Morning, April 6
Go To Evening Reading
“Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp.”
Hebrews 13:13
Jesus, bearing his cross, went forth to suffer without the gate. The
Christian’s reason for leaving the camp of the world’s sin and religion is not because he loves to be singular, but because
Jesus did so ; and the disciple must follow his Master. Christ was “not of the world:” his life and his testimony were a constant protest against conformity
with the world. Never was such overflowing affection for men as you
find in him; but still he was separate from sinners. In like manner
Christ’s people must “go forth unto him.” They must take their position “without the camp,” as witness-bearers for the truth. They must be prepared to tread
the straight and narrow path. They must have bold, unflinching, lion-like
hearts, loving Christ first, and his truth next, and Christ and his
truth beyond all the world. Jesus would have his people “go forth without the camp” for their own sanctification . You cannot grow in grace to any high degree while you are conformed
to the world. The life of separation may be a path of sorrow, but
it is the highway of safety; and though the separated life may cost
you many pangs, and make every day a battle, yet it is a happy life
after all. No joy can excel that of the soldier of Christ: Jesus reveals
himself so graciously, and gives such sweet refreshment, that the
warrior feels more calm and peace in his daily strife than others
in their hours of rest. The highway of holiness is the highway of
communion. It is thus we shall hope to win the crown if we are enabled by divine grace faithfully to follow Christ “without the camp.” The crown of glory will follow the cross of separation. A moment’s shame will be well recompensed by eternal honour; a little while
of witness-bearing will seem nothing when we are “forever with the Lord.”