03.28. The Lord's Hand not Shortened

The Lord’s Hand not Shortened The children of the prophets did not stumble at the inadequacy of the remedy demanded by Elisha; they well knew that God often works by weak instruments. He who despises the day of small things, is not fit to build that temple of the Lord which began in humble majesty. The Lord of that temple was crowned with thorns, and sent forth fishermen and publicans to be the preachers of his kingdom. The meal was soon provided, and Elisha cast it into the pot without pomp or ceremony, in the fullest reliance upon Him who worketh alike by things great or small. He then says to his servant, "Pour out for the people, that they may eat;" and they hesitate not, but eat in faith. Faith is never put to shame. Those only are made ashamed who trust in their own strength; but faith shall see the glory of God. The disciples ate, and there was no harm in the pot. The pottage was savory and good, and the poison they had already swallowed was rendered perfectly innocuous. Thus a handful of meal, in the hand of the Almighty, sufficed to disarm death, to disappoint hell, to preserve the salt of the earth, and to sustain his church in the world. Let none be afraid, who have the God of Jacob for their help. He who hath "all power in heaven and in earth," and "worketh all in all," can render everything subservient to his pleasure.

Thus did the sons of the prophets at Gilgal experience what was afterwards expressly promised by our Lord to his immediate followers; "If they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them," Mark 16:18 : a promise which was doubtless fulfilled. Spiritually also is it fulfilled every day to those who are living by faith in the Son of God. How many, alas! are poisoned to eternal death by a book, a system, or an error! but while the lusts of the flesh and of the mind are kept mortified through the Spirit, in the exercise of lively faith, such fascinations of the world have no power to inflame them. "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Temptation is thus overcome, and made a subject of praise and thanksgiving to God. There is then no "death in the pot."

Oh! the blessed security of the children of God, against whom every deadly arrow is blunted, and every sword thrust aside! Whatever would hurt or destroy them, shall turn unto their salvation through prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. The world is to them but as a refiner’s crucible. Even Satan’s power and devices are overruled by Him who is our Wonderful Counsellor. The decree is gone forth in behalf of the spiritual church, the faithful people of God, yea, in behalf of the very weakest of the flock: "All things are yours; whether life, or death, or things present, or things to come, all are yours," 1 Corinthians 3:21-22. All things work together for their good. And shall those who are thus wonderfully protected, be anxious and perplexed? Shall they suffer their hearts to be oppressed by any care? Let them blush at such a thought. Is it not written, "He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye?" Zechariah 2:8. Away then with all vain fear; the fear of losing a little worldly convenience in the service of the "King of kings." Let no such things be once mentioned in the kingdom of grace; for the grace of that kingdom can render every deadly thing, except sin, healing and wholesome.