The Character Of God’s Ministers
“And they went every one straight forward: whither the Spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.”—Ezekiel 1:12
Do these creatures which the prophet saw in his vision represent the ministers of God? I think so. They had wings to fly with, and wings to hide their body; self should always be hid. They had the hands of a man to reach forth to help the needy, struggling soul and lift up the downcast. They had the face of a man, indicating their intelligence; the face of a lion to show their unfaltering courage; the face of an ox to show their strength for labour and patient endurance; they had the face of an eagle to show their swiftness and that they soar aloft into the realm of eternal things far above the world. Let the ministers of God gather encouragement from these words for the ensuing year.
1.—“They went every one straight forward.” They had a work to perform, and there was no time for loitering. The King’s business requires haste. Time hastens, and our day of service will soon close; every passing year makes the number less. Some of us are very near the end; a few more steps—home is reached, work ended, eternal rest is won. We have no time to waste. The day is far spent. The shadows are lengthening, our earthly sun is sinking low in the west. Straight forward, upward, heavenward, we must be pressing on in our loved Master’s service, unfaltering, until He shall call us to lay down our earthly service for the higher and the heavenly.
2.—“They went every one straight forward,” undeterred by any difficulties. These all God’s servants will meet. Their work will be opposed by earth and hell, but greater is He who is for them than he who is against them. These were fulfilling God’s behests; therefore His work must go forward. Nothing can stand against it; wheel within wheel of His providence will carry it forward; for He sits alone upon the throne. All power is His in heaven and on earth; therefore let His servants go straight forward with undaunted courage. The Spirit of God is with them to guide, instruct, inspire them. They go not alone, and before the Spirit’s power all opposition shall be subdued. The mountain shall become a plain, and God’s Church shall rise until the top stone be brought with shoutings of “Grace unto it.”
3.—“They went every one straight forward,” and were not drawn aside by the things around them. There are many things which seek to allure the servant of God from his high and holy calling, but they are too trivial for his notice, unworthy of his regard. He is occupied with nobler things. Trifles of the day have no charms for him, nor has he any desire toward them. He has more enjoyment in communion with his God, the study of His Word, and seeking to do His will. Herein he finds meat to eat the worlds knows not of, nor will he be turned aside by any of its so-called pleasures and delights; nor is he drawn aside by the false teaching so prevalent. He goes straight forward with God’s eternal truth as his watchword and guide, “holding fast the faithful word,” fearlessly proclaiming its truths at all times, never deviating from the Sacred Book of God. There is no compromising with error; no holding back or toning down the Word; but he declares the whole counsel of God in all its fulness and comprehensive teachings, whether they will hear or forbear.
4.—“They went every one straight forward,” impelled by a power within; whither the Spirit was to go they went. It is the Spirit who constrains a servant of God to go forward. That summons he dare not disobey. The Spirit qualifies for his work, goes before him, leads the way, and carries him onward with holy energy, fills him with zeal in his Master’s service, breaks down all obstacles, and makes his work successful. They seek His guidance daily. The Spirit goes where Christ has redeemed ones, and there He makes the straightforward testimony of God’s servants powerful, convincing sinners, setting at liberty bondaged souls, healing broken hearts, and sealing the truth on the hearts of the believing people of God, exalting the sovereign grace of God, the glorious Person, attributes, and mediatorial work of the dear Redeemer.
5.—“They went every one straight forward,” because they had a glorious end in view. This was the glory of God—to do His sacred will, to please Him. This was their sole aim, their noblest ambition and employ. They do His pleasure—to carry out His commands. For this they were called into service; for this they were sent forth; for this all needed help was given. To have His approval is their reward; to be used by Him is an honour indeed. To have His “Well done!” at last will amply repay all the toil and stress endured. Go straight forward, ye ministers of God; turn not to the right hand or the left. Heaven is before you; your crown awaits you. Precious souls brought to Jesus’ feet will greet you when your labours are ended and the eternal morning breaks.
Edwin White (1846-?) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. His first pastorate was with the church meeting at Orphington (1877-1879). After two years, the communion question cropped up, the majority of members deciding to throw the Table open. He forthwith resigned his office. His second pastorate was with the church meeting at Clare, Suffolk (1881-1887). After six years of blessed ministry, he resigned the office due to health reasons. His third pastorate was with the church meeting at Woolwich, Enon Chapel (1891-1919). In 1911 was elected president of the Metropolitan Association of Strict Baptist Churches.
