Gems for the Week
August 6
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."
(Colossians 3:1)
We have been taken up from the depths of our ruin, and set among the princes of God's people. Should we not, therefore, love our Master? should we not desire to see His face? should we not regulate our present conduct by constant reference to Him? Would that we were more like Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 19:24,30). But we are all too well disposed to minister to our odious (old) nature - too ready to walk in the unchecked enjoyment of the things of this life - its riches, its honours, its comforts, its refinements, its elegancies, and the more so because we imagine we can do all these things without losing our enjoyment of the name and privileges of Christians. Vain, detestable selfishness! Selfishness, which shall be put to the blush in the day of Christ's appearing (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). (C.H. Macintosh - The Life and Times of David - The Conspiracy)
N.J. Hiebert # 3423
August 7
"A woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together,
and could in no wise lift up herself." (Luke 13:11)
This woman's testimony would focus on three things: one, she had a definite need; two, she had had this need for a long time; and three, she wanted this need taken care of. She was ready for the touch of the Lord! No doubt she had lost all sorts of opportunities - marriage, employment, a social life - but she remained diligent in her search for help. The seeking Saviour and the seeking sinner will always meet! Friend, you have a definite need. Perhaps you have been in your sins for a long time; and while things may seem hopeless, the Saviour is waiting to save you right now. (Craig Funston)
N.J. Hiebert # 3424
August 8
"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 3:12-14)
When I first went to a large boys' school, it was Easter time, and in a few weeks they held the annual school races and other athletic sports. The various events were listed, and the boys invited to enter their names for the races on which they wished to take part. The prizes were also put on view: they fairly took away my breath: never had I seen such a collection of beautiful silver cups and trophies. I was only just twelve, and most of the boys were older, so I knew I had not much chance: but there was one little silver cup*** for the Hundred Yard Dash, for boys of twelve and under: and, Oh, how I longed for that cup! I had not already obtained it, but I could train and practice for that race, and then, so run that I might obtain! And I often went and looked at the little cup, and that stirred me to more earnest efforts.
I think that is something the way the dear Apostle felt, as he gazed on Christ, and all the treasures found in Him. But then Paul was still running the race, and the prize does not come until the race is finished: so I think that is what he means when he says: "Not that I have already obtained, or am already perfected; but I press on, or, - I am pressing on!"
"I did not win that beautiful little silver cup." ***
(G Christopher Willis)
N.J. Hiebert # 3425
