0520. THE GOSPEL TRUMPET

THE GOSPEL TRUMPET

Joe_2:15.

It is surely most fitting, in the present religious condition, that at the opening of this year we should hear this urgent call to the Lord’s trumpeters to "Sound an alarm." Spiritual slumber and apathy to soul-saving work seem to have settled down upon the modern Zion. "Minding earthly things" an attitude over which the apostle wept (Php_3:19), appears to be the special tendency of the Church to-day. If the watchmen who see this sword are silent, who shall sound the alarm?

I. The Trumpeters. In Num_10:8 they are the "Sons of Aaron," those who have come into the sacred privilege by birth. The trumpets were of silver that they might give a clear, sweet, distinct sound. The Gospel of God is no harsh, uncertain note, when sounded with loving, consecrated heart and lip. In Eze_33:6, the trumpeter is a watchman. The servant of God is not only a priest to worship, but also a watchman to warn. His eye is to be quick to discern the signs of the times, and His lip ready to sound forth the needful note.

II. The Uses of the Trumpet-may indicate the work of the preacher and the character of the Gospel.

1. It was blown OVER THE BURNT-OFFERINGS and sacrifices (Num_10:10). This was the joyful sound of atonement. Blessed are the people that know this trumpet sound (Psa_89:15, R.V., margin)-redemption and peace by the blood of His Cross.

2. It was blown AT THE ANOINTING OF A KING (2Ki_9:13). Sound out the tidings that the Crucified One is now crowned with glory and honour. This is what Peter did (see Act_10:38-40).

3. It was blown BEFORE THE ARK OF GOD (1Ch_15:24). The coming of this symbol of His presence was heralded by the watchful, joyful trumpeter. "Behold, He cometh!" Sound out this blessed note, ye watchmen of the Lord.

4. It was BLOWN TO WARN (Eze_33:4). The day of battle is ever with us. The power of sin and the hosts of Hell offer no truce. If there is no warning given, who shall prepare himself for the battle?

5. It was blown TO SOUND AN ALARM (Joe_2:1). This prophet sees the mustering of the nations. "A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness," for the "day of the Lord cometh." Sound an alarm, for the awful day is approaching when upon all "faces shall gather blackness" (v. 6). This note of "alarm" is not wanted in these days, but it never was more needed. Awake! Awake!

III. The Responsibility of the Trumpeters. Some of the trumpeters may be so blind that they do not see the danger; but if they see…and blow not the trumpet….the blood of those who perish, through their cowardly neglect, will God require at their hands (Eze_33:6). The Lord’s watchmen should be the first to see, and the first to sound the note or warning. A faithful witness delivereth souls. We should be instant in season, for the time will come when "the voice of trumpeters shall be heard no more" (Rev_18:22).

Autor: James Smith