the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God
Fear not, thou worm Jacob.- Isaiah 41:14.
In the light of truth, and under the teaching of the Spirit, every believer in Jesus loses sight of the once fancied dignity of his human nature, and sinks in the view of himself to the meanest reptile. Probably the church, in Isaiah’s days, had been considering her weak, helpless state; surrounded with trials and difficulties; exposed continually to the power of enemies on every side; in great danger of being trodden under feet and crushed to death; and had been laying her case before the Lord, confessing the words of David, "I am a worm, and no man."- Psalms 22:6. Well, the Lord condescends to reply to such humble souls in their own language. "Though thou art as mean in thine own eyes, and as despicable in the sight of others as a poor, base, insignificant, crawling worm of the earth, yet thou art precious in my sight. Though thou hast no power in thyself to resist thine enemies, no strength to support thyself under thine afflictions and distresses, though Satan threatens, troubles bow thee down, corruptions rage, and all the combined force of earth and hell is enraged against thee, yet FEAR NOT, thou worm, saith the Lord."
Thou soldier of Jesus, "FEAR NOT," is the word of command from the captain of thy salvation. Scarce any phrase so frequently occurs in the word of God as this. Consider it as an antidote against all thy despondings, doubtings, and dejections. Thou canst never fall into any exercise, be under any temptation, be visited by any affliction, come into any straits or difficulties, but what the power of God can support thee under, and bring thee safely through. Consult not human probability; judge not according to appearances; say not, ’Worm as I am, I shall surely be crushed.’ Nay, but is any thing too hard for God? He saith, "I will help thee;" I will succour; I will support thee; I will strengthen thee; my grace is sufficient for thee. Can a God of truth promise in vain? Will a God of love ever fail to assist? Doth not a God of wisdom know when to deliver? Suffice it, we have his promise. That engages his truth, and that demands our faith to honor him. But, "I am with thee," saith the Saviour. He is present; though perhaps thou thinkest otherwise, and feelest not his comfortable presence. Thy most secret sigh, as well as every distress, lies open to his view. The crafty designs of thy subtle foe, and all his vile stratagems, are without a covering before thy Lord. Terrify and distress thee he may, but prevail over thy soul he shall not! "For he that keepeth Israel, neither slumbereth nor sleepeth."-He is ever watchful to guard, and powerful to keep: and he hath given us this absolute promise, "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment, thou shalt condemn."- Isaiah 54:17.
The apostles said unto the LORD, increase our faith. Luke 17:5.
Natural men tauntingly say, “O! you don’t mind good works; faith is to do every thing for you.” Truly, faith is all; for it includes the object of faith-the Lord. For, indeed, faith has no existence without its object. Consider, (1st.) is it not a good work to forgive an offending brother? This is what our Lord here teaches. The apostles were made truly sensible, that they could not do this without faith; nay, not without the increase of faith. Therefore, they prayed for it. Real believers are created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained, that they should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10.) They are a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14.) Thus, they love to glorify their heavenly Father. (2d.) They know that all good works proceed from faith, and from the increase of faith. For Christ dwells in our hearts by faith. (Ephesians 3:17.) This is the source and spring of all comfort, and every good work. Without this, what is life to a Christian? Verily, but an uncomfortable breathing, not worthy the name of life. Christ dwelling in the heart, constitutes heaven upon earth. Just as uncomfortable as this world would be, if the sun were blotted out of heaven, would the Christian be without the indwelling of Christ. How hast thou found thy soul, O Christian, this day? Hast thou found Christ in thee, the hope of glory? If not, it is for want of faith. If thou hast, dost thou not desire to enjoy more of it? It is to be had by the increase of faith. Pray for it. (3d.) Faith deadens the soul to the love of sin, and the love of this world. The increase of faith kills the love of both. “For this is the victory, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4.) (4th.) Faith brings the prospect of heavenly glory into view. The increase of faith brings fuller assurance to the heart of our enjoyment of it-quickens our diligence in the way to it-excites ardent desires in our souls after the full fruition of it, that we may be absent from the body, and present with the Lord. (5th.) See who is the author and finisher of our faith. Do you complain, that your faith is weak, and your corruptions strong? Remember, that dear Christ who died for your sins, can strengthen your faith. Look unto Jesus. Cry unto him to increase your faith; so shall your heart be happy, your life holy, and your soul strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1.
Jesu! thou author of our faith,
Increase its pow’r, we pray:
O make us faithful unto death!
Live in us every day.
O’er all our lusts, and reas’ning pride,
May precious faith prevail;
Looking to Christ, and none beside-
Our Christ within the vail.
