"The Word of the Lord came... while he was yet shut up... saying, Thus saith. the Lord... I will show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jer. 33:11Moreover the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying, (Jeremiah 33:1). A friend in Canada sent me these words. In this chapter I would like to gather up some of the things-not very great and mighty-but very precious to me, which the Lord shewed to me while I was "shut up".
They "Asked not Counsel at the Mouth of the Lord.” When Joshua had brought the people into the land, and the "reproach of Egypt" had been rolled away by circumcision, he saw "a Man... with His sword drawn in His hand... And He said, As Captain of the host of the Lord am I now come". Josh. 5:13, 1413And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? 14And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? (Joshua 5:13‑14). All should be under the direction of the Captain of the host; but when the Gibeonites came, Joshua made a league with them, but "asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord". We too have "the Captain of our Salvation". Heb. 2:1010For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:10). And in everything we should seek counsel from Him, before we speak or act. We are elected unto the "obedience... of Jesus Christ". 1 Pe. 1:2,2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. (1 Peter 1:2) that perfect obedience which allows no exercise of will: "I can of Mine own self do nothing... because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father". John 5:3030I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. (John 5:30). This "obedience of faith" Ro. 1:5; 16:26. NT. for every act, every word, every thought, every minute of the day, is the hardest thing, and yet it is the only way to avoid sin; for "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" Ro. 14:23. And we are furnished with means to overcome, for "The weapons of our warfare are... mighty through God... and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:4,54(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:4‑5).
When we were studying the life of Saul and David I found the reason the Lord gives for Saul's downfall: "So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord, even against the Word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it: and inquired not of the Lord: therefore He slew him" 1 Chron. 10:13, 1413So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it; 14And inquired not of the Lord: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. (1 Chronicles 10:13‑14). How few of us would survive, if we were slain for doing our own way, instead of inquiring of the Lord!
The Valley of Achor "I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. (or, speak to her heart) And I will give her vineyards from thence, and the Valley of Achor for a door of Hope: and she shall sing there". He. 2:14, 15, 16. The wilderness has been a part of the history of the Church in every land, and it is as true of the individual life, as it is of the Church. It is the Love of God that brings us, "allures us" into the wilderness. It is a necessary part of our Christian life. The Apostle Paul "went into Arabia" Gal. 1:1717Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. (Galatians 1:17). Even our Lord was "led by the Spirit into the wilderness". Lu. 4:1. How many blessings are to be found there! There we learn the "way". Is. 43:19; there we find "springs of water" Is. 41:18. It is "coming up from the wilderness," where she has learned her own insufficiency that the bride is "leaning upon her Beloved". S. of S. 8:55Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee. (Song of Solomon 8:5).
"In the desert God will teach thee
What the God that thou halt found,
Patient, gracious, powerful, holy,
All His grace shall there abound."
J.N.D.
But the Valley of Achor is worse than the wilderness. The name means 'trouble', and it is the trouble not only of sorrow, but of sin. There a man destroyed himself, his family, and all that he had by "a trespass in the accursed thing"; led astray by coveting the forbidden treasures of Jericho, the "goodly Babylonish garment", Josh. 7, the desirable things of this world. Can there be deliverance in such a place? Yes, the Valley of Achor becomes "a door of Hope". God can work all things, even the sins, together for good for those called according to His purpose. "And He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord". Is. 51:3. The Church in China is now in a waste howling wilderness, and no doubt sin had something to do with it. But we must not despair. It is far more dear to its Lord than it is to us; all Power is given unto Him, and He has all wisdom and all love. As the Chinese Christians constantly say, "God has His good purpose", and they still wait for their present desert to become "the Garden of the Lord".
"For He Commandeth, and Raiseth the Stormy Wind." Ps. 107:25.
I have the date 'May 1953' against these words. I cannot remember now just what "stormy wind" that was; but I remember very well the teaching my Lord shewed me in it. "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters, these see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep". Ps. 107:23, 24. These "great waters" had been to us the "people, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues" Rev. 17:1515And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. (Revelation 17:15) of heathenism, and those doing business in them, the missionaries; and perhaps we had been rather smug in claiming that we saw special wonders; though I am sure He does shew His works and wonders in a special way there. But now I saw why, or how, they can see those wonders. There is the little word `for'-"For He commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind", and troubles overwhelm them, "up to the heaven" in the time of ecstasy; "down to the depths" again, in the time of despair, until they "are at their wits end", or, as the margin has it, "All their wisdom is swallowed up". And when we have thrown our own wisdom overboard, "then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses" and "so He bringeth them unto their desired haven". But if we want to see "His wonders in the-deep", we must expect the stormy winds. And when they come, we must remember that "He commandeth and raiseth them up". In the end it is by the power of those very winds that we are brought to our desired haven. There was no steam in David's day; and the journey to Heaven is not a pleasure cruise.
This means that we must learn a readjustment of values. We measure with the natural measure, and so are apt to count ease and pleasure and riches, as the best blessings, and value this life, and "things seen", above the "eternal" things. It is interesting to see what things the shekel of the sanctuary is used to measure, and some possible meanings of them. The first is the Ransom of souls, Ex. 30:13,13This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the Lord. (Exodus 30:13) and this gives us some idea of the value of the shekel-"for ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold,... but with the precious blood of Christ". 1 Pe. 1:1818Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (1 Peter 1:18). It includes the holy ointment, Ex. 30:24,24And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin: (Exodus 30:24) our worship; Gold, Ex. 38:24,24All the gold that was occupied for the work in all the work of the holy place, even the gold of the offering, was twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary. (Exodus 38:24) divine righteousness; the silver sockets of the tabernacle, Ex. 38:25, 26,25And the silver of them that were numbered of the congregation was an hundred talents, and a thousand seven hundred and threescore and fifteen shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary: 26A bekah for every man, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men. (Exodus 38:25‑26) the foundation, that redemption on which all rests; the trespass offering, Lev. 5:1515If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the Lord; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the Lord a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering: (Leviticus 5:15) perhaps the Cross itself; the value of a man in a vow, Lev. 5:15,15If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the Lord; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the Lord a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering: (Leviticus 5:15) what we are worth to God; the value of fields returned at the Jubilee, Lev. 27:25,25And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel. (Leviticus 27:25) our property; the value of the Levite and of the firstborn, Num. 3:47, 50,47Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:) (Numbers 3:47)
50Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary: (Numbers 3:50) our service to God; the offerings of the princes, Num. 7:1313And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering: (Numbers 7:13) our gifts to God; the Redemption of the firstborn, Num. 18:16,16And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs. (Numbers 18:16) our children. So it begins and ends with redemption. All are to be valued according to the measure of the Sanctuary. Until we learn the true values life is hard to understand. David (or Asaph) found things too painful, until he "went into the Sanctuary of God". Ps. 73:17. Then he "understood", for "Thy way, 0 God, is in the Sanctuary". Ps. 77:13. There David saw His "Power and His Glory" Ps. 63:2. There he saw His "goings", Ps. 68:24. There we find "help" Ps. 20:2, "Strength and Beauty" Ps. 96:6.
When we go into the Sanctuary, it is "the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man"; there we meet the "Minister of the Sanctuary", our Great High Priest. Heb. 8:1, 2,1Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 2A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. (Hebrews 8:1‑2) and we learn from Him and from His example that the best blessings are often pain and sorrow; and work for God and for one's fellows is far more to be desired than ease; suffering is often only that "straitness" which presses us nearer to our Guide; Death is the blessed Angel of release who leads us into the presence of Christ-"Ay, of good heart are we, and are right glad to be exiled from the body, and to come to the homeland, to the presence of our Lord." 2 Cor. 5:88We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8) (Way's paraphrase.) The Sanctuary is the Lord of Hosts Himself. Is. 8:13,14. It is interesting that where this is quoted in the New Testament the correct reading almost certainly is "the Lord the Christ" 1 Pe. 3:1515But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15). NT.
"A glorious High Throne from the beginning is the place of our Sanctuary" Jer. 17:1212A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary. (Jeremiah 17:12). This verse was sent to me at the end of 1949, and I kept it pinned by the telephone so I might constantly be reminded of our magnificent Refuge. The waters of the Sanctuary bring healing: "Everything shall live whither the river cometh.. because their waters they issued out of the Sanctuary". Ez. 47:9,12. We must constantly resort to that strong habitation, that "glorious Throne", if we want to bring the healing water of Life to dying souls.
Some one suggested that "the Secret Place of the Most High" Ps. 91:1, where one is kept in such perfect safety, is this Sanctuary, where one draws near to God. The Psalms are full of the delights of dwelling in God's House. Ps. 84. There we behold His beauty and find His guidance. Ps. 27:4. There we are abundantly satisfied with His goodness. Ps. 36:8. David did not yet know it as the "Father's House", but the final blessing he looked for was to "dwell in the House of the Lord forever". Ps. 23:6.
You could scarcely find a passage that dwells with more delight on God's forgiveness than the last three verses of Micah. He pardons, He passes by, He retaineth not His anger, He turns again, He has compassion, He subdues our iniquities, He casts our sins into the depths of the sea. This is all because of the kind of God He is: One Who delights in mercy, on Whom one can depend to perform His Truth and His Mercy. This is the more remarkable, because the book is a long cry against sin. The office of the Prophet, "by the Spirit of the Lord" is "to declare unto Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin", doing "evil with both hands earnestly". Mi. 3:8 and 7:3. At the beginning of the book he calls the Lord God to be a witness against them, "for her wound is incurable". 1:9. But then in the fifth chapter comes Israel's final sin, which is turned by God into the foundation of their blessing, "They shall smite the Judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek". 5:1. There we read of the Coming of the Eternal One to Bethlehem, His sufferings, the feeding of His flock, and His glory. So we have God's cure for an incurable wound.
My Scripture here was the promise "He will subdue our iniquities". He not only has compassion and pardons. He has overcome "the sin which cloth so easily beset us". That is why the One "Whose goings forth were from everlasting" came to Bethlehem: it was to "save His people from their sins"-not only from the penalty, but also from the sins themselves. He subdues them, they need have no power over us. For the Gospel of Christ "is the Power of God unto salvation" Rom. 1:16,16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16) that "divine Power" which "hath given unto us all things that pertain unto Life and Godliness", and enables us "through the knowledge of Him Who has called us by glory and virtue" to climb the rungs of that ladder which leads to the abundant entrance into His Kingdom-Faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, love. 2 Pe. 1:3-113According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:3‑11).
In this chapter, Moses draws very near to God. He had offered to be blotted out of God's Book in place of the sinful people; though God could not accept this, for "none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him" Ps. 49:7, yet this love, a love resembling His own, must have been very pleasing in God's sight; and so we find the Lord speaking unto Moses "as a man speaketh unto his friend" 33:11. And Moses, having tasted, wants more and more. First, he asks, "Show me Thy way", and this is granted: "He made known His ways unto Moses" Ps. 103:7. Further, God promised that His Presence should go with him. But Moses wanted more still: "Show me Thy Glory". God cannot show him His Glory, but He promises "I will make all My Goodness pass before thee", for "thou canst not see My Face". The Hebrew word here translated 'face', is the one translated 'presence' in verse 14. God put Moses in the cleft of the Rock, and He promised that there "thou shalt see Me from behind".
That is how we still see God. He passes by, and we see His Goodness in His acts-in the sunshine and the rain and abundant harvests, the beauties of the seasons, in awakening life, in flower and colored leaf, and sparkling snow; we see His Power in hurricane and earthquake! We see His wisdom and goodness in our own life, as we look back, and we trace God's ways "from behind", that we could not see nor understand at the time; and we see them in History, and in His ways revealed in the Scriptures; and most of all we see how He passed by in Redemption. We see more than Moses. We cannot yet see the One "dwelling in the Light which no man can approach unto; Whom no man hath seen, nor can see". 1 Tim. 6:1616Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:16). But "the Only begotten Son, Which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him". John 1:12,12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12) and we see "the Light of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ". 2 Cor. 4:66For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6).
The Hand of the Lord In one of her first letters after I was taken by the Police my sister sent me the verse, "Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is Thy Hand, and high is Thy right Hand. Ps. 89:13. "The right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly" Ps. 118:15,16 in overcoming our enemies. "My times are in Thy Hand"; it was looking for this verse brought me to the thirty first Psalm, which was my standby during the first weeks of the questioning; and how safe our times are in that Hand which has never done us anything but good. "All His saints are in Thy hand" Deut. 33:33Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words. (Deuteronomy 33:3). This was the verse given to us when we first left for China; how close we are to all our dear ones, to every child of God, all in that one Hand, all united in Him. "I will uphold thee with the right Hand of My Righteousness" "I the Lord will hold thy right hand" Is. 41:10 and 13. We have a lovely picture here: our God holds us with His right hand, and He holds us by our right hand-that means, that as He stands beside us in the time of trouble His arm is round us to grasp our right hand, "saying, Fear not; I will help thee." The Lord Jesus said, "Neither shall any man pluck them out of My Hand", that Hand on which our names have been engraved by the nails at Calvary. It is true that "the wolf seizes them and scatters the sheep" but "no one shall seize them out of My Hand" John 10:1212But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. (John 10:12) and 28 NT. Even though the wolf is allowed to worry and scatter the sheep, as we know only too well, he cannot get them out of the Hands of the Son and of the Father.
I would like to pass on to you one of the thoughts in Dr. Rossier's book on first Chronicles. I have not the book with me, but this is how I remember it. The brazen altar made in the wilderness by Bezaleel had been taken to Gibeon, and placed before the Tabernacle there. 2 Chron. 1:55Moreover the brazen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the Lord: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it. (2 Chronicles 1:5).
When the temple is built no mention is made of the brazen altar, neither in Kings nor in Chronicles. But in 2 Chron. 6:1313For Solomon had made a brazen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven, (2 Chronicles 6:13) we read of Solomon's "brazen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high", set in the midst of the court. Now these are exactly the dimensions of the brazen altar. Ex. 27:11And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits. (Exodus 27:1). In Chronicles Solomon is the type of Christ in His millennial glory. In the Millennium there is no longer need of atonement, but there is the remembrance of it. So we have Solomon, type of Christ, the Victim of the altar, kneeling on the platform, with his hands spread forth in intercession. The One "lifted up" as Victim on the altar, now "exalted" as Intercessor on the Throne.
There is no greater encouragement to His people in all time of trouble than the certainty that our Lord is on the Throne. Over my bookcase, I had the text which had been over my bed all through the time in the Japanese internment camp: "The Lord Reigneth".
In Revelation, our Lord is eleven times called "The One sitting on the Throne". Those words are not always used in the English, but they are all the same, or nearly the same, in the Greek. Then at last we read of "The great white Throne, and the One sitting on it". That makes twelve, the number, they say, of perfect administration. The Throne is His, though He has not yet taken unto Him His great power to reign, when He will break the nations with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Ps. 2.9. His is now the Throne of Grace to which we may come boldly to obtain mercy. Heb. 4:1616Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16).
References in Revelation: chapter 4:2, 9, 10; 5:1, 7,13; 6:13; 7:10, 15; 19:4; 21:5; and 20:11.
Perfect Trust
It would seem from her concern about the wine, and from what she says to the servants, that the Mother of Jesus had a certain responsibility at this marriage. During the feast she discovered that the wine had run out. Now it is not usual for the hostess to confide her embarrassment or shortage to the guests; but immediately she turns to her Son, Who had been invited with His disciples to the marriage, with the words "They have no wine".
These words speak volumes to me of what Jesus had been in that little home in Nazareth. It is generally thought that Joseph was much older than Mary, and died while Jesus was still young. If so, the responsibility would fall on Jesus, the eldest son. And He was always ready to meet every emergency. Was it some one complaining about work received from the shop? Was it a quarrelsome neighbor? Was one of the younger brothers unmanageable? Did things go wrong in the house? Was money needed? Always Mary had the same resource: "Tell Jesus". And He never failed her. One knows how tactfully, wisely and kindly He would have settled every problem! We have the same resource, and He never fails us. So she had learned to trust Him absolutely. He had never wrought a miracle for her before; perhaps He had sometimes kept her waiting. But she was so perfectly certain that He would fix things, she did not worry or tease Him, "praying through", or wearying Him with "much speaking". He did not give her at all an encouraging answer. But she knew there was a real need, so she just trusted it to Him, and said to the servants, what she no doubt often before had said to His brothers, "You just do what He says". Probably she thought He would send out and buy some, as no doubt He had often done before to fill a deficiency. But now He had left the Carpenter's shop; He had no money. Jesus did not really want to work that miracle; the time had not yet come to manifest forth His glory; but He would not fail His Mother. I do think it is lovely that the very first miracle our Lord wrought was for His Mother, because He would not let her down when she appealed to Him.
There are so many lessons to learn from the story. First, each one of us needs the kind of faith that Mary had, a faith born of knowledge and love. It trusts Him utterly in spite of all discouragements, because we know Him, know His Power, His wisdom, and His Love. The first fruit of that knowledge is "Life Eternal" John 17:33And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3); then it gives us "Grace and Peace" and "all things that pertain unto Life and Godliness" 2 Pe. 1:2, 32Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (2 Peter 1:2‑3). We never come to the end of it. Paul in his last days still longed "That I might know Him". Phil. 3:1010That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (Philippians 3:10). When at last we "know even as we are known" then we shall be conformed to His image, "like Him, for we shall see Him as He is". 1 John 3:22Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2).
Even down here how good is the wine of joy which He provides. Of how many we must sadly say "they have no wine". But "the God of the Spirits of all flesh" gave them all "waterpots"; even the poor woman at the well of Samaria had one, but she left it behind when she got the "living water". John 4:2828The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, (John 4:28). In every man there is some time an emptiness and thirst which only their Creator can satisfy. But He leaves it to us to fill the waterpots with the water of His Word. Then He will work the miracle.
Each of us must hear the word, "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it". This obedience brings us into the same relationship as Mary: "My Mother and My brethren are these which hear the Word of God, and do it". Lu. 8:21. Then the water of purification is changed into the wine of joy. "Our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water", Heb. 10:22,22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22) we can draw near; sanctified and cleansed by "the washing of water by the Word" Eph. 5:2626That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (Ephesians 5:26) we are brought into even greater intimacy, the bride of Christ, made "members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones". Eph. 5:3030For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (Ephesians 5:30).
Perhaps what I enjoyed most those six months was searching out the Names of God. I had been collecting them for some time, hoping to find 365. Now I arranged them in a card index, and found that there are far more than 365. Of course, that depends partly on what you include as a Name and Title. It is a most interesting and profitable study, which I would recommend to any of my readers who wish to know their God more fully. Our God is infinite, human language is insufficient to reveal Him; but He has been pleased to give Names and Titles and descriptions in His Word, each revealing another facet of our unsearchable God, and of our relationship to Him. One after another of the Names come before us: we press out the meanings of the Names Savior, Redeemer, Shepherd, Priest, as they meet our need. I love the title "My Master":
"How sweetly doth 'my Master' sound!
`My Master!'
An oriental fragrancy, 'my Master'.”
George Herbert.
The bondservant of Jesus Christ! What a safe and privileged position, and it lasts to eternity, for in the Holy Jerusalem "His servants shall serve Him, and they shall see His face; and His Name shall be in their foreheads. Rev. 22:3, 43And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. (Revelation 22:3‑4).-the most lovely description there is of Heaven, service under the eye of the Master, and likeness to Him. Some of the names will not last into eternity. We shall not need Him then as Savior and Advocate, when sin is no more, though they will always be most precious to us. But when we get to Heaven He will reveal to us His "New Name". Rev. 3:1212Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. (Revelation 3:12). What will that be? Into what marvelous new relationship shall we enter then?
The first Name we meet is God, Elohim. This is the plural, though used with a singular verb. Two explanations have been given of this, probably both true. One is, that God is so great, and His character so manifold, that the singular is not sufficient to express it. It is the plural of Majesty. We have the same thought in English when our Sovereign uses the royal 'we'. But we may find a deeper meaning also. Here we may find the mystery of the Trinity, plurality in unity, three Persons, one God, in the very first sentence in the Bible. This plurality is necessary to His nature, "God is Love", for love is not possible without an object. We have the plural again in this first chapter, "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness". So we have the hint that the love is to extend to mankind. The Son was there with the Father, the One Whom He loved "before the foundation of the world". John 17:24,24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24) "the Nursling of His love". Prov. 8:3030Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; (Proverbs 8:30) NT. note. And the delights of the Son "were with the sons of men". The plural is again used of God as Creator: "Let Israel rejoice in his Maker (plural) Ps. 149:2 NT. note, and "Remember now thy Creator (plural) in the days of thy youth". Eccl. 12:11Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Although it is thus implied that creation is the act of all persons of the Trinity, yet the universe seems especially to be the portion of the Son-"By Him were all things created... through Him, and for Him" Col. 1:1616For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (Colossians 1:16) (see notes in NT.) "Of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things" Ro. 11:36. What depths of love are revealed to us when we think of the Son by His Name of Creator. He is the Lamb "Foreordained before the foundation, of the world"; when creating the world, creating man, He knew that those sons of men would sin; that He would have to die for them on the cross; that they would reject and neglect Him. And yet He wanted us so much that He went through with it all. He did not just pity us: He loves us, and wants our love: "I am my Beloved's, and His desire is toward me". S. of S. 7:1010I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me. (Song of Solomon 7:10).
At one time, special encouragement came from the Name "the God of the spirits of all flesh". Num. 16:22; 27:1622And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? (Numbers 16:22)
16Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, (Numbers 27:16); Jer. 32:2727Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27). I was so burdened for the Christians, struggling, suffering, failing. But they are all His; the responsibility is His, the Government is on His shoulder, and it is strong enough for any burden, even for the burden of the 650 million in the darkness in China; not to mention those in Russia, in Africa, in South America, and the islands of the sea. They are all His, He is the God of their spirits, even if they do not know Him. And haply some of them "might feel after Him and find Him", for He is "not far from every one of us" Acts 17:2727That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: (Acts 17:27); But the burden that weighs on our Savior's heart should also weigh on ours, for we have been put in trust with the Gospel.
"Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation". Rev. 5:99And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Revelation 5:9).
As I tried to pray, as we are directed, "first of all for ALL men" this verse weighed upon me as a burden of souls. He redeemed by His blood from every tongue: there are 4000 or more "tongues" in this world, and only 1500 of them have any part of the Word of God; still 2000 or more "peoples" with not even one representative to fall down in worship before the Lamb. The Redemption price has been paid "with the precious blood of Christ", shed on the Cross at Golgotha. It is sufficient to redeem every soul that is born, and sins, and dies. God the Father and God the Son have done their utmost. To us, His body, His members, His feet, His lips, His hands, He entrusted the spread of the glad tidings of that Redemption. And probably the greater number of mankind has never even heard of it. The value of that precious blood-I say it reverently-is being wasted. The worship due to Him is being paid to false gods, false ideas. The "salvation" was ready in Peter's day; and the judgment was also ready. 1 Pe. 1:5; 4:55Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:5)
5Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. (1 Peter 4:5). But "every kindred and nation" is not yet ready. No wonder our Lord waits, waits "that He may be gracious" Is. 30:18; waits to leave the Throne of Grace, and ascend the Throne of judgment.
God so loved the world. John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16); Jesus Christ the Righteous... He is the Propitiation... for the whole world. 1 John 2:22And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2); The Lamb of God Which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:2929The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29); God our Savior will have ALL men to be saved. 1 Tim. 2:3, 43For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3‑4); The grace of God which carries with it salvation for ALL men has appeared." Tit. 2:1111For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (Titus 2:11) NT.; The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance. 2 Pe. 3:99The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9); Christ Jesus gave Himself a Ransom for ALL. 1 Tim. 2:66Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Timothy 2:6); He died for ALL, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him Which died for them, and rose again. 2 Cor. 5:1515And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (2 Corinthians 5:15).
"Joy in God". Ro. 5:11.
I think that the most precious thing that I have learned in these ten years is the all sufficiency of God-the preciousness of Himself, quite apart from what He has done for us or given to us. The Bible is full of this, but I had been blind to it. This is what Paul pressed on his converts, "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord" Phil. 3:11Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. (Philippians 3:1) & 4:4; not in His salvation, not in His great gifts-those are subjects of rejoicing, but not what Paul is speaking of here. We may even have to do without His gifts, or His temporal salvations (thank God our eternal salvation can never change) But God Himself is always there, always the Same. The Same, that is one of His Names. Ps. 102:27. We find both sources of joy in the last Psalm, "Praise Him for His mighty acts: Praise Him according to His excellent greatness". "His mighty acts"- the creation, salvation and preservation of mankind-how wonderful they are! But "His excellent greatness" is even more, for that is the spring of the mighty acts, and is greater than them all. It is something entirely objective, quite outside myself, outside all this creation, outside of everything done-always there is, and has been, and will be, this wonderful God; and I may rejoice in Him, His Power, His Wisdom, His Love, His Righteousness, His nobility, just as I can enjoy a beautiful sunset, a splendid picture, a noble deed, quite apart from any share I have in them. And all beauty, all splendor, all nobility, is to be found in God, always there, a source of joy in any surroundings. This realization of God as He is in Himself, David longed for: "My soul thirsteth for God, for the Living God" Ps. 42:2; and when he had been brought by the Light and Truth of God his Strength to His "Holy Hill", to His "Tabernacle", right inside "unto the altar of God", then he found God his "Exceeding Joy", or rather "the gladness of his joy" Ps. 43:3, 4 (margin). This joy in God adds a sparkle to every other true joy.
Perhaps this all sufficiency of God which raises us above circumstances is most clearly expressed by the Prophet Habakkuk. In his prayer, in chapter three, he tells how he saw the glory, the terror and the salvation of God. And then he concludes triumphantly, "Although the figtree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: YET I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my Salvation".
Our brethren in China, even in communes and prison camps, can have this joy, and I am sure that many of them have it. God has not seen fit to show "His mighty acts" in deliverance for many of them. But He can give the joy in Himself without that. Let us pray that "He will make (their) feet like hinds' feet, and make (them) to walk upon (their) high places". Hab. 3:1919The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. (Habakkuk 3:19).
Sunday Morning Meditation Num. 14.14
Observe-
The Lord in the midst of His people.
The Lord seen by His people.
The Lord over His people.
The Lord going before His people.
"In the midst" as our great High Priest-
Atoning
Pardoning
Blessing.
As our Prophet-
Teaching
Training.
As our King-
Ruling
Controlling
Commanding.
"In the midst",
Speaking peace.-John 20:19-2619Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20And when he had so said, he showed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. 24But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. (John 20:19‑26)
Is the Lord Jesus "in the midst"-
The center of my spiritual life, of my worship,
of my home-my table,
of my business-property, of my Christian work?
Monday—Morning
Prayer
Adoration of God's Glorious Character.
Praise for the treasure house of blessing in Christ Jesus:
All grace-all power-all need supplied
Riches unsearchable.
Joy unspeakable.
Peace passing understanding.
Love passing knowledge.
"Be Thou their (my) arm every morning.”
Prayer
For appropriating faith.
For more personal experience of a living Jesus-reality.
For holy walking in Him.
For earnestness of purpose today.
"Grant me now my spirit's longing,
None of self, and all of Thee.
Praise
For the cleansing blood.
For the justifying righteousness.
For the sanctifying Spirit.
For the promised power to be-to will-to do.
For the keeping love.
Plead
That my influence today may be "all for Jesus".
For mothers' meetings.
For all engaged in worldly commerce.
For masters-employers-servants.
For the great council of the nation assembled is Parliament; and all who bear rule in our land.
For the Queen, Prince of Wales, and all the Royal Family.
For the Evangelization of India.
For all near and dear to me-"my own vineyard." "I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. Ps. 3:5-"The arm of Jehovah was my pillow".-Delitzsch.
C. G. Baskerville.
During those six months that I was shut in there was nothing I could do for my Chinese friends except to pray for them. As I was spending more time in prayer than ever before, I thought about it a good deal. Perhaps some of the thoughts may be helpful to others. I longed to learn more intelligence in prayer, for though we are sure that our Father hears even the stupidest prayer, if offered in sincerity, and in the Name of His Son, yet one would like to know how to offer the best. It seems that the prayers of the saints are the fragrance of Heaven, for the four and twenty elders hold "golden bowls full of incenses, which are the prayers of saints". Rev. 5:88And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints. (Revelation 5:8). NT. One wonders how much fragrance I may have added to Heaven today. One is thankful for the "much incense given to (the angel) that he might give (efficacy) to the prayers of all saints" Rev. 8:33And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. (Revelation 8:3) NT.-the fragrance of the One "Whose Name is an ointment poured forth" S. of S. 1:33Because of the savor of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. (Song of Solomon 1:3) a "sweet-smelling savor" to God. Eph. 5:22And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor. (Ephesians 5:2).
Prayer is also a conflict "All Prayer" and "the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God" are the two weapons of attack in the spiritual warfare "against the universal lords of this darkness, against spiritual powers of wickedness in the heavenlies" Eph. 6:1212For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12) NT. I do not think we any of us realize how tremendous is the power of Satan, "the Prince of this world" "the Prince of the' power of the air". Satan claimed that the power and the glory of all the kingdoms of the world are delivered unto him, and our Lord did not deny it. Lu. 4:5, 6. God made man to "have dominion" Gen. 1:26,26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:26) but he let the power fall into the hands of the devil. And though the devil was condemned and defeated at the Cross, the sentence is not yet carried out. Prayer is our weapon against him, and like Epaphras we should be "always combatting earnestly in prayer." Col. 4:1212Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12) NT.
There are three Greek words translated `prayer' in the New Testament, and we find them all in the directions for prayer given in 1 Timothy 2:11I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; (1 Timothy 2:1). The first is `deesis' meaning a request, begging. There is another word, %item& with the same meaning of a request. It is never translated prayer in the Authorized Version, though it has this meaning in Phil. 4:6-`request'—and in 1 John 5:15-`petition'. There is also the word `hiketeeria', supplication, used only in Heb. 5:77Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; (Hebrews 5:7). The most usual word is `proseuchee% which is always translated 'prayer'. Its simple form `euchee' is translated prayer in James 5:15,15And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. (James 5:15) but it is twice translated 'vow' (Acts 18:1818And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. (Acts 18:18) and 21:23), and this is its original meaning. Does this suggest that in prayer there should be a certain giving of oneself? The third word, `enteuxis', is used only here and in 1 Timothy 4:55For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. (1 Timothy 4:5). It comes from the verb `entungkano' which means 'to meet, hence to call upon, make a petition'. It is used of the intercession for us of the Holy Spirit, Ro. 8:26, 27 and of the Lord Jesus Ro. 8:34 and Heb. 7:2525Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25). It may also be a pleading against, as in Romans 11:2,2God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, (Romans 11:2) Elijah "maketh intercession to God against Israel", and Acts 25:24,24And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. (Acts 25:24) the Jews made intercession (A.V. dealt with) against Paul to Festus. So the noun `enteuxis' must also have the meaning of intercession-prayer for others, as translated in 1 Tim. 2:11I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; (1 Timothy 2:1). The dictionary gives it the meaning of `approach to a King' which of course might be for others. In the New Translation note here Mr. Darby translates it "personal and confiding intercourse with God on the part of one able to approach Him." This is the most beautiful definition of prayer that we could want. In chapter 4:5 he translates it 'freely addressing', and points out in the note on it that this intercourse with God is possible for those who are faithful (or believing, the same word in the Greek) and know the truth. (verse 3)
I was much helped by a little book, "Abbe Father", by C. G. Baskerville. I suppose it is long out of print, but one might prepare such a book for oneself. It gives suggestions for prayer, and for meditation, for morning, mid-day and evening for the seven days of the week. At the end are blank pages for one's own special subjects of prayer each day, and pages for the names of persons, places and work to be remembered in prayer; and finally a place for record of answers to prayer. There is a great variety in the suggested scheme of prayer in this little book. At the beginning of this 'fragment' I have put the Prayer and Meditation given for Sunday and Monday mornings.
As we betake ourselves to prayer, first there is the approach to God; and everything, within and without, seems to conspire to hinder this. Even in that quiet, shut-in time in Shanghai it was amazing how interruptions came in. There is an old saying, Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees; but I think that is just the time that Satan is most busy-anything to prevent prayer, for that is what he fears most. Our Lord has given us the command, "Enter into thy chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father". Matt. 6:66But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:6) NT. It is not always possible to do this literally; but, if possible, the very closing of the door helps to shut the door of our hearts against those terrible wandering thoughts that assail one. And I have found that praying aloud is often a help in keeping one's heart fixed.
Two quotations I found helpful in this approach: "If we would pray aright, the first thing that we should do is to see to it that we really get an audience with God, that we really get into His very presence. Before a word of petition is offered, we should have the definite consciousness that we are talking to God, and should believe that He is listening and is going to grant the thing that we ask of Him". Dr. R. A. Torrey.
"There is nothing out of which we so easily get as the consciousness of the presence of God. So also in our prayers. You may often be sensible that you go on praying after you have lost the consciousness that you are speaking to God". J. N. Darby.
This would be what our Lord prescribes for the worship of the Father: "They that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth". John 4:2424God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24). And the apostles say the same-"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit". Eph. 6:1818Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:18). "Praying in the Holy Ghost". Jude 2020But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, (Jude 20). And when we find it difficult, remember "The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought". Ro. 8:26.
We do not want to rush into the presence of God. As some one has said, our attitude should be, "Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth", rather than, "Hear, Lord, for Thy servant speaketh". It has been suggested that there should be a pause after the first word of address, "Our Father"; as we wait before Him, He will often give us a special message by bringing a Scripture to mind: "I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for He will speak peace unto His people." Ps. 85:8.
Prayer should begin with adoration: recall the greatness and goodness of our God, what God is in Himself; consider some of His great Names, as in Psalm 18:1-3,1<<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord, who spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said,>> I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. 2The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. 3I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. (Psalm 18:1‑3) David calls upon "The Lord Who is worthy to be praised". Thus we shall approach with that reverence which is essential. It is a "Throne of Grace", but it is a Throne to which we come; and yet we come with boldness, for our great High Priest is there, and it is a Father to Whom we come. I have read of some one who heard a great saint at prayer. He thought, Now I shall hear some wonderful requests; but all he heard was the repetition of the Name of God in varying tones of awe and love. And there was another old saint, who repeated the first words of John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) again and again, dwelling on each word: God-So -Loved-the World!
It is interesting to see how God is addressed, or referred to in prayer: three times as "the God of Peace" Ro. 15:33; 1 Thess. 5:2323And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23); Heb. 13:2020Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, (Hebrews 13:20); "the Lord of Peace" 2 Thess. 3:1313But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. (2 Thessalonians 3:13); "the God of Patience and Consolation" Ro. 15:5; "the God of Hope" Ro. 15:13; "the God of all Grace" 1 Pe. 5:1010But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (1 Peter 5:10); "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory" Eph. 1:1717That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (Ephesians 1:17). He is referred to as "Lord God Almighty" only in Revelation; it is really an Old Testament title. Our title for Him is Father 1 Pe. 1:1717And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: (1 Peter 1:17); "Our Father" Lu. 11:2 "Abba Father" Ro. 8:15; Gal. 4:66And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6) "Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba Father".
The next thing is thanksgiving. In this too the Psalms will provide expression-the 103rd, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits"; the 34th, "I will bless the Lord at all times", and many others. It is true that we have many more subjects for thanksgiving than the Psalmist had; but the theme of the Psalms is so often Redemption that they can express our feelings very well. If we want something higher we can read the first chapter of Ephesians and give thanks for "every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies". And then each one has his special thanks for special kindnesses. In the evening before we sleep it is good to acknowledge the mercies of the day, hour by hour. The Lord had been very good to me in His delivering power, and giving protection and peace, and as I began my prayers with thanksgiving, more and more subjects of thanksgiving came to me; I think thanksgiving always grows with use. How many times in the Epistles we are exhorted to give thanks. "Neither were they thankful" is one of the sins in the horrible list in Romans one, one of the causes of the darkening of their hearts.
Another part of prayer must be Confession. We must not defer confession of known sin: as soon as we are conscious of it, confess it, and "He is faithful and just to forgive us"; and communion is restored. But there are many secret sins of which we are not conscious at the time, or we are not conscious of the plague of the heart of which the sin-the hasty word, the ill-advised act-is the symptom. It is very wholesome at the end of the day to go through the nine fruits of the Spirit and consider whether during the day we have offended against "Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, fidelity, meekness, self-control". Gal. 5:22, 2322But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22‑23) NT.
Besides confession of failure, we need confession of faith. We need to remind ourselves, and dwell upon, the great facts of both our sin and our salvation. "Many a time the soul that 'cleaveth unto the dust' is more helped up, more enabled to feel its feet and its wings, by a brief but steadfast confession of failure and then confession of faith before the Lord, than by a long supplication which, so to speak, forgets its blessed base and warrant. We sometimes petition when we should rely; and reliance is mightily helped by Scriptural meditation." H. C. G. Moule. It has been said that 'we know' is "a technical expression for the portion of Christians". J.N.D. Synopsis, 2 Cor. 5:1,1For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (2 Corinthians 5:1) Note. So, let us reflect on some of the things "we know". To begin with, most precious fact, foundation of all our blessings, "We know that the Son of God has come". 1 John 5:2020And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. (1 John 5:20). There are plenty more. If our adoration and thanksgiving are sluggish, surely this will stir them into action. A daily remembrance and assertion of our faith is the best protection against doubts.
So, we come to Petition for our own needs, and Intercession for the needs of others. In this we should be definite, not just say vaguely, Bless so and so; but take the trouble to think, and state what we want for so and so. I found the prayers of the Apostle Paul a great help in this. Paul's prayers might almost be said to fill the place in the New Testament which the Psalms have in the Old Testament. The principal prayers are Eph. 1:16-2316Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:16‑23) and 3:14-21; Phil. 1:9-119And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9‑11); Col. 1:9-17,9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:9‑17) and several in Thessalonians. There are beautiful doxologies, especially in Romans and in Timothy. His prayers are all for spiritual blessings. There is not a very wide range of subjects in them, and the same requests are repeated again and again in different forms in the different prayers. How often he prays for knowledge: that the Christian may know "the Hope of his calling" "the riches of His inheritance", "the exceeding greatness of His power" "the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge" "the knowledge of His will".
In Phil. 1:9-119And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9‑11) I found an outline for prayer for our brethren in China; and no doubt adapted also to many others. "That ye may approve things that are excellent": this is the primary need for all those constantly exposed to indoctrination and brainwashing: that they may see through the propaganda, the falsehoods and the half-truths, and hold fast that which is true. "That ye may be sincere"-how terribly easy it is to go with the stream when there is pressure all around; how hard to say what one really thinks, when such speech may bring you "cruel mocking" or even "bonds and imprisonment. "Filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ" The Christian must be like Daniel-"They could find none occasion or fault; forasmuch as he was faithful", so that his enemies could find no occasion against him except "concerning the Law of his God" Dan. 6:4, 54Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. 5Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. (Daniel 6:4‑5). And when the Christians are not allowed to speak, the testimony of their lives must speak for them. The prayer in Col. 1:9-179For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:9‑17) has much the same thoughts. It ends with a magnificent example of thanksgiving and adoration, and it includes words which we should pray daily for our brethren in prisons and labor camps: That they may be "strengthened with all might" of body, mind and spirit against the physical hardships, against the pressure of false teaching, against the assaults of the evil one, "according to His glorious power", or better "according to the might of His glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness", Col. 1:1111Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; (Colossians 1:11). One may start out rejoicing to be counted worthy to suffer for the Name; but it is hard to suffer long, through years of hardness and loneliness. These three requests, for knowledge, for wisdom, and for a good walk, perhaps cover the whole range of needs for soul and spirit.
A requisite of prayer is a time of silence and waiting-"I will hear what God the Lord will speak" Ps. 85:8. After we have asked for wisdom, have prayed about some problem, we should pause to receive His counsel, if we really believe the promise that "if any man lack wisdom it shall be given him" Ja. 1:5.
We are to pray "always with all prayer and supplication for all saints". Eph. 6:1818Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:18). I found help for this in the letters to the Churches in Rev. 2 and 3. There are the things they must "keep", or "hold fast" -"What thou halt", "My Name", "My Word", "My works", "My Faith"; and in return there is the promise, "I will keep thee". There are warnings, "Remember", "Repent", "Watch", "Fear not", "Be faithful". There are the qualities that are praised, and the qualities that are blamed: all of which is full of instruction.
We are to pray "first of all... for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority". 1 Tim. 2:1, 21I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1‑2). This is very important, and often neglected. It is our first duty in praying to pray for all men: not only for all Christians, or all Englishmen, or Americans, but all men, and all that are in authority. How often do we obey that definite command: "First of all prayers for all that are in authority"? Is it our fault that "a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" is impossible for our brethren in China and Russia, and other Communist lands? We might find words to pray for the rulers of those lands in Psalm 2:10-1210Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. (Psalm 2:10‑12). "Be wise now, therefore, 0 ye kings; be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, for soon His anger burneth" (alternative ending). The judgment of God will come: "For His eyes are upon the ways of man... He shall break in pieces mighty men without number... because they turned back from Him, and would not consider any of His ways: so that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto Him, and He heareth the cry of the afflicted... Whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only." Jab. 34:21-30.
There is so much to pray for, very few have time for everything, but it is a help to make a plan, and pray once a week, or once a month, for the "all men" who are outside our immediate circle. Such a list, with a subject for each day of the month, has been drawn up for China, and may be obtained from the C.I.M. And each can make his own list, as he considers the terrible needs of this world. To pray intelligently we must have knowledge. To pray for "all men" we must keep in touch with what is happening in the world. But the knowledge of which Paul speaks so often may be found in the Scriptures. They will best teach us how to pray.
I do not like to leave this subject without speaking of the outline of prayer which the Lord gave to His disciples. It has very often been a means used by the Spirit to help my infirmities, sometimes just repeating the words, more often trying to sound some of the depth of meaning in each clause. It is a good way to fill in sleepless hours at night, and it will bring sleep.
"Our Father"-it is the prayer of the child, to be used only by those who have "received Him" and so have "the right to be children of God" John 1:1212But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12) NT. If we remember this it will do away with many of the difficulties and the objections to the use of the prayer.
"Which art in Heaven", literally "The One in the Heavens". The plural form gives us the range of His power, as controlling each sphere affected by our petitions. We know there are at least three Heavens. 2 Cor. 12:22I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. (2 Corinthians 12:2). Our Lord seems to distinguish three, though this is not so clear in the English as in the Greek. There is the heaven in which the birds fly, translated 'air', Matt. 6:26; 8:2026Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (Matthew 6:26)
20And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. (Matthew 8:20) etc. Then there is the heaven sometimes translated 'sky' Matt. 16:2,2He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. (Matthew 16:2) where are the clouds and the stars. Matt. 24:3030And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30); Mark 13:2525And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. (Mark 13:25). And there is the heaven where the angels live, Mark 13:32,32But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. (Mark 13:32) Lu. 2:15, and to which our Lord was taken up. Acts 1:1111Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:11). So our Father is here beside us in the air, the atmosphere which surrounds us; He controls the elements, regulates sun and cloud which give us our daily bread; and He is the Ruler of the powers in Heaven.
"Hallowed be Thy Name". It is impossible to come to an end of the requests suggested by this heading. This is far more than reverence in the use of the Name of God, though that is of course included in it. All foolish talking and jesting about holy things, all wicked and profane use of the Name of God we must pray against; and in our awn hearts we need to guard it with the "Holy, holy, holy" reverence of the Seraphim. Is. 6:3, and of the Living Creatures. Rev. 4:88And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. (Revelation 4:8). And here I would like to protest against the flippant use of that holy Name as a name for Sunday. It is constantly both spoken and written without the article, I have even seen it written without a capital, which means that there is no realization of the meaning of what is said. This certainly is taking the Name of the Lord in vain-emptying it of its meaning. Even though we are not under the Law, the command holds good, "Thou shalt not idly utter the Name of Jehovah thy God" Ex. 20:77Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (Exodus 20:7) NT. But there is more than this. `Name' is used in Scripture with the meaning of reputation. We use it in the same way; if you are looking for a lawyer to manage your affairs, you want one "with a good name". Now God has entrusted His Name, His reputation, to us; each Christian is an "epistle of Christ", "known and read of all men" 2 Cor. 3:2, 32Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 3Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. (2 Corinthians 3:2‑3). We are baptized into (lit.) "the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" Matt. 28:30. We are called by that "worthy Name" of Christian. Ja. 2:7. So how much we must pray for help to walk worthy of such a calling. And what a weight of responsibility for the credit of that Name lies upon us when we profess to be "gathered together unto (His) Name". I think we may connect this request with our Lord's own prayer in John 17. There He tells us, "I have manifested Thy Name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world." There is the responsibility and the protection of that Knowledge of the Name: "While I was with them in the world I kept them in Thy Name", and now He prays, "Holy Father, keep through Thine own Name those whom Thou hast given Me". Verses 6, 11, 12. That Name which we must keep holy, it also keeps us. Besides our personal and corporate responsibility to God, there is our responsibility to our fellow men. What are we doing that God's Name may be hallowed among men? How about the places that have never heard His Name? How can His Name be hallowed among them? This brings us to the next request.
"Thy Kingdom come". This has two meanings, corresponding to its double meaning of the present reign over men's hearts, and the future reign of our Lord over all the earth. This is the prayer of the child of God, who longs not only for the Coming, but also for "the Appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ". Tit. 2:1313Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13) NT. There is even a crown promised to "all them that love His appearing". 2 Tim. 4:88Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8). One feels ashamed that so often the desire for His coming is prompted by the wish to escape from our troubles, rather than the meeting with our Lord. We should think of His side of it; He longs to come to receive His bride, and also to take His rightful place as King of Israel, and Lord of all things. Psalm 47 describes it; the prayer book version reads, "God is gone up with a merry noise". How delightful to think of our Lord coming laughing down from Heaven in joy at seeing the fruits of the travail of His soul. All Heaven rejoices and the twenty-four elders give thanks "because Thou hast taken to Thee Thy great power and hast reigned", Rev. 11:15-17,15And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. 16And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, 17Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. (Revelation 11:15‑17) when the prince of this world is cast out, and "the Kingdom of our God and the power of His Christ" is come. Rev. 12:1010And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10). If our eyes can be raised from our own troubles to dwell on our Lord, not only will we desire Him for the excellence of Himself, but our troubles will be estimated at their right value, "not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed". Ro. 8:18. But we must never forget the other meaning. We must always pray for the extension of His Kingdom upon earth; that His Name may be reverenced, and His power acknowledged, and that the Light of His Gospel may illuminate the dark places of the earth. Do we sometimes neglect the necessary emphasis on the Kingship of Christ, and the extension of His Kingdom? Paul speaks of it often, and it is the last thing we are told about His preaching. Acts 28:3131Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. (Acts 28:31).
"Thy Will be done". This again grows out of the previous request, that His Kingdom may be set up, His authority acknowledged, over the whole earth. In the meantime, I apply this request especially to myself. There are three steps-I must know His will, I must desire His will, and I must do His will. We can thank God that He has provided for all three: He has made known His will in His Word, and "it is God Who works in you, both the willing and the working according to His good pleasure" Phil. 2:1313For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13) NT. Then too there is the acceptance of His will; this seems to involve the presentation of our bodies-those members through which we act; and casting aside conformity to this world, we become "transformed by the renewing of the mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God" Ro. 12:1, 2. And so we come, like our Master, to "delight to do Thy will", whatever it is.
"Give us this day our daily bread". This is the one request for bodily needs. There is no request for luxuries, but we can depend on God for necessities. "Bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure". Is. 33:16. This was our promise for the Internment Camp, and we learned there how precious bread and water are, and how many luxuries are not necessities. This request also includes our daily spiritual food, and we should be sure to look for it every day, not just one meal a week.
"Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us". This of course has nothing to do with our eternal forgiveness. This is the prayer of the child to his Father: "If ye call on the Father, Who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. 1 Pe. 1:1717And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: (1 Peter 1:17). Our work has nothing to do with our eternal forgiveness. (Eph. 2:99Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:9); Titus 3:55Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5)) But after we are forgiven and made sons of God, then our Father judges us according to our works. "If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons" Heb. 12:77If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? (Hebrews 12:7); there may be present sorrow, instead of eternal damnation. We see an extreme example of this in 1 Cor. 5:55To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (1 Corinthians 5:5). "To deliver such an one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." It is an extremely solemn request, and we should take heed to it, for it is the only sentence in the prayer which the Lord emphasizes afterward-"If ye forgive... your heavenly Father will forgive. If ye forgive not... neither will your Father forgive". The confession of sin to obtain the fatherly forgiveness is the condition of fellowship with Him and with one another. 1 John 1:7, 97But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9). If we have an unforgiving spirit, we cannot enjoy that fellowship. We must be like our Heavenly Father in His love; just before this the Lord had been telling them, "Love your enemies... that ye may be the children of your Father". Matt. 5:44-4844But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:44‑48). The Apostle puts it the other way round: "Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved". Eph. 4:32; 5:1, 232And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)
1Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor. (Ephesians 5:1‑2). The Lord sent me the warning "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me". Ps. 66:18. Our Lord said "If ye abide in Me, and My Words abide in you". John 15:77If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:7). This is a condition of answered prayer.
"Lead us not into temptation". This clause is a great comfort. We are thankful for the promise that "God... will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able". 1 Cor. 10:1313There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13). James tells us "blessed is the man that endureth temptation" Ja. 1:12. But we naturally shrink from trial, and I am very thankful that we are told to pray for freedom from temptation, both for ourselves and those dear to us. It reminds us of our own weakness, and is a warning against putting ourselves in the way of temptation; but it also reminds us that our Father "Pitieth His children. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust". Ps. 103:13, 14.
"Deliver us from evil", or, from the evil one. This again is a comfort. It is not cowardly, it is God's will for us to avoid evil, and to avoid encounters with the evil one. If he attacks us, we are to resist him. Ja. 4:7. But we are not to seek him out. He is sure however to attack us, and we need God's constant care to protect us from him. I think this 'evil' includes not only sin, but also bodily harm. These two clauses might well be our daily prayer for those in Communist lands.
"For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory". These words probably should not be there. They are not found in the best manuscripts of the Greek text. But it is true and is a beautiful ending. Perhaps it has been taken from David's prayer in 1
Chronicles 29:11. Or from the Hymn of praise in Revelation 5:12,1312Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. 13And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. (Revelation 5:12‑13). For us, the children of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, there is no better ending than that to Paul's prayer-"Now unto Him That is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Eph. 3:20, 2120Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20‑21).