0272. THE BACK OR THE FACE-WHICH?

THE BACK OR THE FACE-WHICH?

"They have turned their back unto Me, and not their face; but in the time of trouble they will say, Arise, and save us" (Jer_2:27).

Man has both a back and face. He has power to frown or to favour, to accept or to reject. Israel had forsaken God, the fountain of living water (Mat_25:13). Yet in distress they would cry to Him for salvation. Common conduct.

I. What is the Attitude of God toward Men? His face, and not His back, is turned-

1. In Pity and Compassion (Joh_3:16).

2. In Grace and Entreaty. "God in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself" (2Co_5:19). "All day long have I stretched out my hands" (Isa_1:18).

II. What is the Attitude of Man toward God?

Either our face or our back is turned to Him. Some have their faces turned to God, and are-

1. Seeking Him. "Thy face, Lord, will I seek." "Sir, we would see Jesus" (Joh_12:21).

2. Trusting Him. "Lord, I believe."

3. Serving Him. Looking unto Jesus, and following on to know the Lord.

Some have the back turned. Turning the back to a friend is the attitude-

1. Of Indifference. Heeding not the loving message.

2. Of Worldly Preference. Rebellion. "Turn ye, turn ye; why will ye die?" (Eze_8:16).

III. The Cry of the Craven. They turn their back on God in prosperity and health, then cry, "Arise, and save," in the day of trouble. Serving the world, the flesh, and the devil, then seeking help from God (see Jdg_10:13-14).

Autor: James Smith