in your window?
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Guide Me, Teach Me!
Guide Me, Teach Me!
Divine teaching is in substance - the same in all ages, and under all circumstances. As we all need the same blessings - we are all led to the same source of supply - and taught to ask the same favors, or the same grounds. How frequently we are struck with this thought, when reading God's Word, especially the book of Psalms: the prayers of David find an echo in our hearts, and we feel that we are the subjects of the same fears, desires, and hopes. How often has my heart ascended, while my lips have uttered, "Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me - for You are God my Saviour, and I wait on You all day long!" (Psalm 25:4-5).
This shows that we have knowledge of our ignorance - and desire to be divinely taught, that we are sensible of our weakness - and our need of a divine Teacher, that we are aware that the Lord teaches His people - and reveals the truth in its purity, beauty, and glory to the soul, that we cannot be satisfied with uncertainty, or the mere outside of truth - but that we wish to have an inward, heart-affecting, experimental knowledge of it.
Such a petition, presented to the Lord, with fervor, sincerity, and faith - proves that we are already under the enlightening and gracious operations of the Holy Spirit; for none go to the Lord, seeking to be divinely taught - but such as see their own folly, and realize the inability of man to teach them to profit. The soul, that from time to time, presents this petition - honors the Lord Jesus Christ as the divine prophet, proves the drawing power of the Father in the heart, and glorifies the blessed Spirit, whose office it is to lead us into all truth.
"For You are God my Saviour." From this, it is evident that we have felt our need of salvation, that we have sought the Lord on account of it, and have pleaded with God for it. Also that we have received some answers to our prayers, and have now an interest in it. We therefore plead past mercies - for present blessings; and our saving interest in God - when we seek new favors from God, we therefore cry, "I have looked to You for salvation, You have graciously heard my request, I now feel my need of your guidance and instruction - and therefore I come again, and beseech You to lead me in Your truth and teach me."
It is the Christian's best plan, and highest wisdom, having received from the Lord - to go to the Lord for present supplies - let him need what he may. As also to make use of past favors, as a plea for present attention - for the Lord loves to hear His people's acknowledgement, and again appears to bless them. The Lord having manifested Himself as the God of salvation, and granted the greater blessing, it would be wrong to doubt His love, or question His willingness to grant us any lesser favor.
"I wait on You all day long!" This proves sincerity, when the soul not only asks for a blessing - but waits for it. It shows that the soul not only needs and desires the good thing sought - but expects it. It is not satisfied to ask for divine teaching - but it really wishes to be taught. It does not compliment the Lord by offering a formal prayer, and then insult Him, by expecting to obtain from the creature; but asking of God, expecting from God - it waits on God; waits all the day, and day after day too!
O how many profess to come to God, and seek good things from God - but only for a little time, or at intervals - whereas they should wait on the Lord, and wait on Him until they obtain - seeing He has promised, "Those who wait on Me shall not be ashamed." The consistent believer, looks up to God in the morning, calls upon Him at noonday, and perseveres hour after hour - until the blessing comes down. As David said, "O my God, I cry in the day time - but You hear not; and in the night season, I am not silent." And again, "Be merciful unto me, O Lord - for I cry unto you daily."
The prayer we have been considering, indicates saving personal religion! "Lead me" "I cry unto You!" That is not real religion, which is not personal; or which has not its seat in the heart, influencing the desires, and regulating the life. That soul will be preserved from all destructive errors, and led into all saving truth - which seeks divine guidance and teaching, waiting upon God for it. And those are the best educated in spiritual matters - who are jealous of their own hearts, who fear to trust their own judgments, and from a sense of their own ignorance, constantly seek to be taught of God.
But merely asking is not enough! We must ask from a deep sense of need, with a desire to obtain, and persevere in waiting upon God - until we receive. But we must use all the means in our power as reading the Word, hearing the gospel, conversing with others, and meditating on what we read and hear. We are to expect the blessing to come directly from God, though it comes through the means.
But those who profess to seek the Lord's teaching, and to desire to know the truth - and yet listen to error, or read erroneous books - make it clear that they are not sincere, for if they were, they would not tamper with temptation, or play with the snare! Let us then keep close to God's Word, and in every difficulty, either in providence or grace, be this our prayer, "Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me - for You are God my Saviour, and I wait on You all day long!"
~James Smith~
(The End)
Divine teaching is in substance - the same in all ages, and under all circumstances. As we all need the same blessings - we are all led to the same source of supply - and taught to ask the same favors, or the same grounds. How frequently we are struck with this thought, when reading God's Word, especially the book of Psalms: the prayers of David find an echo in our hearts, and we feel that we are the subjects of the same fears, desires, and hopes. How often has my heart ascended, while my lips have uttered, "Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me - for You are God my Saviour, and I wait on You all day long!" (Psalm 25:4-5).
This shows that we have knowledge of our ignorance - and desire to be divinely taught, that we are sensible of our weakness - and our need of a divine Teacher, that we are aware that the Lord teaches His people - and reveals the truth in its purity, beauty, and glory to the soul, that we cannot be satisfied with uncertainty, or the mere outside of truth - but that we wish to have an inward, heart-affecting, experimental knowledge of it.
Such a petition, presented to the Lord, with fervor, sincerity, and faith - proves that we are already under the enlightening and gracious operations of the Holy Spirit; for none go to the Lord, seeking to be divinely taught - but such as see their own folly, and realize the inability of man to teach them to profit. The soul, that from time to time, presents this petition - honors the Lord Jesus Christ as the divine prophet, proves the drawing power of the Father in the heart, and glorifies the blessed Spirit, whose office it is to lead us into all truth.
"For You are God my Saviour." From this, it is evident that we have felt our need of salvation, that we have sought the Lord on account of it, and have pleaded with God for it. Also that we have received some answers to our prayers, and have now an interest in it. We therefore plead past mercies - for present blessings; and our saving interest in God - when we seek new favors from God, we therefore cry, "I have looked to You for salvation, You have graciously heard my request, I now feel my need of your guidance and instruction - and therefore I come again, and beseech You to lead me in Your truth and teach me."
It is the Christian's best plan, and highest wisdom, having received from the Lord - to go to the Lord for present supplies - let him need what he may. As also to make use of past favors, as a plea for present attention - for the Lord loves to hear His people's acknowledgement, and again appears to bless them. The Lord having manifested Himself as the God of salvation, and granted the greater blessing, it would be wrong to doubt His love, or question His willingness to grant us any lesser favor.
"I wait on You all day long!" This proves sincerity, when the soul not only asks for a blessing - but waits for it. It shows that the soul not only needs and desires the good thing sought - but expects it. It is not satisfied to ask for divine teaching - but it really wishes to be taught. It does not compliment the Lord by offering a formal prayer, and then insult Him, by expecting to obtain from the creature; but asking of God, expecting from God - it waits on God; waits all the day, and day after day too!
O how many profess to come to God, and seek good things from God - but only for a little time, or at intervals - whereas they should wait on the Lord, and wait on Him until they obtain - seeing He has promised, "Those who wait on Me shall not be ashamed." The consistent believer, looks up to God in the morning, calls upon Him at noonday, and perseveres hour after hour - until the blessing comes down. As David said, "O my God, I cry in the day time - but You hear not; and in the night season, I am not silent." And again, "Be merciful unto me, O Lord - for I cry unto you daily."
The prayer we have been considering, indicates saving personal religion! "Lead me" "I cry unto You!" That is not real religion, which is not personal; or which has not its seat in the heart, influencing the desires, and regulating the life. That soul will be preserved from all destructive errors, and led into all saving truth - which seeks divine guidance and teaching, waiting upon God for it. And those are the best educated in spiritual matters - who are jealous of their own hearts, who fear to trust their own judgments, and from a sense of their own ignorance, constantly seek to be taught of God.
But merely asking is not enough! We must ask from a deep sense of need, with a desire to obtain, and persevere in waiting upon God - until we receive. But we must use all the means in our power as reading the Word, hearing the gospel, conversing with others, and meditating on what we read and hear. We are to expect the blessing to come directly from God, though it comes through the means.
But those who profess to seek the Lord's teaching, and to desire to know the truth - and yet listen to error, or read erroneous books - make it clear that they are not sincere, for if they were, they would not tamper with temptation, or play with the snare! Let us then keep close to God's Word, and in every difficulty, either in providence or grace, be this our prayer, "Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me - for You are God my Saviour, and I wait on You all day long!"
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, March 14, 2020
The Past Reviewed
The Past Reviewed
"You shall remember all the way which the Lord your God led you these forty years in the wilderness" (Deuteronomy 8:2).
It is well sometimes to look forward - and anticipate "the blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour."
It is good sometimes to look within - and examine whether we are in the faith. It is right sometimes to look around - and see the posture of our foes, and what temptations are laid for us. It is necessary also to look back - and see the way the Lord our God has led us.
1. In a wilderness. For sin has changed the character of the present world; it was once the garden of the Lord - it is now a desolate wilderness. Its leading characteristic is barrenness. There is no food for the soul, nothing to satisfy the immortal spirits in it. King Solomon, who knew most, possessed most, and enjoyed most of this world, has said, "Vanity of vanities - all is vanity!"
2. It is a dangerous place, full of robbers, wild beasts, and terrible pits! It is full of troubles, and all who dwell in it are exposed to many, great, and painful privations.
Who has been our GUIDE? The Lord your God has led you. He well knows the place - with all its turnings, windings, and dangers! He tenderly loves our persons; His love has in it more than a mother's tenderness, and more than a faither's steadfastness and strength. He does not always aim to please or gratify us - but He always guides us into safety, peace, and honor. He leads us according to our nature and circumstances: He leads us by His sacred word, His Holy Spirit, and the events of His providence.
By what way have we been led? Not by the nearest, or the smoothest, or the easiest - but the best way. The right way. The only way. It has been rough, difficult, and round about - but it has been right. God chose it for us, and He has led us in it. It was the way in which He could teach us the most important lessons; try and exercise all our graces; prove the sincerity of our professions; prepare us for His service below, and His glory above; and make us really useful, that He might make us honorable - for only the useful are honorable in the kingdom of our God.
How long has He been leading us? Israel had been led forty years - so has the writer - so, perhaps, has the reader; this is a long period. It is the most interesting period; for in these years, we have been called by grace, separated from the world, consecrated to God, sent into His vineyard, and formed into families.
What now does the Lord require? "You shall remember all the way the Lord your God has led you." This implies we should notice, record, and preserve an account of the Lord's dealings and leadings. Remember that the Lord's leading has preserved you - and but that - you would never have arrived so far in safety.
Remember you faults. Remember His favors. Remember you foes. Remember the friendship of your God - how necessary, how constant, how condescending! Friendship unparalleled, on which your supply, your safety, your all depended (Deuteronomy 32:7-14)
Remember the way, the Guide, and your own conduct - or you cannot be just; you will not be either grateful or humble. Remember, for God remembers. (Jeremiah 2:2).
~James Smith~
(The End)
"You shall remember all the way which the Lord your God led you these forty years in the wilderness" (Deuteronomy 8:2).
It is well sometimes to look forward - and anticipate "the blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour."
It is good sometimes to look within - and examine whether we are in the faith. It is right sometimes to look around - and see the posture of our foes, and what temptations are laid for us. It is necessary also to look back - and see the way the Lord our God has led us.
1. In a wilderness. For sin has changed the character of the present world; it was once the garden of the Lord - it is now a desolate wilderness. Its leading characteristic is barrenness. There is no food for the soul, nothing to satisfy the immortal spirits in it. King Solomon, who knew most, possessed most, and enjoyed most of this world, has said, "Vanity of vanities - all is vanity!"
2. It is a dangerous place, full of robbers, wild beasts, and terrible pits! It is full of troubles, and all who dwell in it are exposed to many, great, and painful privations.
Who has been our GUIDE? The Lord your God has led you. He well knows the place - with all its turnings, windings, and dangers! He tenderly loves our persons; His love has in it more than a mother's tenderness, and more than a faither's steadfastness and strength. He does not always aim to please or gratify us - but He always guides us into safety, peace, and honor. He leads us according to our nature and circumstances: He leads us by His sacred word, His Holy Spirit, and the events of His providence.
By what way have we been led? Not by the nearest, or the smoothest, or the easiest - but the best way. The right way. The only way. It has been rough, difficult, and round about - but it has been right. God chose it for us, and He has led us in it. It was the way in which He could teach us the most important lessons; try and exercise all our graces; prove the sincerity of our professions; prepare us for His service below, and His glory above; and make us really useful, that He might make us honorable - for only the useful are honorable in the kingdom of our God.
How long has He been leading us? Israel had been led forty years - so has the writer - so, perhaps, has the reader; this is a long period. It is the most interesting period; for in these years, we have been called by grace, separated from the world, consecrated to God, sent into His vineyard, and formed into families.
What now does the Lord require? "You shall remember all the way the Lord your God has led you." This implies we should notice, record, and preserve an account of the Lord's dealings and leadings. Remember that the Lord's leading has preserved you - and but that - you would never have arrived so far in safety.
Remember you faults. Remember His favors. Remember you foes. Remember the friendship of your God - how necessary, how constant, how condescending! Friendship unparalleled, on which your supply, your safety, your all depended (Deuteronomy 32:7-14)
Remember the way, the Guide, and your own conduct - or you cannot be just; you will not be either grateful or humble. Remember, for God remembers. (Jeremiah 2:2).
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Abounding Grace!
Abounding Grace!
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you - so that in all things at all times, having all that you need - you will abound in every good work!" (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Jehovah is emphatically called the God of all grace, the Father of mercies, the God of all comfort, the God of peace, the God of hope, the God of salvation. All of these titles are full of comfort, and are calculated to inspire our souls with love, gratitude, and pleasure.
All grace dwells in God - and flows freely from Him. He is glorified in communications of His grace to the most unworthy. You have received a little - He is able to make all of His grace abound toward you. The aboundings of His grace will produce strong faith, great patience, deep humility, holy contentment, ardent love, joyful hope, warm zeal, scriptural courage, and spiritual fortitude.
In reference to all these things - you feel miserably deficient; you cannot produce them. But God can make His grace abound to you. He can give you a sufficiency of grace to support you under every trial, to strengthen you under every burden, to qualify you for every duty, and to fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
You have perhaps set about doing good works - and have found yourself unable to perform them. You feel ashamed of what you have done; you have condemned yourself, and perhaps have given way to fear and despondency. This was wrong. Good works can only be performed through grace received from the Lord. Without grace - the wisest miscarry; with God's grace - the most simple succeed! We can only serve God rightly - when we serve Him with His own grace. Therefore the Apostle says, "Since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear."
You are not sufficient of yourself so much as to think a good thought! Without supplies of grace from Christ - you can do nothing to please Him. It is grace which first quickened us to feel our lost state; led us to Jesus; gives us a good hope; conquers our corruption; enables us to act for the Lord's glory; and grace will crown the whole!
There is no good work but you may perform it - if you receive God's grace!
There is no sin but you may fall into - if you trust to yourself, and neglect the supplies of grace.
Beware how you draw arguments from your own inability - to encourage negligence, unbelief, or sloth. God invites you to His throne of grace. He promises you a supply. He is able to make all grace abound toward you. He is the God of all grace - and until He changes in His nature, forfeits His word, or refuses to give - you have no ground of complaint or despondency.
Amazing grace - how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost - but now am found -
Was blind - but now I see!
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear,
When first my soul believed!
Thought many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home!
~James Smith~
(The End)
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you - so that in all things at all times, having all that you need - you will abound in every good work!" (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Jehovah is emphatically called the God of all grace, the Father of mercies, the God of all comfort, the God of peace, the God of hope, the God of salvation. All of these titles are full of comfort, and are calculated to inspire our souls with love, gratitude, and pleasure.
All grace dwells in God - and flows freely from Him. He is glorified in communications of His grace to the most unworthy. You have received a little - He is able to make all of His grace abound toward you. The aboundings of His grace will produce strong faith, great patience, deep humility, holy contentment, ardent love, joyful hope, warm zeal, scriptural courage, and spiritual fortitude.
In reference to all these things - you feel miserably deficient; you cannot produce them. But God can make His grace abound to you. He can give you a sufficiency of grace to support you under every trial, to strengthen you under every burden, to qualify you for every duty, and to fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
You have perhaps set about doing good works - and have found yourself unable to perform them. You feel ashamed of what you have done; you have condemned yourself, and perhaps have given way to fear and despondency. This was wrong. Good works can only be performed through grace received from the Lord. Without grace - the wisest miscarry; with God's grace - the most simple succeed! We can only serve God rightly - when we serve Him with His own grace. Therefore the Apostle says, "Since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear."
You are not sufficient of yourself so much as to think a good thought! Without supplies of grace from Christ - you can do nothing to please Him. It is grace which first quickened us to feel our lost state; led us to Jesus; gives us a good hope; conquers our corruption; enables us to act for the Lord's glory; and grace will crown the whole!
There is no good work but you may perform it - if you receive God's grace!
There is no sin but you may fall into - if you trust to yourself, and neglect the supplies of grace.
Beware how you draw arguments from your own inability - to encourage negligence, unbelief, or sloth. God invites you to His throne of grace. He promises you a supply. He is able to make all grace abound toward you. He is the God of all grace - and until He changes in His nature, forfeits His word, or refuses to give - you have no ground of complaint or despondency.
Amazing grace - how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost - but now am found -
Was blind - but now I see!
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear,
When first my soul believed!
Thought many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home!
~James Smith~
(The End)
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