The ascent of the Lord Jesus to the right hand of God, and the consequent descent of the Holy Spirit to dwell in His people on earth, specially characterise this age of grace. The Lord Jesus said, ‘It is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) will not come unto you, but if I depart I will send Him unto you’ (John 16:7). The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit supersedes all the Old Testament methods of guidance, such as the visible cloud in the wilderness (Num.9:15-22), the Urim and Thummim (Ex.28:29; Num.27:21), and the casting of lots (Prov.16:33). Even so, the Lord’s ways of guiding His people under the new conditions of this age are no less varied than of old differing according to the character and experience of each individual. A special instance of divine guidance is recorded of Paul in Acts 16:6-10. Forbidden of the Spirit to preach the word in Asia, and not suffered to go into Bithynia, he was next given a night vision of a man of Macedonia, saying, "Come over into Macedonia and help us". We are not told how these prohibitions of the Spirit were intimated to them, whether by a prophetic utterance of one having the gift of prophecy, as in Acts 13:2, or by some inward impression. But Paul and his companions, putting it all together, assuredly gathered that the Lord was calling them to cross over into Macedonia. That his conclusion was correct is confirmed by all his subsequent experience. Later, in chapter 21:4, intimation was given to Paul by the Spirit through certain disciples that he should not go up to Jerusalem. But against all indications to the contrary, he went, and suffered much in consequence. As has been remarked, this journey resulted in "an enraged populace, a trembling Felix, an almost persuaded Agrippa, but no record of a soul saved’. That God could still direct in such ways need not be questioned, but the gift of prophecy having ceased, other methods are adopted by the Spirit now. The operations of the Spirit are pre-eminently intelligent. It is "the eyes of the understanding" that He enlightens (Eph.1:18). He desires that the saints should be "filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" (Col. l:9). This is something even higher than being led by impulses or circumstances. It is the result of intimate acquaintance with the mind of God acquired through the Spirit’s teaching in the Word. The exhortation in Eph.5:8 to be filled with the Spirit, finds its counterpart in Col.3:16, "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly". Like the river that flows with perfect freedom, but always in the limits of its own channel, so in the leading of the Spirit there is liberty, but always in the limits prescribed by the Word of God. To assert that the Spirit is the author or leader in things that are contrary to the plain teaching of Scripture is to commit a grave error. Yet under cover of its being "of the Spirit", a place is given to women in public ministry that the Word never assigned to them. That which professes to be the gift of tongues is permitted and encouraged, even though no interpreter is present, and none could recognise the utterances to be like any known language. Such confusion as men and women speaking, praying and singing all at one time, is gloried in, whereas the Word is perfectly explicit as to what constitutes becoming order. ‘God is not the author of confusion, but of peace". The exercise of spiritual gifts must be in subjection to the expressed will and authority of the Lord (I Cor.14:23,33). Isaiah writes concerning Jehovah’s Servant, "The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord, and shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord" (Isa. 11:2,3). Here are the qualifications for divine guidance. It is all of the Spirit, but it is by means of the Word. Not the Word apart from the Spirit, nor the Spirit apart from the Word, but the renewed mind moulded and formed by the Word under the teaching of the Spirit. Of those who make it their aim to be guided in this way, it may be said that, "by reason of use their senses are exercised to discern both good and evil" (Heb.5:14). They quickly discern whether a suggested course is good or evil, and they are able to choose the good and refuse the evil. The fear of the Lord is the grand necessity for all true guidance, for it produces meekness of spirit and willingness to obey. In Psalm.25:9,14, David assures us, ‘The meek will He guide in judgement; the meek will He teach His way". ‘The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him". And in John 7:17 the Lord Jesus promises, "If any man be willing to do His will he shall know". The guided one may be counted a fool by the world, but God would have none of His children to act foolishly. The spirit which He has given us is ‘not the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound (or wise) mind" (2 Tim.1:7). These things ought to form the texture of every Christian’s life, but how often instead of power there is evident weakness; instead of love there is rather jealousy and estrangement; instead of a sound mind, there is haste, folly and imprudence. Solomon’s advice in Prov.3:5,6 is invaluable: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths". The promise in Psalrn.32:8, "I will guide thee with mine eye", clearly implies that the guided one is continually looking toward the eye of his guide, and has some understanding of his purpose, whereas the horse and the mule of verse 9 have no such understanding, and must be controlled by bit and bridle. The contrast here may be illustrated by the mutual confidence between a loving husband and wife. The husband may be far away and consultation impossible, but by long association she knows her husband’s mind, and knowing what course he would adopt under the circumstances, acts accordingly. It is somewhat in this way that the obedient child of God learns the mind and will of his Father and his Lord, and acts instinctively so as to please Him. Sometimes a certain course or act is forcibly impressed upon the mind. This may or may not be of the Spirit, and requires to be tested by the Word of God and prayer. Some seem almost to hear a voice behind them saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it" (lsa.30:21). The Lord has various ways of guiding, and the experience of one is no rule for another. The great thing is to honestly seek the knowledge of the Lord’s will and to be ready to obey promptly. - Extract. J.R. Caldwell. GOD’S REST "And on the seventh day God ended His work which He We, of course are not to understand that God rested because he was weary from His work. Rather, it was the rest of satisfaction, a rest in His purpose completed - what He had ordained from all Eternity had come to pass. As He reviewed it all at the end of the sixth day, "Behold, it was very good". From this rest of God, after the creation of all material things, our mind is directed to that other scene on Calvary, and there we see One hanging on a Cross, and we hear Him give expression to these momentous words, "It is finished". Has anything been added to God’s work in Nature? No, never. God did not rest in an uncompleted work. So dear fellow believer, remember that it is the same in the realm of grace. The righteousness which is imputed to you is a perfect righteousness, it can neither be added to nor taken from. The ritualist and formalist may try to add something of their own making to God’s creation, but hopeless and needless is their labour, for what can man do to improve God’s finished work? However, we have not so learned Christ, for what satisfies eternal justice satisfies us, and we rejoice in the fact that through the accomplished work of our Redeemer there is imputed to us a righteousness, clothed with which we stand "accepted in the Beloved". "Rest, weary soul, - S.H. Strain. RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS In Romans chapter 13 Paul reminds his readers that as citizens in the real world "your reasonable service" involves knowing where you responsibility lies in relation to the state, and toward your neighbour. Here we are taught three important things about government (vv. 1-7). The Fountain of Government (vv. 1-4). "The powers that be are ordained of God". The repeated phrase, "of God" confirms that all government finds its origin in God, indicating that God is behind the principle of government. In the book of Daniel, God impressed on Nebuchadnezzar three things: 1. God is the Sovereign Ruler of the nations and He will give the rule to whom He will. 2. The sequence of nations and their ongoing histories are all under His control. 3. Ultimately, earthly government, having run its course, will be shattered and replaced with an everlasting kingdom. As Christians, we can rest assured that government in the world is moving under the direction of God until the climax is reached, and the "kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ". With this knowledge we can submit to the higher powers even when those powers may be corrupt, as when the Lord Jesus stood before Pilate (John.19:10-11). To set ourselves against the authorities is to oppose what has been instituted by God. Disobedience to human authority is disobedience to God. The Function of Government is next examined (vv.3-5). In summary, it is to "reward the good and punish the evil doer". That is the proper sphere of civil rule and in this respect it is to be obeyed. The divine purpose of government is clearly defined in the Scriptures and where it disputes God’s authority we take the stand that Peter took in Acts 4:19; 5:29 "Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye"; "We ought to obey God rather than men". Christians have the right to question principles and acts of governments when they are contrary to God’s law. At the same time we must remember that however perverse government may be, the Christian is not to be involved in agitating for its overthrow. In days when radicalism is the watchword, we recall that Peter and Paul both wrote to encourage the believers to continue in quiet obedience, suffering wrongfully if called to do so, and to "be in subjection to the powers that be". It is significant that Nero wore the imperial crown then, and he was one of the worst tyrants the world has seen. An interesting question is raised in verse 3, "will you not be afraid of the authority"? The answer is given in terse manner, "do good" or "keep on doing good", for he is God’s servant to you for good. We are living in days of grave national and international dilemma. God has been ignored by rulers and governments. As Christians, we need to maintain a right attitude both toward God and governments. There is a twofold necessity for submission: an external one, "because of wrath," and an internal one, "for conscience sake". It is God’s ordinance. Rulers and Christians are His servants, and by doing good, this will be manifest. The Fabric of Government (vv.6,7). As Christians living in the world we have other responsibilities to discharge which are presented in a fourfold way; "give tribute", "give custom", "give fear", "give honour". The Lord Jesus summed it up in one sentence when He said, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s". Tribute and custom touches on the sensitive point of taxes. The Christian’s responsibility is to pay cheerfully what is justly due, for in so doing we obey God and our conscience is clear. Giving fear and honour will involve having reverence for those in high places, and respect to those who enforce law, such as police and other officers. Our Responsibility to our Neighbours (vv. 8-10). First we must pay our debts. "Owe no man anything". No Christian wishing to have a conscience void of offence will take on more financial obligation than can be properly handled. To default on any financial commitment that we have undertaken is wrong. To ignore debts when they are due for payment is dishonouring to the Lord and leaves a stain on our Christian testimony. Let us also beware and be warned against the misuse of credit cards which can easily lead into debt. But there is a debt that we will always owe, that is, to "Love one another". Our Christian love is to embrace the people who surround us and it should go along the following five avenues: In respect of my neighbours family, "thou shalt not commit adultery"; My neighbour’s life, "thou shalt not kill"; My neighbour’s property, "thou shall not steal"; My neighbour’s good name, "thou shall not bear false witness"; My neighbour’s life-style, "thou shalt not covet". "Our reasonable service" will involve us in never doing harm to anyone because "love worketh no ill to his neighbour". The apostle now tells us to do what we ought to be doing as Christians personally (vv. 11-14). "Awake out of sleep" because our salvation, being linked to the closing of the age, is nearer than when we believed. "Cast off the works of darkness", which verse 13 explains as rioting and drunkenness, sexual excesses and indecency, strife and envying. "Put on the armour of light", for our protection against the flesh. "Walk honestly", that is, our daily living is to be conducted decently and properly. "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ", that is, translating the reality of our union with Christ into practical and personal experiences. Last but not least, we are "to make no provision for the flesh", in simple terms, do not go out into the day expecting to fall into sin. - E.G. Parmenter. Courtesy ‘Counsel’ REBEKAH’S RESPONSE The story of Genesis 24 is a beautiful picture of a heart won for Christ. No doubt we can see the fullness of our salvation in Christ foreshadowed in it, but it tell the simple story too, of a heart won, and affections engaged with an absent loved one - with our Lord Jesus Christ. Isaac is the centre object. For him the father plans; of him the servant speaks; to him the bride is brought. Isaac is all. He had recently been bound to the altar on Mount Moriah and the sacrificial knife had been raised above his head. But all this is past and gone; and now, received back as from the dead, he is seated at his father’s side, heir of all, waiting for the home-bringing of his bride whom the servant has gone forth to win for him. What a picture all this is of our Lord Jesus Christ! There at the right hand of God He sits today, the Heir of all, His sorrows and His pains forever past. The Holy Spirit has come forth from the Father and the Son to win a bride for Him, and on that throne He patiently waits till the hour appointed for her welcome home. Then He will rise up and go forth to receive her to Himself, even as He promised. But now let us follow the servant. Laden with Abraham’s riches, he proceeds to Mesopotamia. There he meets Rebekah at the well and at once begins his work - the work of heart winning. He opens a casket and brings forth the precious jewels, placing them on her hands. Then he pours into her ear the story of Abraham’s wealth, and Isaac as the heir of all. How he magnifies that son! The whole story is of him - not one word of self at all. And this is the work of the soul-winner. Preach Christ if you want to win souls for Him, If you preach yourself you will steal them as Absalom did. Rebekah listens, and her heart was won for Isaac. And such is the power of the Gospel of Christ. It is a heart-winning Gospel; it draws to Him. You have never heard or known the fullness of the Gospel yet, if you heart has not been won for Christ. But now comes the test - the question of questions for Rebekah - "Wilt thou go with this man?" It just meant. "Are you prepared to leave all for Isaac"? How could she leave father, mother, kindred, home and all, for one she had never seen? It was costly, but her heart had been won and she said, "I will go". Has your heart been thus won to the Lord Jesus? Have you so known Him that you can say, "I will go"? Has the power of His love so won your affections that you can say, "I have heard Him and observed Him; what have I any more to do with idols"? (Hos.l4:8). Or do you still cling to worldly pleasures? Have they still a charm for you? As we come to know Him better may our hearts respond to Him as the apostle Paul did, "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" (Phil. 3:7,8). - Believer’s Pathway A MESSAGE FROM THE TREES No careful reader of the Holy Scripture will doubt that Jotham’s parable had a most tragic fulfilment within three years after its annunciation. But although its judgements were most dramatically fulfilled at that time, its teaching was by no means exhausted. Jotham’s parable, like all other Old Testament records, was written for our learning (Rom.15:4), and happy is he who lingers long enough within its sacred precincts to hear the voice of God. In this parable of the trees may we not "see men as trees walking"? (Mark 8:24). Truly, we may, and their message to us would be to content ourselves in the sphere where God has placed us. Or, as in the very words of Scripture, "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called", and "therein abide with God" (l Cor.7:20-24). Beyond all controversy this is the message of the trees. It is possible to be filled with a spirit of restless discontent that craves influence and eminence; that thirsts for position and authority. Such a one would rather be powerful than useful; high rather than holy; seen rather than felt; preach rather than pray; run unsent rather than walk with God. May the Lord open our ears to hear the message of the trees! The Olive Tree had the throne and sceptre laid before it, but rather than leave its fatness, it declined the tempting bait. The Fig Tree was next approached with the offer of regal authority and splendour, but preferred its sweetness to eminence. The Vine was then invited to taste the pleasures of royalty, but politely refused to forsake its cheerful usefulness for flattering promotion. The Bramble (thistle) was next chosen for kingship, and having nothing to give up, but seeing a probable way out of useless and even injurious obscurity, it eagerly clutched at the opportunity, and obtained the throne on condition that all the trees of the wood came down and put their trust under its shadow. Have there not been Christians - brethren and sisters as well -who, becoming possessed with a spirit of insatiable ambition, have allowed fleshly discontent, like some lurking restless worm, to spoil them for all present fruitfulness? When they were content to be as and where God had placed them, there was a spiritual fatness about them, they were sweet and they were cheerful. But having left their first estate they soon became lean, sour and morose. The rule of the thistle became manifest, and, as it was with Diotrophes, the only way to get along with them was to bow down under them. What an awful costly price to pay for a little momentary authority and pre-eminence. Beloved brethren and sisters, think twice, I pray you, before you leave your spiritual fatness for a paper throne; before you barter away your sweetness of character for the empty bubble of temporary power. Think twice, I entreat of you, before you sell your birthright ability to cheer the heart of God and man, for the red pottage of position and authority. When any such offer is brought before you, whatever the sphere, linger long enough to enquire on what terms you may attain to it. If you find it can only be reached at the expense of you fatness, sweetness or cheerful usefulness, then entertain the vain thought no longer in your mind than you would care to nurse a cobra in your bosom. The place where we are, is most likely to be God’s appointed place for us. Let us wait there until He says to us as He said to Abraham, "Get thee out" (Genesis. 12:1). - T. Baird. Slightly abridged. MY SAVIOUR Jesus the Christ has bled for me, From all - from all my scarlet sins I seek no resting place of earth, But in the Lord - the Son - Himself, This glorious treasure of His love, - CA. Coates. Composed when he was 16, shortly after his conversion to Christ. THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT It was the written Word that the Lord Jesus used in the hour of temptation, and Satan was powerless - Luke 4:1-13. What an amazing importance Jesus gives to the Scriptures. It was not by an act of divine authority that He dismissed Satan, but the enemy was proved to be unable to grapple with obedience to the Word of God. Jesus did not reason with Satan. A single text silences him when used in the power of the Spirit. The whole secret of strength in conflict lies in using the Word of God in the right way. - J.N.D. Please address Wholesome Words correspondence to: R.M. Goatley, |