181. A Watchword.

Arise, let us go hence. - John 14:31.

WE cannot be long in one stay. A voice ever sounds in our ear, "Arise, let us go hence."

Even when we have conversed on the sweetest themes, or have enjoyed the holiest ordinances, we have not yet come to our eternal abode; still are we on the march, and the trumpet soundeth. "Arise, let us go hence."

Our Lord was under marching-orders, and he knew it: for him there was no stay upon this earth.

Hear how he calls himself, and alt his own, to move on, though bloody sweat and bloody death be in the way.

I. OUR MASTER'S WATCHWORD. "Arise, let us go hence"

By this stirring word—

1. He expressed his desire to obey the Father. "As the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence."

· He was not hindered by expected suffering.

· He did not start back, though in that suffering there would be the special element of his Father's forsaking him.

· He did not hesitate though death was in near prospect.

· He was eager to do the will of the Father, and make all heaven and earth know how entirely he yielded himself to the Father.

2. He indicated his readiness to meet the arch enemy. "The prince of this world cometh. Arise, let us go hence."

· He was prepared for the test. He "hath nothing in me."

· He was eager to overthrow his dominion.

3. He revealed his practical activity. All through the chapter observe our Lord's energy. He is ever on the move. "I go. I will come again. I will do it. I will pray. Arise, let us go hence."

· He prefers action to the most sacred rites, and so leaves the Supper-table with this word on his lips.

· He prefers action to the sweetest converse. "I will not talk much with you. Arise, let us go hence."

4. He manifested his all-consuming love to us.

· He was straitened till he had accomplished our redemption.

· He could not rest in the company of his best-beloved till their ransom was paid.

· He would not sit at God's right hand till he had felt the shame of the cross, and the bitterness of death (Heb. 12:2).

II. OUR OWN MOTTO. "Arise, let us go hence."

Ever onward, ever forward, we must go (Exod. 14:15).

1. Out of the world when first called by grace (2 Cor 6:17).

· How clear the call! How prompt should be our obedience!

· Jesus is without the camp, we go forth unto him (Heb. 13:13).

· We must arouse ourselves to make the separation. "Arise, let us go hence."

2. Out of forbidden associations, if, as believers, we find ourselves like Lot in Sodom. "Escape for thy life" (Gen. 19:17).

3. Out of present attainments when growing in grace (Phil. 3:13-14).

4. Out of all rejoicing in self. There we must never stop for a single instant. self-satisfaction should startle us.

5. To work, anywhere for Jesus. We should go away from Christian company and home comforts, to win souls (Mark 16:15).

6. To defend the faith where it is most assailed. We should be prepared to quit our quiet, to contend with the foe (Jude 3).

7. To suffer when the Lord lays affliction upon us (2 Con 12:9).

8. To die when the voice from above calls us home (2 Tim. 4:6).

O sinner, where would you go if suddenly summoned?

O saint, what better could happen to you than to arise and go hence?