1112. Smiting Syria Thrice

Smiting Syria Thrice

"Now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice" (2Ki_13:19, l. c.).

When King Joash smote the ground but three times the Prophet told him he should smite Syria but three times. Our lesson is conveyed in the words "What ye ask * * I will do."

God has given unto every one of us the privilege of prayer, and He measures His blessings toward us, according to the measure of our prayer.

Abraham prayed for Sodom. Me began with "Lord, if there be fifty righteous." He went on down the line until finally he said, "Lord, if there be ten righteous, will You not spare the city for the ten's sake?" Each time God met Abraham's faith. However, as Abraham prayed, God responded according to the measure of his prayer. Finally Abraham stayed and God destroyed Sodom, for the city had less than the ten righteous. Yet, God heard Abraham and sent Lot out. God knew that in all of Abraham's pleadings he was thinking of Lot.

Joshua prayed and the sun stood still; Elijah prayed and it rained not; the Church prayed and the prison doors swung ajar, as Peter was led forth by an angel.

Have we not learned that prayer does things?

David Livingstone died upon his knees praying for dark Africa.

Dr. Bacchus, when told that he had but one hour to live, said, "Then take me out of my bed and put me upon my knees and let me spend it in calling upon God."

Oh, that we might know the place and the power of prayer!

Oh, that we might learn the secret–God answers according to pur faith in asking!

Let us not ask small things of a great God.

"O I love to talk with Jesus, for it smooths the rugged road; And it seems to help me onward, when I faint beneath my load; When my heart is crushed with sorrow, and my eyes with tears are dim, There is naught can yield me comfort like a little talk with Him.

"Oft I tell Him I am weary, and I fain would be at rest;

That I'm daily, hourly, longing to repose upon His breast;

And He answers me so kindly, in the tenderest tones of love,

"I am coming soon to take thee to My happy Home above."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR