Saturday, March 31, 2012
Comfort for Christians by Arthur Pink-Chapter 5
Comfort for Christians by Arthur Pink-Chapter 5
Comfort for Christians by Arthur Pink
Chapter 5
The Divine Rememberer
"Who remembered us in our low estate:
for His mercy endureth forever"
for His mercy endureth forever"
Psalm 136:23
"Who remembered us." This is in striking and blessed contrast from our forgettings of Him. Like every other faculty of our beings, the memory has been affected by the Fall and bears on it the marks of depravity. This is seen from its power to retain what is worthless and the difficulty encountered to hold fast that which is good. A foolish nursery-rhyme or song heard in youth, is carried with us to the grave; a helpful sermon is forgotten within twenty-four hours! But most tragic and solemn of all is the ease with which we forget God and His countless mercies. But, blessed be His name, God never forgets us. He is the faithful Rememberer.
We were very much impressed when, on consulting the concordance, we found that the first five times the word "remember" is used in Scripture, in each case it is connected with God. "And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark" (Gen. 8:1). "And the bow shall be in thecloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth" (Gen. 9:16). "And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt" (Gen. 19:29), etc. The first time it is used of man we read, "Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him" (Gen. 40:23)!
The historical reference here is to the children of Israel, when they were toiling amid the brick-kilns of Egypt. Truly they were in a "low estate": a nation of slaves, groaning beneath the lash of merciless task-masters, oppressed by a godless and heartless king. But when there was none other eye to pity, Jehovah looked upon them and heard their cries of distress. He "remembered" them in their low estate. And why? Exodus 2:24,25 tells us: "And God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto it."
Our text is not to be limited to the literal seed of Abraham: it has reference to the whole "Israel of God" (Gal. 6:16). The saints of this present Day of salvation also unite in saying, "Who remembered us in our low estate." How "low" was our "estate" by nature! As fallen creatures we lay in our misery and wretchedness, unable to deliver or help ourselves. But, in wondrous grace, God took pity on us. His strong arm reached down and rescued us. He came to where we lay, saw us, and had compassion on us (Luke 10:33). Therefore can each Christian say, "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings" (Psa. 40:2).
And why did He "remember" us? The very word "remember" tells of previous thoughts of love and mercy towards us. As it was with the children of Israel in Egypt, so it was with us in our ruined condition by nature. He "remembered" His covenant, that covenant into which He had entered with our Surety from everlasting. As we read in Titus 1:2 of eternal life "which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world was. Promised to Christ, that He would give that eternal life to those for whom our covenant Head should transact. Yes, God "remembered" that He had "chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world" (Eph. 1:4), therefore did He, in due time, bring us from death unto life.
Yet this blessed word goes beyond our initial experience of God’s saving grace. Historically, our text refers not only to God remembering His people while they were in Egypt, but also, as the context shows, while they were in the Wilderness, on their way to the Promised Land. Israel’s experiences in the desert but foreshadow the saints’ walk through this hostile world. And Jehovah’s "remembrance" of them, manifested in the daily supply of their every need, adumbrated the rich provisions of His grace for us while we journey to our Home on High. Our present estate, here on earth, is but a lowly one, for we do not now reign as kings. Yet, is our God ever mindful of us, and hourly does He minister to us.
"Who remembered us in our low estate." Not always are we permitted to dwell upon the mount. As in the natural world, so in our experiences. Bright and sunny days give place to dark and cloudy ones: summer is followed by winter. Disappointments, losses, afflictions, bereavements came our way, and we were brought low. And ofttimes just when we seemed to most need the comfort of friends, they failed us. Those we counted on to help, forgot us. But, even then, there was One "who remembered us" and showed Himself to be "the same yesterday and today and forever," and then did we prove afresh that "His mercy endureth forever" (1 Chron. 16:34)
"Who remembered us in our low estate." There are some who may read these lines that will think of another application of these words: namely, the time when you left your first love, when your heart grew cold, and your life became worldly. When you were in a sadly back-slidden state. Then, indeed, was your estate a low one; yet even then did our faithful God "remember" thee. Yes, each of us has cause to say with the Psalmist "He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake" (23:3).
"Who remembered us in our low estate." Still another application of these words may be made, namely, to the last great crisis of the saint, as he passes out of this world. As the vital spark of the body grows dim and nature fails, then too is our "estate" low. But then also the Lord remembereth us, for "His mercy endureth for ever. Man’s extremity is but God’s opportunity. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. It is then that he "remembers" us by making good His comforting promises, "Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness" (Isa. 41:10).
"Who remembered us in our low estate." Surely this text will furnish us with suitable words to express our thanksgiving when we are at Home, present with the Lord. How we shall then praise Him for His covenant faithfulness, His matchless grace, and His loving kindness, for having "remembered us in our low estate! Then shall we know, even as we are known. Our very memories will be renewed, perfected, and we shall remember all the way the Lord our God hath led us" (Deut. 8:2), recalling with gratitude and joy His faithful remembrances, acknowledging with adoration that "His mercy endureth for ever."
Blessed is The Lord
Home | Daily Word
PALM SUNDAY
Everything I do, I do "in the name of the Lord."
As I enter into Holy Week, I vow to make this a holy week in my life. I open my heart and mind to the Christ in me. With a quiet spirit, I go about my business. I take time to pray. I practice being still. I practice the presence of God.
Today, on Palm Sunday, as I think upon Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, I remember how the multitude is said to have greeted him shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!"
With every thought I hold in mind, with every prayer of my heart, I welcome the Lord of my being. Within me dwells the Lord of peace, the Lord of life, the Lord of light. Through the Christ in me, I can do all things. In Christ consciousness, I am blessed.
Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!--Mark 11:
Get Ready
Our Daily Bread
Be Prepared
Just as her friends were doing, my daughter Melissa was busily preparing for adulthood. At school, she was getting ready for collegeby taking the right courses and had signed up for the ACT college entrance test.
Outside of class, Melissa was learning the socialization skills it takes to get along with people by spending time with friends, classmates, and teammates. At her job, she was learning the relational skills needed for a future career of work. At home, Mell was preparing for future family life by experiencing the way a Christian family would interact.
Getting ready for life as an adult takes work, and Melissa was making good progress.
But none of that preparation was what she would need. In 2002, when she died in a car accident at age 17, the only preparation that mattered was her readiness for heaven.
When the truest test of preparedness came so suddenly on that beautiful June evening—when eternity’s door opened for Melissa—she was prepared. She had put her faith in Jesus and trusted His sacrifice on the cross for her sins (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8-9).
When she faced the ultimate test of being prepared, Melissa was ready. Are you?
God’s time is now, for the days fly fast,
And swiftly the seasons roll;
Today is yours, it may be your last;
Choose life for your priceless soul! —Fithian
And swiftly the seasons roll;
Today is yours, it may be your last;
Choose life for your priceless soul! —Fithian
Peace and Joy are What You Need Today
Home | Daily Word
JOY
I am a center of peace and joy.
Nature abounds with sights and sounds of joy: birds sing in the morning light, butterflies flit among blossoms, flowers nod their heads in the breeze. All remind me of the joy that lives in me.
I am a center of peace and joy. God within me is the ultimate song that plays through my heart and life. As I still my mind in prayer, I hear the song of the Divine and allow its melody to fill my being.
True joy is deeper than any sorrow, stronger than any disappointment. I trust this power within to help me overcome sorrow, anger or grief, to remind me that life is good. Each day I awaken to an awareness of God. I awaken to joy.
Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy. --Psalm 47:1
Friday, March 30, 2012
The Right State of Mind
Home | Daily Word IN HARMONY
Aligned with the Presence, I am in harmony with life.
Each musician in an orchestra tunes his or her instrument to a universally accepted pitch. During the tuning process, each musician listens carefully and makes the necessary adjustments. The jarring effect of dissonant sounds shifts to tranquility as all the instruments come into harmony.
To be in agreement and alignment with the Presence, I also need to make adjustments. I quiet my busy mind and release any chaotic or unsettled thoughts. I center on my heart space and listen carefully to the stillness of God's spirit within me. Heart and mind come into harmony with one another.
Present to this moment, I feel my heart rate slow, my breathing calm. I am in tune with my Higher Self, in peace and harmony.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.--Philippians 2:5 (RSV)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
-
John 1:19-51 "And this is the record of John,..." KJV - Online Bible Study And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent prie...
-
Scripture: Psalm 100 (New International Version) Psalm 100 A psalm. For giving thanks. 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worsh...