“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any should have a complaint against any” (Col. 3:13 JND). Why talk of faithfulness in remembering the Lord, if we aren’t, in faithfulness, forbearing with each other?
Why assume that faithfulness to Christ is always to be displayed by rebuking and withdrawing from those with whom we have differences, rather than by willingly extending forgiveness?
“Let all bitterness, and heat of passion, and wrath, and clamor, and injurious language, be removed from you, with all malice” (Eph. 4:31 JND). Why speak of love for Christ while harboring bitter feelings towards those who have offended us?
“Watching lest there be any one who lacks the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it” (Heb. 12:15 JND). Why talk so much of enjoying His grace while refusing to show it towards others?
“Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Heb. 10:17). If really enjoying this truth, why so unwilling to forget wrongs others have done?
“Love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Why speak of obedience to our Lord’s desire to remember Him in death, while at the same time refusing to obey His command to love each other as He has loved us?
“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). Why emphasize keeping the Spirit’s unity when there is unwillingness to strive for it practically among ourselves?
“I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate” (Lev. 26:22). In view of these things, are we surprised that principles of this godless age have found entrance and done damage in those very spheres God instituted for our joy, fruitfulness and safety (marriage, family and the assembly)?
Do we wonder why assemblies, rather than being fruitful and multiplying, are wasting and shrinking? Remember, it is unquestioned obedience and submission to the Word of God (“not My will, but Thine be done”) which brings blessing and fruit. Rationalizing God’s Word to suit our thoughts brings desolation.
The Lord Jesus has told us in words which are easy to be understood, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17). Must we not honestly admit that we aren’t as happy, fruitful or satisfied as we ought to be because we know more but do less? Yet, the solution is quite simple: “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it” (John 2:5).
Zechariah’s “day of small things” or the “two or three” of Matthew 18:20 shouldn’t provide comfort for the results of refusing to submit to God’s Word, “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32). How can we expect to enjoy blessing where this spirit is lacking?
“I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground” (Mal. 3:11). Though this is surely God’s desire for us, it is contingent on our obedience to Him.
Ed.