Nov. 17
GOD NEVER FORSAKES
"For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake
his inheritance" Ps. 94:14
No, nor will He cast even so much as one of them. Man has his
cast-offs, but God has none; for His choice is unchangeable, and His
love is everlasting. None can find out a single person whom God has
forsaken after having revealed Himself savingly to him.
This grand truth is mentioned in the psalm to cheer the heart of
the afflicted. The Lord chastens His own; but He never forsakes them.
The result of the double work of the law and the rod is our
instruction, and the fruit of that instruction is a quieting of
spirit, a sobriety of mind, out of which comes rest. The ungodly are
let alone till the pit is digged into which they will fall and be
taken; but the godly are sent to school to be prepared for their
glorious destiny hereafter. Judgment will return and finish its work
upon the rebels, but it will equally return to vindicate the sincere
and godly. Hence we may bear the rod of chastisement with calm
submission; it means not anger, but love.
"God may chasten and correct,
But He never can neglect;
May in faithfulness reprove,
But He ne'er can cease to love."