Morning “For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth
that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.” / 3 John 3
The truth was in Gaius, and Gaius walked in the truth. If the first had not
been the case, the second could never have occurred; and if the second could
not be said of him the first would have been a mere pretence. Truth must enter
into the soul, penetrate and saturate it, or else it is of no value. Doctrines
held as a matter of creed are like bread in the hand, which ministers no
nourishment to the frame; but doctrine accepted by the heart, is as food
digested, which, by assimilation, sustains and builds up the body. In us truth
must be a living force, an active energy, an indwelling reality, a part of the
woof and warp of our being. If it be in us, we cannot henceforth part with it.
A man may lose his garments or his limbs, but his inward parts are vital, and
cannot be torn away without absolute loss of life. A Christian can die, but he
cannot deny the truth. Now it is a rule of nature that the inward affects the
outward, as light shines from the centre of the lantern through the glass:
when, therefore, the truth is kindled within, its brightness soon beams forth
in the outward life and conversation. It is said that the food of certain
worms colours the cocoons of silk which they spin: and just so the nutriment
upon which a man’s inward nature lives gives a tinge to every word and deed
proceeding from him. To walk in the truth, imports a life of integrity,
holiness, faithfulness, and simplicity–the natural product of those
principles of truth which the gospel teaches, and which the Spirit of God
enables us to receive. We may judge of the secrets of the soul by their
manifestation in the man’s conversation. Be it ours today, O gracious Spirit,
to be ruled and governed by thy divine authority, so that nothing false or
sinful may reign in our hearts, lest it extend its malignant influence to our
daily walk among men.
Evening “Seeking the wealth of his people.” / Esther 10:3
Mordecai was a true patriot, and therefore, being exalted to the highest
position under Ahasuerus, he used his eminence to promote the prosperity of
Israel. In this he was a type of Jesus, who, upon his throne of glory, seeks
not his own, but spends his power for his people. It were well if every
Christian would be a Mordecai to the church, striving according to his ability
for its prosperity. Some are placed in stations of affluence and influence,
let them honour their Lord in the high places of the earth, and testify for
Jesus before great men. Others have what is far better, namely, close
fellowship with the King of kings, let them be sure to plead daily for the
weak of the Lord’s people, the doubting, the tempted, and the comfortless. It
will redound to their honour if they make much intercession for those who are
in darkness and dare not draw nigh unto the mercy seat. Instructed believers
may serve their Master greatly if they lay out their talents for the general
good, and impart their wealth of heavenly learning to others, by teaching them
the things of God. The very least in our Israel may at least seek the welfare
of his people; and his desire, if he can give no more, shall be acceptable. It
is at once the most Christlike and the most happy course for a believer to
cease from living to himself. He who blesses others cannot fail to be blessed
himself. On the other hand, to seek our own personal greatness is a wicked and
unhappy plan of life, its way will be grievous and its end will be fatal.
Here is the place to ask thee, my friend, whether thou art to the best of thy
power seeking the wealth of the church in thy neighbourhood? I trust thou art
not doing it mischief by bitterness and scandal, nor weakening it by thy
neglect. Friend, unite with the Lord’s poor, bear their cross, do them all the
good thou canst, and thou shalt not miss thy reward.