0504. A DIVINE COMPLAINT

A DIVINE COMPLAINT

"My people doth not consider" (Isa_1:3)

Thoughtfulness about the things of the world, and thoughtlessness about the things of eternity, is a very common sin among the people of God. Superficial thinking leads to superficial living. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib, but how often the Lord’s people fail to recognise their Owner, or the blessings He provides for them. Inconsiderateness is a great hindrance to the growth of spiritual life and to usefulness because it is dishonouring to God. Mere talk and mechanical action will never be a substitute for solemn heart reflection. If we would take time to meditate until the fire burns, our testimony would not be so powerless and fruitless. "My people doth not consider." This is the language of wounded love. Think on some of those things which we fail to consider as we ought, and of which God might justly complain. "My people doth not consider"-

I. The Pit out of which they have been Digged, or they would be more Humble. How ready we are, like Israel, to forget our bondage in Egypt, and as we look upon other worldly, sin-sodden lives, fail to remember that such were some of us.

II. The Cost at which they have been Redeemed, or they would be more Thankful. Not with silver and gold, but with that blood which speaks of the sacrifice of Divine love and of life. Have I considered it sufficiently that the peace which I now enjoy was purchased by the blood of Christ’s Cross, and that it is mine, not for any good in me, but because of His infinite mercy and grace?

III. Their Relationship to Him who Saves, or they would be more Restful. "Ye are not your own." Ye belong to Christ. Have we thought deep enough into this blessed truth? As members of His body, will He not be very careful over us? Why take anxious thought about your physical life; does not your Father know that you have need of these things? "Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in Me."

IV. Their Privileges as Sons, or they would be more Joyful. Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth His Spirit into your hearts, that ye might cry. "Abba- My Father," and that He might in answer to that cry "supply all your need."

V. Their Responsibility as Servants, or they would be more Watchful. Now is the acceptable time for self-sacrificing service, as well as the day of salvation. To-day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts. All who have received the Gospel become custodians of it, and are responsible to the Master for it. Watch ye, therefore.

VI. The Gift of the Holy Spirit, or they would be more Fruitful. "Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost in you, which ye have of God." Do you reckon on Him as a Teacher and Comforter, and as the Endurer of power? Do you consider Him all-sufficient for you in the work of God?

VII. The Glory that is Coming, or they would be more Praiseful. The glory that is yet to be revealed in and through the redeemed of God, is the glory that belongs to the eternal Son of God. They shall see His face, they shall be like Him, and shall be with Him where He is. Consider your ways, and consider Him, for a book of remembrance is written before Him for them that thought upon His Name.

Autor: James Smith