Evening, July 25
Go To Morning Reading
“In their affliction they will seek me early.”
Hosea 5:15
Losses and adversities are frequently the means which the great Shepherd
uses to fetch home his wandering sheep; like fierce dogs they worry
the wanderers back to the fold. There is no making lions tame if they
are too well fed; they must be brought down from their great strength,
and their stomachs must be lowered, and then they will submit to the
tamer’s hand; and often have we seen the Christian rendered obedient to
the Lord’s will by straitness of bread and hard labour. When rich and increased
in goods many professors carry their heads much too loftily, and speak
exceeding boastfully. Like David, they flatter themselves, “My mountain standeth fast; I shall never be moved.” When the Christian groweth wealthy, is in good repute, hath good
health, and a happy family, he too often admits Mr. Carnal Security
to feast at his table, and then if he be a true child of God there
is a rod preparing for him. Wait awhile, and it may be you will see
his substance melt away as a dream. There goes a portion of his estate—how soon the acres change hands. That debt, that dishonoured bill—how fast his losses roll in, where will they end? It is a blessed
sign of divine life if when these embarrassments occur one after another
he begins to be distressed about his backslidings, and betakes himself
to his God. Blessed are the waves that wash the mariner upon the rock
of salvation! Losses in business are often sanctified to our soul’s enriching. If the chosen soul will not come to the Lord full-handed,
it shall come empty. If God, in his grace, findeth no other means
of making us honour him among men, he will cast us into the deep;
if we fail to honour him on the pinnacle of riches, he will bring
us into the valley of poverty. Yet faint not, heir of sorrow, when
thou art thus rebuked, rather recognize the loving hand which chastens,
and say, “I will arise, and go unto my Father.”