-
Not By Might
This must surely be one of the best-known chapters in the minor prophets, and surely this verse that I have read out to you must be one of the most important words in the whole of the Old Testament. There is so much in it; there is everything it. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Let me just remind you of the background to this chapter. God’s ancient people were in great trouble, great sadness, and especially their governor Zerubbabel, both personally and also concerning the state of Israel at that time. It seemed they were disappointed. It seemed there was no answer. It seemed they had failed. It seemed their enemies had prevailed. It seemed…
-
The Lord’s Dwelling Place
This is a wonderful chapter, but the second half of it seems completely different. Really, it is an account of the Lord Jesus calling five unworthy sinners to the knowledge of Himself, five unworthy sinners who all later became disciples, and every case completely different. If you carefully look at them, in one case it was John the Baptist’s preaching; in another it was Andrew’s personal testimony; in another it was the Lord Jesus speaking Himself. It is that point which has been emphasised so much here in recent times, and rightly so: the mysterious sovereignty of God in calling sinners by grace. There are no two cases alike. Wherever the Lord works in sinners’ hearts, they are all led to the same place: a…
-
I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes To The Hills
The most comforting subject to a spiritual mind, the most delightful object to a spiritual eye, is God in Christ, reconciled to us—‘not imputing our trespasses unto us.’ The hills afford us a pleasing idea of Jesus: they are elevated parts of the same earth as the lowest valley, so Jesus being found in fashion as a man, took on him the same nature, and was in all things like unto his brethren, sin only excepted. Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name above every name, even the precious name of Jesus the Saviour. We can never dwell too much upon the human form and humble appearance of Jesus, while we entertain the most exalted ideas of his eternal power and…
-
All The Tender Lambs Of Christ’s Flock
What a rich fund of comfort is here for every believer in the Lord. His loving heart was not contracted, nor his eyes of compassion confined to the little flock now with him; but he looked forward in love, his bowels of tender mercy yearned over, and his innocent tongue pleads in behalf of all the tender lambs of his flock, through all succeeding ages, in every period of time. Yea, ere they had a being in the world, or faith in their hearts, they had an interest in Jesus’ prayers, for they were given to him by the Father. Methinks one hears some poor doubting member of Jesus saying, ‘Ah, if I was but sure that my worthless name was written in the Lamb’s…
-
Happy The Soul Whose Hope Is In God
What a blessing is inward composure of mind; how delightful an exercise is waiting upon the Lord! What a profitable privilege is prayer; how happy the soul whose hope is in God! These are all the sweet attendants upon and promoted by the grace of faith in Christ Jesus. While that grows strong in the soul, we are more lively and comfortable. Hence the disciple’s petition, ‘Lord, increase our faith,’ is daily needful. Then it is well with the soul when it is enabled to make this solemn appeal to its Saviour: Thou, Lord, knowest what I long for, what I wait for, even the spiritual blessings of thy kingdom, to be more inwardly transformed into thine image, to be more perfectly obedient to thy…
-
Be Still And Know That I Am God
“Be Still And Know That I Am God.”—Psalm 46:10 Be still, gay heart, so heedless of thy state, Be still and know that thou wast born in sin; Regard thy ways before it is too late, Ere with thy soul eternity sets in. Be still, sad heart, and know His blood was shed, For those who feel their sins—a heavy load; ’Tis by His Spirit’s power that thou art led; Be still, sad heart, and know that He is God. Be still, lone heart, and know thy Friend above, Delights Himself to cheer thy weary days; His eye, His ear, His heart is full of love, How kind and merciful are all His ways!
