November 28 - Morning"For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth." — 3 John 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 to-day, 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. November 28 - Evening"Seeking the wealth of his people." — Esther 10:3
Mordecai was a true patriot, and therefore, being exalted to the highest
position under Ahasuerus, he used his eminence to promote the prosperity
of Israel. In this he was a type of Jesus, who, upon His throne of glory,
seeks not His own, but spends His power for His people. It were well if
every Christian would be a Mordecai to the church, striving according to
his ability for its prosperity. Some are placed in stations of affluence and
influence, let them honour their Lord in the high places of the earth, and
testify for Jesus before great men.
Others have what is far better, namely,
close fellowship with the King of kings, let them be sure to plead daily for
the weak of the Lord's people, the doubting, the tempted, and the
comfortless. It will redound to their honour if they make much intercession
for those who are in darkness and dare not draw nigh unto the mercy seat.
Instructed believers may serve their Master greatly if they lay out their
talents for the general good, and impart their wealth of heavenly learning to
others, by teaching them the things of God. The very least in our Israel
may at least seek the welfare of his people; and his desire, if he can give no
more, shall be acceptable. It is at once the most Christlike and the most
happy course for a believer to cease from living to himself. He who blesses
others cannot fail to be blessed himself. On the other hand, to seek our
own personal greatness is a wicked and unhappy plan of life, its way will
be grievous and its end will be fatal.
Here is the place to ask thee, my friend, whether thou art to the best of
thy power seeking the wealth of the church in thy neighbourhood? I trust
thou art not doing it mischief by bitterness and scandal, nor weakening it
by thy neglect. Friend, unite with the Lord's poor, bear their cross, do
them all the good thou canst, and thou shalt not miss thy reward. November 28 |