the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Our Daily Homily - Volume 3
Jeremiah 10:21—The shepherds are become brutish, and have not inquired of the Lord. (R.V.)
This is a very solemn indictment; but the pity of it is that it is true of many shepherds of flocks in our own land. We must avoid generalizing too widely; but, on the whole, it is incontestable that a dwindling flock and waning cause point to prayerlessness perhaps on the part of the members, but almost certainly on the part of the shepherd himself. And it becomes us to search our hearts to see how far our prayerlessness may not be hindering the work of God in our own church.
One of the most solemn sermons ever addressed to ministers is that of Dr. Binney’s on this text; and he shows that the correlative must also be true, and that where we seek the Lord we shall prosper, our work, shall become successful, and our flock increased. The old Latin motto said that to pray is to labor; and some of the best work in the world has been done by simple prayer. You may be laboring quite as effectively when you are shut within your closet doors as when going to and fro in the world in active Christian endeavor. It is remarkable that Philip was able to preach Jesus, and to bring many to Him, it was needful that the best results of the Gospel could not be realized till Peter and John had come down from Jerusalem to pray for the new converts (Acts 8:14). Let us ponder and practice the five simple rules given by our sainted brother, George Muller, for prevailing prayer:—(1) Not for our own worthiness. (2) Solely through Christ’s merits, on the ground of his cross and resurrection. (3) For the glory of God. (4) No sin must be allowed, since this absolutely bars blessing. (5) Be patient: glorify God by waiting on Him.
