Evening, October 20
Go To Morning Reading
“Keep not back.”
Isaiah 43:6
Although this message was sent to the south, and referred to the seed
of Israel, it may profitably be a summons to ourselves. Backward we
are naturally to all good things, and it is a lesson of grace to learn
to go forward in the ways of God. Reader, are you unconverted, but
do you desire to trust in the Lord Jesus? Then keep not back . Love invites you, the promises secure you success, the precious
blood prepares the way. Let not sins or fears hinder you, but come
to Jesus just as you are. Do you long to pray? Would you pour out
your heart before the Lord? Keep not back . The mercy-seat is prepared for such as need mercy; a sinner’s cries will prevail with God. You are invited, nay, you are commanded
to pray; come therefore with boldness to the throne of grace.
Dear friend, are you already saved? Then keep not back from union with the Lord’s people. Neglect not the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. You may be of a timid disposition, but you must strive against
it, lest it lead you into disobedience. There is a sweet promise made
to those who confess Christ—by no means miss it, lest you come under the condemnation of those
who deny him. If you have talents keep not back from using them. Hoard not your wealth, waste not your time; let
not your abilities rust or your influence be unused. Jesus kept not
back; imitate him by being foremost in self-denials and self-sacrifices.
Keep not back from close communion with God, from boldly appropriating covenant
blessings, from advancing in the divine life, from prying into the
precious mysteries of the love of Christ. Neither, beloved friend,
be guilty of keeping others back by your coldness, harshness, or suspicions.
For Jesus’ sake go forward yourself, and encourage others to do the like. Hell
and the leaguered bands of superstition and infidelity are forward
to the fight. O soldiers of the cross, keep not back.