Gems for the Week
August 14
"For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day
upon the earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet
in my flesh shall I see God." (Job 19:25-26)
Job was devastated. He had lost all his children and his earthly possessions. His health was gone, and he sat covered in boils from head to foot. His wife told him to "curse God and die!" Job's salvation was to see beyond this life, to lay hold on eternity. By faith he affirmed, "I know that my Redeemer lives. I shall see God." Being sure of a wonderful future kept him from sin and suicide. Are you discouraged today? Take Job's view. Every believer in Christ has a similar hope. One day you too will see Him. (David Croudace)
N.J. Hiebert # 3431
August 15
"Preach the Word; be instant (prepared) in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Timothy 4:2-4)
Note the emphasis put upon teaching sound doctrine. Some people say, "I am not interested in doctrine; I like practical preaching, not doctrine." But we need to know the great truths of Scripture in order that we may learn how to behave in accordance with the revelation God has given. Sincerity of purpose is not enough. We are to be sanctified by the truth. David prayed, "Order my steps in Thy Word." (Psalm 119:133) We must know the Word in order that our lives may be as God would have them. The servant of Christ is therefore responsible to give out sound teaching. (H.A. Ironside)
N.J. Hiebert # 3432
August 16
"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come."
(Revelation 22:17)
What hinders them from thus responding to our Lord?
- Is it from bad teaching, a lack of spiritual instruction on the subject?
- Is it worldliness of spirit? for eating and drinking with the drunken is associated in scripture with the unholy sentiment, "My Lord delayeth His coming."
- Is it carnal-mindedness? allowing fleshly lusts and tempers to grieve and quench the Spirit of God, and thus hinder His teaching. It may be that malice, guile, hypocrisy, and evil speakings, are not laid aside (for they are natural to us all), and spiritual desires and growth are checked, and thus hinder the cry in the soul, of COME, LORD JESUS!
- Is it the habit of carelessness and insubjection to Christ, not keeping His words? for the Church is supposed in Scripture to be subject unto Christ; and those true to Him, who keep His words, sayings, and commandments, are promised the enjoyment of sweet manifestations of Christ, and abiding fellowship with the Father and the Son.
Whatever it be that hinders the soul from truly giving utterance to the cry of "Come, Lord Jesus," it should be detected and judged; for the inspired declaration is, "Let him that heareth say, COME." (H.H. Snell - Notes on the Revelation)
N.J. Hiebert # 3433
