The Third of JanuaryTHOU ART OUR FATHER --- Isaiah 64:8"But now, O Lord, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand." --- Isaiah 64:8. Being only clay in thy hands,
O Lord, as I must not, so I would not, resist thy workings by any means:
and I pray and hope thou wilt prepare and perfect me for a meet vessel
of grace, in spite of a thousand hinderances.
No work of thine ever comes
short of its intended perfection: for who can stay thy hand? It is thy
own saying, "I will work, and who shall let it?" --- Isaiah 43:13. An artist delights in his own
workmanship, and would not leave one single flaw or defect in it
designedly. Philippians 1:6. Oh, then, look upon me too, thou wise
Creator!-- see how flesh and blood disorder my poor soul, and deliver
me from all that may endanger my spiritual life. Knowing thou canst do no
less than a human artist, who is ever ready, and exerts all his skill
to mend and perfect his work, I trust that thou wilt not always suffer
these impediments to hinder and disgrace thy work. Nay, such is thy wisdom and
power, that out of darkness thou canst bring light; out of sickness,
health; and though I am now destitute of strength and life, yet I believe
thy work will be finished at last, and glorify the name of its Maker.
1 Peter 5:10.
Finish, Lord, thy new creation; |