November 18 - Morning"A spring shut up, a fountain sealed." — Song of Solomon 4:12
In this metaphor, which has reference to the inner life of a believer, we
have very plainly the idea of secrecy. It is a spring shut up: just as there
were springs in the East, over which an edifice was built, so that none
could reach them save those who knew the secret entrance; so is the heart
of a believer when it is renewed by grace: there is a mysterious life within
which no human skill can touch. It is a secret which no other man
knoweth; nay, which the very man who is the possessor of it cannot tell to
his neighbour.
The text includes not only secrecy, but separation. It is not
the common spring, of which every passer-by may drink, it is one kept
and preserved from all others; it is a fountain bearing a particular mark — a
king's royal seal, so that all can perceive that it is not a common fountain,
but a fountain owned by a proprietor, and placed specially by itself alone.
So is it with the spiritual life. The chosen of God were separated in the
eternal decree; they were separated by God in the day of redemption; and
they are separated by the possession of a life which others have not; and it
is impossible for them to feel at home with the world, or to delight in its
pleasures.
There is also the idea of sacredness. The spring shut up is
preserved for the use of some special person: and such is the Christian's
heart. It is a spring kept for Jesus. Every Christian should feel that he has
God's seal upon him — and he should be able to say with Paul, "From
henceforth let no man trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the
Lord Jesus." Another idea is prominent — it is that of security. Oh! how
sure and safe is the inner life of the believer! If all the powers of earth and
hell could combine against it, that immortal principle must still exist, for
He who gave it pledged His life for its preservation. And who "is He that
shall harm you," when God is your protector? November 18 - Evening"Thou art from everlasting." — Psalm 93:2
Christ is EVERLASTING. Of Him we may sing with David, "Thy throne,
O God, is for ever and ever." Rejoice, believer, in Jesus Christ, the same
yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Jesus always was. The Babe born in
Bethlehem was united to the Word, which was in the beginning, by whom
all things were made. The title by which Christ revealed Himself to John in
Patmos was, "Him which is, and which was, and which is to come." If He
were not God from everlasting, we could not so devoutly love Him; we
could not feel that He had any share in the eternal love which is the
fountain of all covenant blessings; but since He was from all eternity with
the Father, we trace the stream of divine love to Himself equally with His
Father and the blessed Spirit.
As our Lord always was, so also He is for
evermore. Jesus is not dead; "He ever liveth to make intercession for us."
Resort to Him in all your times of need, for He is waiting to bless you still.
Moreover, Jesus our Lord ever shall be. If God should spare your life to
fulfil your full day of threescore years and ten, you will find that His
cleansing fountain is still opened, and His precious blood has not lost its
power; you shall find that the Priest who filled the healing fount with His
own blood, lives to purge you from all iniquity.
When only your last battle
remains to be fought, you shall find that the hand of your conquering
Captain has not grown feeble — the living Saviour shall cheer the dying
saint. When you enter heaven you shall find Him there bearing the dew of
His youth; and through eternity the Lord Jesus shall still remain the
perennial spring of joy, and life, and glory to His people. Living waters
may you draw from this sacred well! Jesus always was, He always is, He
always shall be. He is eternal in all His attributes, in all His offices, in all
His might, and willingness to bless, comfort, guard, and crown His chosen
people. November 18 |