July (part 2 of 2)
JULY 19
"...we should serve in newness of spirit" (Rom. 7:6).
From God's Word, we are being made to see how each and every one of us as God's witness can become fruitful and even abundantly fruitful in God's service. All of us as fellow-believers are called by God to a high heavenly calling, to serve Him as His co-workers. In two places in the Scriptures we are called God's co-workers (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 6:1). That privilege is not given to angels and that is why nowhere in the Bible we read of angels as God's co-workers. Our high heavenly calling is to build for Him His glorious, everlasting, heavenly Sanctuary.
From the story of Moses we see how God prepares us for His ministry. First of all, we see that our human Zeal cannot make us useful for God. Moses tried to serve God with his zeal and met with failure. Even though he made a great sacrifice in refusing to be called Pharaoh's daughter's son, and showed much zeal to serve the people of God and help them, he came across failure. He had to run away and hide himself in a desert with his father-in-law for forty years. During that period of forty years, he forgot what all he learned in Egypt. Even though the man of God was so mightily taught in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was mighty in words and in deeds, God could not use him. To make him forget all what he learnt in Egypt, God had to take him away from Egypt. Thus he became empty, before God could use him mightily and fruitfully.
Then God gave him a definite personal experience of His holiness (Exodus 3). None of us can be useful to God by our human qualifications, wisdom, or cleverness. First of all we need to have a personal experience of the loving and the living God. "And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed." (v.2). By living in the desert with his father-in-law for forty years, Moses became like a dry bush. Only then he could become entirely dependent upon God and God's Word to serve Him and follow Him.
Then he saw the fire in the bush, and that bush was not consumed. He was made to see how God is holy; God wants us to be indwelt by Him. In a symbolic way it speaks of the experience of new birth. We know that in our flesh dwelleth no good thing (Rom. 7:18). According to God's standard, He wants us to have everlasting righteousness. Only then we can become His co-workers for eternity in His heavenly kingdom. This burning bush and the divine fire, speak of the righteousness of God - God's own righteousness. According to Rom. 10:3,4 there is God's righteousness and there is our righteousness. Moses tried to become righteous before God by his own wisdom and zeal for his people. No one could find any fault in his life at that time. He was a man of great sacrifice. Always he had some way to help his people. That way he become self-righteous. What we do in self-righteousness cannot please God. When Moses saw the fire, he understood how he had to become righteous before God. Now having become righteous, Moses heard God's voice (Exo. 3:4). After we become righteous by God's righteousness, we have to receive heavenly, definite, commission to serve God in some capacity.
JULY 20
"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:14).
Upon this earth we can never find anyone who is perfect. All of us as human beings have the old sinful Adamic nature and hence we are bound to fall again and again. Only when we see the Lord Jesus Christ face to face, shall we be like Him. Till then all of us make mistakes, sometimes, somewhere. The Psalmist says in Psa. 130:3, "If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? Yes, if we truly examine ourselves in the light of His Word, and before His searching eyes, none of us can stand. Even the apostle Paul said in Romans 7:18, "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing." He also tells us about the battle between the flesh and the Spirit, which was going on in his heart. We too have to face such battles. But there is no need to be discouraged. Our Lord is full of compassion. Psalm 130:4 says that there is forgiveness with the Lord. The moment we go to Him confessing our sins He forgives us because He died for our sins. His love and compassion are far more than we can ever understand. Any time we fail or are defiled by thought, word or deed we must humble ourselves and by faith claim His precious blood for deliverance. Then we will be cleansed, forgiven, restored and enabled to walk in the Spirit according to Gal. 5:16.
Whenever we are defiled we must go to the Lord at once and confess, saying, "Lord, I have defiled myself. Have mercy upon me. I trust in Thy mercy for forgiveness, and in Thy precious blood for cleansing." This is how our fellowship with Him will be restored. We have His promises in Psalm 37:23,28,38,39 and also in Proverbs 24:16. In our weak moments the devil sometimes deceives us, but there is always provision for us in the precious blood of Jesus for cleansing and full restoration.
JULY 21
"..we do not war after the flesh" (2 Cor. 10:3).
When all the tribes had acknowledged David as king, the Jebusites also were defeated, yet there were some Philistines who refused to come under the lordship of David (2 Sam. 5:17,18). While he was pursued by Saul and was hiding in the cave of Adullam David had learned to seek God's counsel and enquire from Him before going anywhere. "And David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand" (2 Sam. 5:19). Under God's guidance he was able to defeat the Philistines who came against him (verse 22). Thus we find how our human nature rebels against the Headship and the Lordship of the Lord Jesus Christ. You may come under the Headship of the Lord Jesus Christ in one area but other areas are left open.
These Philistines were very strong and they used every possible means to refuse to come under the kingship of David. But David did not depend upon his own army or his own wisdom for victory. He enquired from God how to fight and where to fight. In this case he had to wait and hear the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees before they went against the Philistines (vs. 24). That speaks of the moving of the Spirit of God. By worldly weapons of warfare we cannot defeat the enemy and come under the Headship of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is only by the spiritual weapons of warfare that we can defeat the enemy. "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds): Casting 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 Cor. 10:4,5). That is the only way by which we can defeat the enemy, and keep ourselves constantly under the Kingship and the Lordship of the Lord Jesus Christ. Satan has great enmity against the Headship and the Kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is why we find many people rebelling against His Kingship and becoming independent. God had to drive out all the enemies of David and then make him king over all. May the Lord teach us how to keep ourselves under the Kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ in every matter.
JULY 22
"And upon the first of the week...the disciples came together to break bread" (Acts 20:7).
The early believers used to gather regularly on every Lord's day for the breaking of bread. The main purpose for our gathering together on the Lord's day is to remember our Lord, the price He paid to be our Saviour, and His second coming to make us like Himself. If we take part in the Lord's Table worthily, regularly, faithfully and humbly we will grow spiritually.
We keep the table in the middle to remind us that all of us are equal in His sight and have equal access to Him. At the table we understand the mystery of the Body of Christ, that we are all unto Him equally precious, equally necessary and equally important. By taking part in the Lord's Table we testify that He is our bread and He is our drink and in Him we are fully satisfied. "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst". (John 6:35). By taking part worthily we are freed from all worldly desires and worldly attractions. When we partake of the Lord's Table worthily we enjoy oneness with all believers of all classes. That is why both men and women are invited equally in the Name of the Lord Jesus to take part in worship and in the Table. All those who are born again, whose sins are forgiven, who have found true peace in the Lord Jesus Christ and are looking for His coming, can take part. But they should take part with clean hands, good conscience and pure heart.
In 1 Cor. 10:21 the apostle speaks of two tables, the Table of the Lord and the table of the devil. "Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of the devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils". Worldly pleasures, worldly music, worldly parties, worldly functions, worldly associations, worldly fashions and worldly books speak of the devil's table. The Lord's Table speaks of God's plan, God's Church and God's House. We cannot take part in both. If we seek our satisfaction in the devil's table we cannot take part in the Lord's Table. There are many believers throughout the world who are hungry for the devil's table - cinema, theatres, dancing, worldly books, T.V., world parties and worldly music. If that is your condition you cannot take part in the Lord's Table. You must be able to say, "The Lord is my satisfaction and I have no other desire." By taking part in the Lord's Table we testify together saying, "The Lord is my spiritual bread and spiritual drink: by faith I feed upon Him and He is my full satisfaction."
If you are defiled by sinful thoughts, deeds or words put things right before taking part in the Lord's Table, Go upon your knees and pray, "Lord, test me, prove me, examine me, search me, weigh me and help me to take part worthily" (Psa. 139:23,24). If we take part unworthily, the Scripture says, we will be doing so for damnation. "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body" (1 Cor. 11:27,29). By taking part worthily we give a practical proof of the working of the power of the Lord Jesus Christ in us. Through the power of resurrection we become righteous and by the same power we go on conquering earthly trials. "...Jesus our Lord...was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification"
(Romans 4:24-25). After examining ourselves we should take part in the Lord's Table, with humility and thankfulness, respectfully and by faith.
JULY 23
"... there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me..." (2 Cor. 12:7).
There is some painful thorn in every life which is beyond human understanding. We wonder why God allows that thorn in our lives. You can go to any preacher, attend any convention or read any book, you face the same questions. "Why has the Lord allowed this thorn in my life? I do not mind any other thorn, but this particular thorn is very painful which I cannot bear. Why should that thorn come through that friend? I can never imagine that a friend should become a thorn in my life?. That is where we get puzzled; we cannot understand these things. We read the Bible and other books and pray and yet we get no answer. We go to many friends and yet have no answer. Then we go on saying. "That preacher is not good, he does not answer any questions. I have a painful thorn and I wonder why the Lord has allowed that thorn in my life". Even if you go to the third heaven you will never get an answer. Whatever the thorn may be, it must remain in your flesh. We have no right to know why thorns are allowed in our lives. Only God knows. It is something in your life, through friends, neighbours, husband or wife, preachers, church elders or anyone else. The fact remains that you have a thorn and you find it extremely painful to bear it. That thorn has taken away your peace. Your hunger for God's Word has gone and you feel so puzzled, confused and perplexed. You find yourself weak and begin to search your heart. You confess your sins, known and unknown. Whenever you confess your sins, you are washed and forgiven, but the thorn is still there, because God wants to teach you about His grace. What we can never learn in any way, we will learn by a thorn allowed by God in His sovereign way. As our Creator God has every right to keep silent. You cannot command Him to give you an answer right now. He will keep silent in many matters in our lives. He will not answer all our questions. You will find that some of your questions will remain unanswered till you die. The Lord will give you an answer only when you see Him face to face. God says, "It is My way to teach you about My grace, and it is abundant grace". It is by grace we have the privilege of enjoying salvation. You may think that you know all about grace, but God has to teach you much more about grace.
Please see 1 Peter 5:10, "But 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". Here Peter calls Him the God of grace. God has called us unto His eternal glory. God wants us to behold His glory, be partakers of that glory, enjoy His kingdom and live with Him and reign with Him, all because of His grace. God is thinking of eternity and His eternal kingdom and glory. Our sufferings are for a while. Though it appears to be many years, in God's sight it is a only a few seconds. Do not worry about your thorn.
JULY 24
"... a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust" (Ruth 2:12).
Ruth had gone to Bethlehem with the earnest desire to know more about the God of Israel. The God of Israel took note of this desire, and in His sovereign grace led her to a company of devout people, and to Boaz, a God fearing man.
See the way the servant introduced Ruth to Boaz. "It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Noami" (Ruth 2:6). these words show that in the very short period Ruth had been in Bethlehem, people had come to know of her devotion to the Lord and her great longing for spiritual things. The people of God had taken note of her love and sacrifice for the Lord, and were speaking about these qualities in her. If your devotion and love for the Lord are sincere, and if you are prepared for any sacrifice in order to know Him more intimately, your fellow-believers will notice this fact, and it will be a sweet savour for the Lord, wherever you go.
More important than that, Boaz noticed this sweet savour about her. Mark his words in chapter 2:12: "....the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust". Before she spoke a word to him about her great longing, Boaz understood that she had come to put her trust under the wings of the God of Israel. It was this which brought her into his favour, and eventually made her his wife.
Most of all GOD noticed the sweet fragrance of her character. Ruth had come to Israel with the desire to know more about the God of Israel. The God of Israel took note of her sincerity of purpose, and blessed her. He favoured her to such an extent that she became the grand-mother of Israel's great king, David, thus was made a link in His eternal plan to bring forth His Son into the world. God blessed Ruth, and in blessing her, many other were blessed through her. She thus proved in her life the truth of Jer. 29:13, "ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart". When we have an earnest desire to know more about the Lord, and have a hunger for God's word, the Lord will make full provision to satisfy our longing and bless many others through us.
The book of Ruth begins with a famine and ends with a note of triumph and rejoicing. If your life has become barren and unfruitful, search yourself to find out the cause of this famine. It may be that you are away from fellowship; or you are too busy with your worldly activities and you have cut short your prayer time. Whatever be the cause of the barrenness which has come into your life, there is no need for you to remain in this barren condition. If you turn back to the Lord in sincere repentance, the Lord will forgive you, and turn your sorrow into joy, and your tears into laughter. He will help you to recover every loss.
JULY 25
"By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not" (Hebrews 11:31).
Rahab was concerned about her own household. She requested the spies to show kindness unto her father's house, and give her a true token that they would save them alive (Joshua 2:11,12). Similarly every believer can claim salvation for his or her family, accordingly to the promise given to us in Acts 16:31. As we claim by faith, salvation for our relatives, we will be given a full share in the great Heavenly inheritance. Many people say that they are born again but when we question them whether they are praying for their friends and unconverted members of their families, they have no answer. If we also are concerned about the salvation of our relations we will have our full share in the inheritance. We must claim God's promise and go on interceding on behalf of our unsaved ones. We may have to wait for a long time before we see our prayers being answered, but without fainting we must continue in prayer and claim deliverance for the whole household.
Then Rahab tied the scarlet thread on the window. This means that by faith she came under the sprinkling of the blood. The spies might have told her how in Egypt they were delivered from the angel of death by the sprinkling of blood on the lintels and doorposts. She gathered all her people and by faith tied the scarlet thread as much as to say that she brought them all under the blood, and thus she and her family were delivered from the coming judgment. She did this straightway without wasting time in spite of the fact that Joshua and the children of Israel were still very far away. Even though she knew that Jericho was a strong city with very thick walls, and that there were many mighty men of valour in the city to fight against the children of Israel, still her faith was firm and great, and she believed in the victory of the living God. That is why without any delay she tied the scarlet thread. It is through faith, and simple faith alone that we can claim salvation and thus find ourselves ready to receive the great heavenly inheritance.
JULY 26
"For the preaching of the cross is ... unto us which are saved...the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:18).
For many centuries men blindly worshipped a figure of the cross and burned incense before it. See what God says; "the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God... But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God" (1 Cor. 1:18,24). Because of sin all men have become foolish before God and extremely weak. We work so hard to earn money, and then waste it afterwards. We use our hands and feet to bring sin and shame. Our lives are a misery. But God has planned to restore us, and make us all wise and strong in the Lord Jesus Christ. That wisdom and power can come only from the cross.
The Lord says, "And I, if I be lifted up..., will draw all men unto me" (John 12:32). But how foolish men are! They think they can draw others by their worldly wisdom, works and money. That is why you see so much barrenness in Christian work in many parts of the world. But those who have received the cross and have come into the experience of the cross are completely transformed and they go on being transformed till they become like Christ.
The work of the cross in your life cannot be done easily. It can be done only by the Holy Spirit. It may happen in your life now or sometime later. But one thing is certain, once you understand the meaning of the cross you will never be the same person again. There will be a new person in your life. Christ died that you may die to your old nature. He rose again that you may rise with Him and become a new creation.
There is much to be said about the cross. Why did Christ die such a death? He did not die for angels, they have no need. Nor did He die for Himself, He did no sin. He did not die for birds or animals. He died for me; whether you know it or not, He died for you. Why then did He die for sinful men though He did no sin Himself? Why was He mocked by wicked men, and why did such a sinless Person die? I wish to answer these questions by giving you seven points about the cross. Firstly, He died for my sins, to free me from judgment and from the condemnation of sin. Secondly, He died that I may die to my wretched sinful nature. Thirdly, He died that I may die to the world and its deception. Fourthly, He died to put an end to the old creation. When you cut the trunk of a tree the whole tree falls down. Similarly when God Who is our Creator died, He died to put an end to the old creation. Fifthly, He died to become my living bread. Sixthly, He died to make us one body and one family. Seventhly, He died to make us entirely new like Himself. When these truths are clear to us, and when by faith we look to the cross of the Lord Jesus, we receive new life.
JULY 27
"... I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts" (Hebrews 8:10).
In order to be fitted into God's plan we have to be kept constantly under the Headship and the Lordship of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ, as the author of the New Testament, by the New Covenant writes divine laws upon our hearts (Heb. 8:8-11). By the old covenant all men were brought under condemnation. They were made to see their absolute corruption. The Lord Jesus Christ as the author of the new covenant conquered all temptations, fulfilled all the commandments and Himself became our righteousness by the power of resurrection. By the same power He writes His laws upon our hearts. Even the weakest believer can follow the Lord through the Holy Spirit. In Galatians chapter five Paul the apostle, uses three expressions for a Spirit-filled life: walk in the Spirit (v.16); be led of the Spirit (v.18): and live in the Spirit (v. 25). When we walk we go step by step, we do not jump. According to Prov.3:6 in all our ways we must acknowledge His Lordship. That means at every step we have to seek His help. According to Psa.37:23 our steps are ordered by Him. The Holy Spirit will govern and lead us and thus we can live in the Holy Spirit.
The Lord Jesus Christ as the Chief Engineer knows the plan of the Heavenly habitation, but He will not show us the entire plan at a time. We have to receive instructions from Him day by day. It is a daily exercise. But many times we fail to seek God's help, wisdom and guidance for our daily tasks and ministry. When we are under God's perfect plan, we can enjoy the true peace of God. That is why when the Temple was being built in the days of Solomon, no tool such as a hammer or an axe was used (1 Kings 6:7). God told David that the Temple was going to be built by his son Solomon. We read in 1 Chron. 28:19 that God gave David, the whole plan in writing. The workers had to follow that plan in every detail. They used very big stones beautifully cut for building the Temple. There was no need for any instrument or hammer at the site: they were already cut to the size and shaped beautifully. Thus the work went on quietly. This speaks of peace and quietness. When we are under God's heavenly plan there will be growing heavenly peace in our hearts.
JULY 28
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" (Col. 3:23).
In the third chapter of Nehemiah, we find that every one was given some important task to be done, irrespective of their status, whether they were priests, nobles, merchants or goldsmiths (vs. 8,31,32). Although shallum the son of Halohesh was the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem (v. 12) yet he and his daughters came forward to do their share of the work. The high priest, Eliashib and his brethern took a leading part in the work of the Lord (v.1).
These days we find even among servants of God that some of them do not want to take up any strenuous or hard work. Some people expect special consideration and regard to be shown to them as if they are in some way superior to or different from others. We all should take some share in the work of God no matter who we are and from what background we come. The lesson we have to learn here is willingness to serve Him and remain in divine order. In the House of God we cannot make our own choice but we have to do only God's will. His order, His command and His plan should be our aim. If people had not obeyed Nehemiah, the walls of Jerusalem would not have been built. Because of their obedience to his leadership in spite of the opposition of the enemies they moved ahead working till they had finally completed the work. This became possible for Nehemiah only as the people did not bother him with requests for special concessions or considerations to be given to them.
The Lord Jesus is our heavenly Nehemiah. He has the perfect plan for building the New Jerusalem. If we allow God's order and plan in His House, and remain under the Headship of our Lord Jesus Christ and do everything as unto Him, then alone we will have the honour to see life flowing through us to different parts of the world as we go about toiling as His co-labourers. The Lord keeps a record of what we are doing and how we are doing it. Let us learn to use the secret of taking part whole-heartedly to notice how God will supply extra strength, grace and wisdom for whatever work we undertake to do. We will also enjoy spiritual oneness and love among ourselves (John 13:35).
JULY 29
"I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:18).
The joy of the Lord can be enjoyed at all times. It is not occasionally or for a short period. Our life is always subject to changes because of different circumstances such as sickness, persecution, pain, poverty, loneliness and bereavement. But this joy can be experienced even in very unhappy situations, because it is the joy of the Lord. The Bible says in 1 Thess. 5:16 about this joy, "Rejoice evermore".
Also this joy cannot be snatched away from us by anyone, friends or enemies, relations or strangers. "..your joy no man taketh from you" (John 16:22). Enemies may rob us of our earthly joy, but they cannot take away the joy which is from heaven. Some people through jealousy and enmity bring false accusations against us and try to take away our earthly joy. But this joy of the Lord "no man taketh from us". If your joy is truly spiritual and heavenly no one can tamper with it.
The joy of the Lord is a peculiar joy which can be enjoyed even when one loses all that he has. "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour 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" (Hab. 3:17-18). In the year 1935, I myself saw how 58,000 people died in 18 seconds in the Quetta earthquake. The few believers who lived there miraculously escaped death although they lost everything they had. They were singing songs and enjoying Bible study meetings. They were least worried about what they had lost. Their joy was real, not depending upon wealth, property, position or job.
Sorrow cannot take away the joy of the Lord. "As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing: as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things" (2 Cor. 6:10). You might wonder how there can be any joy in sorrow. But it is God Who gives such a joy. The Lord Jesus could make a stormy sea perfectly calm and quiet (Matt. 8:26). In the same way God's people enjoy great peace within their hearts even in the midst of great sorrow and bereavement, or any kind of suffering or trial. In times of sorrow we must go upon our knees and say, "God cannot make a mistake. His love never changes. His Word never changes. He is sovereign". Thus we will see that a true believer never loses his joy even in intense sorrow or grief.
JULY 30
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:2).
In the dream Nebuchadnezzar saw a huge image, with a head of gold, the breast and arms of silver, the belly and thighs of brass, the legs of iron and the feet part of iron and part of clay. Then the king saw a stone "cut out without hands" and it fell upon the feet of the image, and broke the whole image into pieces. It became like chaff or dry straw which the wind carried away. Then the stone began to increase till it became a big mountain, which filled the whole earth (Daniel 2:35).
In this simple way the Lord showed how in the end all the kingdoms of the world will be broken into pieces and the kingdom of the Living God will cover the whole universe. Now the stone cut without hands speaks of the virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of a virgin and laid as a babe in the manger. But one day His Kingdom will be established throughout the whole universe.
If you look at yourself as God sees you, you will see that right inside your heart also there is hidden a huge image. So far you may not have realized this, but by the light of the Word of God you can see those things which have been brought by Satan into the heart. In every heart is found the love for gold (earthly glory), silver (love for money), and brass (human strength), iron (human weapons) in greater or lesser degree. Men are not able to understand the grace of God, the power of God and the way of God, because their energy is being spent either upon gold, silver, brass or iron and it is these things which hinder you from coming near to God. If you realize your own condition you will find these four forces working, and that is why you have been carried away, pulled and dragged away from God's power again and again. The devil deceives us. You think that it is quite natural to be ambitious to have more money or income. But is this God's plan for you?
God wants for us, the true gold (divine nature), silver (redemption), and brass (divine strength) and iron (divine weapons). But before He can give us that, He must take away from us the false gold, false silver, and false brass and the false iron. That is how we first receive the Lord Jesus Christ as the Rock cut out without hands. We receive Him in a simple way by simple faith. Have you felt that Rock breaking the gold, the silver, the brass and the iron into pieces? And the wind began to blow and drive out the chaff. The wind is the symbol of the Holy Spirit coming into man's heart. It is the Holy Spirit Who drives out the chaff of gold, silver, brass and iron. The Rock we are told, increases and goes on increasing. It will fill you through and through till every lesser thing will be removed and your whole heart, and being will be filled with the Lord Jesus Christ. He will become your gold, silver, brass and iron.
JULY 31
"For the LORD's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance" (Deut. 32:9).
We are compared to a shining pearl. "...a merchant man...when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it" (Matt. 13:45,46). Generally pearls are noted for their beauty and brightness. We have to believe that even though we are foolish and weak in this world, we are very beautiful, valuable and precious in the sight of God. A child may be very ugly, stupid and dirty, yet with boldness it goes to the mother. That child is so precious to her. Our spiritual beauty is required by the Lord to confound the enemy. Before we were born again we were like filthy rags. The same filthy rag has now become a shining pearl.
Again, we are compared to everlasting inheritance. "For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance" (Deut. 32:9). Great men of the world take pride in their worldly inheritance. Our Lord does not receive us as strangers. He receives us as His everlasting inheritance of everlasting value and that is why He gives us boldness to call upon Him for all our needs and burdens. The Lord does not want us to suffer any loss. He cares for us more than He cares for any angel or for the heaven and earth which will pass away. They cannot be regarded as God's everlasting inheritance. They are things of vanity. But believers are God's everlasting inheritance. All these parables help us to call upon God boldly and with right. Only those who are not born again have to call upon Him for mercy. God is gracious and He welcomes and satisfies everyone.
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9). We are a chosen generation that means, we are chosen by God with a very high and lofty purpose which is beyond our comprehension. In the sky the stars are so beautiful and glorious, but they cannot show forth God's glory and greatness as believers do. We are a royal priesthood. We are both priests and kings. As kings and priests, we have the boldness to go into His presence with strong faith. We as spiritual people have wonderful opportunity to show forth His glory. Even in small matters, God shows forth His grace. He wants us to praise Him even for small matters.