Gems for the Week
September 6-12
"Righteousness exalteth a nation:
But sin is a reproach to any people."
(Psalm 14:34)
History is but the perpetual illustration of what is here declared. Nations, like individuals, are judged according to their ways. No country has prospered long that forsook the path of national righteousness. When pride and vanity, coupled with greed and cruelty, have been in the ascendant, the hour of humbling was not far away. Israel will ever be the great object-lesson for all people. When the Word of God was esteemed, and His will honoured, they prospered. When sin and neglect of God triumphed, they became a reproach. He was right who said, "Israel is the pillar of salt to the nations, crying to all people, 'Remember!' " (H.A. Ironside - Notes on the Book of Proverbs)
N.J. Hiebert # 2363
"Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them."
(Jonah 1:5)
These heathen mariners did not know Jehovah, the true God, the God who made the sea and the dry land, the God whom Jonah knew; and in their trouble they turned to the false gods of the heathen. "Then they cry unto Jehovah in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses; He maketh the storm a calm, and the waves thereof are still." (Psalm 107:23) These mariners did not know Jehovah, and could not call upon Him. The Scripture well asks, "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" These men had not heard, so could not believe on the true God, therefore, instead of calling on Him, they called every man on his god. Since such gods could neither save not help them, they turned to their own expedients - throwing the cargo over board. However, their prayers and their wisdom and their works were all unavailing. They were dealing now with Jehovah, the true God, and they were to learn something of Him and His power. (G.C. Willis - Lessons From Johan the Prophet)
N.J. Hiebert # 2364
"Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother." (Colossians 4:9)
"Epaphras . . . a faithful minister of Christ." (Colossians 1:7)
"Antipas . . . my faithful martyr." (Revelation 2:13)
Onesimus, the former runaway slave is now a faithful and beloved brother. What faithfulness should mark those whom He calls brethren. Epaphras is not only noted for his faithfulness as a minister in public preaching, but also in his intercessory ministry of which we are told in Colossians 4:12.
Antipas is honoured in his faithfulness unto death. He is called by the Lord, "My faithful witness!" Martyr is the same word.
God does not demand success of His children. But of young or old, insignificant or prominent, He does demand faithfulness.
"A little thing is a little thing but faithfulness in a little thing is a big thing."
(Choice Gleanings - 1973)
N.J. Hiebert # 2365
"Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."
(Luke 11:28)
From Genesis to Revelation there is a plain and perfect revelation of everything which a sinner needs to know for salvation, and the saint for conformity to Christ. All the promises are given; all the precepts are written. We are fully warned of all our dangers. There is nothing more to be known that would help us in the way to heaven. The completeness of the Bible is as full as any other gift of God. It is as comprehensive of the needs of the (twentyfirst) century as of the first. (Christian Truth - Volume 19 - 1966)
N.J. Hiebert # 2366
"Learn from Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart;
and ye shall find rest to your souls."
(Matthew 11:29)
There is often a beautiful blending of majesty and humility, magnanimity and lowliness, in great minds. The mightiest and holist of all beings that ever trod this world was the meekest of all. No wonder that His emblem was a lamb or that the Spirit who anointed Him came in the form of a gentle dove.
None of the pageantry of this world or its dreams of carnal glory offered by the tempter had any fascination for Him. He meekly bore nameless wrongs and indignities before Pilate's judgment seat, and He ignored the mocking and railing of those around His cross. These things drew forth no angry look nor bitter word but only "Father, forgive them" (Luke 23:34). He selected "meekness" and "poverty of spirit" as traits that His disciples should study and imitate, saying, "Learn from Me."
How different are His maxims from the world's. The world says, "Resent the affront and vindicate your honour!" but He says, "Overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). The world says, "When you are buffeted for your faults, take it patiently," but He says, " When you do well, and suffer for it . . . take it patiently, this is acceptable with God" (1 Peter 2:20).
Become like the Lord - strive to obtain a "meek and quiet spirit" (1 Peter 3:4). Do not heed Satan and desire a higher place in the assembly or in the world. Honour the gifts of others. Put the best construction on motives and actions, and, therefore, never be ruffled by real or imagined injuries. The meek Christian has a perpetual inner sunshine and wellspring of peace. Be assured, no happiness is equal to that enjoyed by the meek Christian! (J.R. MacDuff)
N.J. Hiebert # 2367
"Love . . . Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth."
(Love joyfully sides with the truth.)
(1 Corinthians 13:6)
General Grant, a great American soldier, was once asked his opinion of a certain officer under his command. He spoke of him in the warmest terms. "But, sir," said his questioner, "do you know that he said this and that of you?" Calmly came the reply: "You asked me my opinion of him, not his of me." (George Henderson - A Trinity of Christian Graces)
N.J. Hiebert # 2368
". . . He took Peter and John and James and went up into a mountain to pray . . . they saw His glory . . . This is My beloved Son: hear Him. . .
The next day, when they were come down from
the hill, much people met them."
(Luke 9:28,32,35,37)
Jesus was as much with His disciples when they came down as while they were on the mount, and that is our comfort. Do not let us suppose we have lost Christ. . . . The Lord give us to know, while passing through this world, what a Christ we have, taking our hearts clean out of the defiling circumstances around, so that whether we get a taste of the glory or are passing through the crowd of this world He may be everything to us, as He is everything for us. (J.N. Darby)
N.J. Hiebert # 2369
