04.12. Daily Consolation
"For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." 2 Corinthians 1:5
If within a city but one fountain or well existed, from which its inhabitants could obtain a supply of water — how inestimably precious would it be! Within the Church of God, there is but one well-spring of true consolation. No solid comfort or peace can be found, except in Jesus Christ.
One chief reason for this is, that Christ alone changes not. Other sources of enjoyment may indeed be found — yet they cannot be depended upon. They do not last long. They are like broken cisterns, or a reservoir that leaks. They are like the brook Cherith, which for a time met the needs of the Prophet, but after a while dried up.
It is otherwise with Christ. Of Him is it written by the Psalmist, "Of old You have laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They shall perish, but You shall endure; yes, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shall you change them, and they shall he changed: but You are the same, and Your years shall have no end." Of Him, again it is written by the Apostle, "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever."
Learn here that Jesus is truly Divine — One with the Eternal Father.
He is set before us as the Creator — as He who shall fold up earth and Heaven as a vesture. He is declared to be Eternal. He is "yesterday, and today, and forever." These words point backwards and forwards to eternal ages.
He is also spoken of as immutable, unchangeable: He is ever "the same." Of whom but Jehovah could these things be affirmed? Almighty power in creation, Eternity, and Immutability, are among the most glorious attributes of the Divine Being. When, therefore, it is revealed to us that the Son of Man is ever the same, a clear proof is given that He is also Divine. The same truth underlies all the teaching of Scripture. Especially may we gather it from the New Testament. Who but a Divine Savior could proclaim, in the hearing of earth’s vast multitudes, "If any man thirsts, let him come to Me and drink"? Who but such a One could promise rest to all weary, toiling souls, saying, "Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"? Who but such a One could promise, even to the end of the world, that wherever "two or three met together in His Name, He would be in the midst of them"?
Great consolation comes to us hence. He upon whom our hope is fixed, is truly Eternal God. He upholds the pillars of the universe — and He can uphold the feeblest of His saints. He governs and directs all things — and can therefore make all things work together for good to those who love Him. His arm is All-powerful, therefore He can . . .
bruise Satan under our feet,
fulfill His gracious purposes,
and raise His people to a glorious throne.
Consider that the mortal frame of man is perpetually changing. From the cradle to the grave, he never remains for a moment the same. Take the case where the thread of life holds out to its full limit.
First of all comes the period of helpless infancy when almost unconscious of all that is passing around, he hangs upon a mother’s breast.
Then close follows the season of childhood, with its little trials, weighing for the moment so heavily, and yet so soon forgotten; with its restlessness, with its eager curiosity and searching out of everything around. To this follows youth, with its mirthful visions, its bright promises, its openings for untold usefulness, its great and fearful perils.
Then again comes mature manhood, when youthful passions are sobered, when the common duties of life, and perhaps the care of a family, take up much of time and thought. This quickly passes into the shade of later years; and this again into old age, with its manifold infirmities — with failing sight or hearing, with increasing weakness, and many a sign that the time approaches when the tale of life will be told, and the night come when no man can work.
Then comes the last scene, when the pulse beats low, and life is ebbing fast, and at length "man goes to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets."
Through all this perpetual change, the Great Friend abides evermore the same. Let this remind us of the double blessedness of those, who in early life have been taught to know the Savior. For a man right through his earthly pilgrimage to have Christ at his side — the same in the bright dawn of youth — the same when bearing the heat and burden of the day — the same when the shadows of evening close around him, is a treasure indeed. Gracious is the promise given to us in Isaiah, as to the continuous care which the Lord will manifest toward His people, even to the end. "I will be your God throughout your lifetime — until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you!" Isaiah 46:4 The truth of this assurance has often been experienced. "I am old and poor," said one," I have lost my sight and my hearing, I have lost every friend in the world, and all my relations are dead. But it matters not, Christ is with me, and He is ever the same." Be it the prayer of our hearts, that such a portion may be our own, as we journey along toward the end of our course.
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day,
Its joys grow dim, its glories pass away.
Change and decay in all around I see,
O Thou who changeth not, abide with me! The currents of human opinion are also ever varying. In science, of late years, there has been a complete revolution. In theology, also, as great a change is observable. Very different opinions have been broached of late to those previously held. To some extent, diversity of thought need not be regretted. Within certain limits, Christian people must ever in this world be content to differ. In a watchmaker’s shop, the hands of the various clocks and watches tell a different tale; and though today they were set together, tomorrow would they be found to vary.
There is something here that may suggest to us that, in our present state, we shall seldom find many who in all points agree. Where true Christians find it so, let them regard it as a part of needful discipline, and let them cherish genuine charity towards those who may be unable to see as they do. With respect to the essentials of Christianity, we cannot but be deeply grieved to see the erroneous views that abound. It is very hard to say on which side danger is the greatest. Scylla and Charybdis — the rock on the one side, and the whirlpool on the other — seem to represent very much our present condition. On the one hand there are those who turn their back on good old Reformation truths — truths plainly laid down in Holy Scripture; and while calling themselves members of the Church of England, are using Romish words, copying Romish ceremonies, and preaching Romish doctrines. On the other hand, we find men apparently zealous to undermine the foundations, by destroying confidence in the perfect veracity of the Word of God, taking as it were Jehoiakim’s penknife, and cutting out whatever may present difficulty to their minds, or may run contrary to certain opinions which they have formed.
These errors are fearfully perilous to men’s souls. In Elisha’s day, we are told, that a man cut shreds of wild gourd, and cast them into the pottage: and it was told Elisha, saying, "There is death in the pot." Equally dangerous, with respect to the life and health of the soul, is the false teaching that everywhere is so rife.
What is our consolation? As Jesus changes not — so neither does His truth; and in spite of all errors, He will stand by His servants who maintain it, and at length it shall certainly triumph.
Reader, never grow weary of old truths.
"I wonder you preachers are not ashamed to go on preaching the same things that were spoken a thousand years ago." Such was the scoff of a disciple of the new school. Why should we be ashamed? Who grows weary of the glorious sun, that has been shining on these six thousand years? Are not its beams as cheering and as fruitful as ever? Why should we be weary of the glorious Gospel, which is as full of heavenly joy and light as ever? Who complains that we have still to feed upon the same provision that was the staff of life when Joseph was in Egypt, even as it is now? Why then shall we not be satisfied with the same bread of everlasting life, which has nourished Christians from the beginning? The Israelites grew weary of the manna provided for them; and then other food was given, but in judgment. While the flesh was yet in their mouths, the wrath of God came upon them.
If English people grow weary of the Heavenly Manna — Christ — in all the freeness of His salvation, in all the preciousness of His blood, in all the tender love of his heart, in all the power of His Spirit — God may likewise send us other teaching, but not for our profit. Hear the warning: "They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness." 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
Let those, however, who love the truth cleave to it, and they shall not be ashamed. It will surely overcome all that opposes. God has said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my Word shall not pass away." The circumstances of our earthly pilgrimage also change. A true picture of the world, and all that belongs to it, is a dissolving view. While one scene is upon the canvas, and we gaze upon it, it fades away, and another takes its place.
HEALTH changes. Those for a while hearty and strong, who scarcely know the meaning of pain — have appointed for them long seasons of wearisome suffering.
FRIENDS change. Far away, beyond the bounds of earth, are some, whom in former days we have known; others are separated from us by thousands of miles distance; others by some painful estrangement.
RELIGIOUS PRIVILEGES change. David, shut out from the sanctuary, and mourning over the loss of former privileges, represents the case of many a true Christian. He is unable, as formerly, to go up to the Lord’s house. Or, the servant of Christ, from whose lips he first received the truth, or from whom he had often a season to strengthen him, is no longer within word in reach.
POSITION IN LIFE changes. Strange differences are often seen within a few years. Those heretofore unknown in the world — are lifted up to affluence and wealth. Those once ranked among the rich — are brought low. Those in early days brought up in the lap of luxury — before life is over, have been even in need of daily bread. Pleasant gourds are dried up and withered, one by one. Disappointment comes and dashes to the ground the cup of joy, which had scarcely been tasted. The fireside, once the scene of much domestic happiness — becomes bleak and desolate. Those who were its life are gone, to return no more. Seasons of calm quietness and temporal prosperity — give place to times of trial and adversity — just as "the south wind, which blew softly," was soon followed by the stormy north wind. In all this our thoughts should be directed to Him who changes not.
Scenes may vary, friends grow strange,
But the Changeless cannot change;
Friendship His that nothing can sever,
Loving once, He loves forever. The unchangeableness of Christ is the link that brings home to ourselves the consolation to be found in studying the narratives of His life.
Wherever we track the footsteps of the Man of Sorrow, we find everywhere the tenderest sympathy and the most thoughtful love.
He restores the sick,
He has compassion on the fainting multitude,
He weeps with the mourner,
He binds up the broken-hearted.
What a mark of His considerateness was it, that when three who had died were chosen by Him to experience His mighty power in raising the dead, there was in each case a special reason for it, in the relationship which they bore to those who mourned for them. The one was "the only son of his mother, and she was a widow." A second was the only daughter of Jairus. The third, Lazarus, was the only brother, the prop and stay of the two sisters, Martha and Mary.
Consider those two words, "Jesus wept." They form the shortest verse in Scripture — yet how many a tear have they dried! how many a ray of heavenly light have they shed over the wretched, sorrowful heart!
Why is it, that such rest and strength is found in that which took place so many centuries before we were born? It is because the Great Friend remains now, as He was then. Then He was a pilgrim, for our sakes journeying on toward His bitter cross; now He is exalted far above all principality and power — yet His heart is as pitiful, and tender, and loving as ever.
Take a single proof of it. Long after His ascension into Heaven, He appears to the future Apostle on the way to Damascus. "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" are the words in which He addresses him. Still as ever, see how He regarded His people as one with Himself.
Christian Pilgrim, take hold of this and rejoice in it. Whatever may vary and alter, in Christ there is "no variableness nor shadow of turning."
True it is, health may fail, friends may die, the pastor whose voice you loved may no longer be near. On every side the prospect may be dark and cheerless; yet here is light, here is security, here is peace; the lord Jesus lives, and will never, never forsake you.
There is a Friend more tender, true,
Than brother e’er can be;
Who, when all others bid adieu,
Remains, and will not flee;
Who, be their pathway bright or dim,
Deserts not those who turn to Him.
He is the Friend that changes not,
In sickness, or in health;
Whether on earth our transient lot
Be poverty, or wealth,
In joy or grief, contempt or fame,
To all who seek Him still the same.
There are changes also, and that continually, in the spiritual life of the believer. In the child of this world, it is true there are changes of feeling with reference to religion. The pendulum vibrates between a thoughtful fear, and a most deadly indifference. Sea birds in stormy weather fly near the land and hover about it for a time; but when the storm is past and calm returns, soon do they fly far, far away. In the stormy seasons of life, when afflictions and trials abound, many a one seems to come near the kingdom. Conscience awakes, and a still small voice bids them prepare to meet their God. But no sooner has the storm gone over, than serious impressions vanish, they go back to their sins and the world, and no more seek after a Savior. But I speak of the spiritual life of believers. It has many phases. On the whole, we can scarcely believe the life to be real, unless there be growth. The acorn gradually expands until it becomes the oak. The infant grows up into the full grown man. Just so, the believer must make progress. Nevertheless there may be for a time, sad, grievous departures and backslidings. Who would have recognized in Abraham the same man, when offering up Isaac at God’s command — and when reproved by Pharaoh, for calling Sarah his sister? Who could have believed that the man who longed for God, as the deer panting after the water brooks, would have fallen into the terrible crimes of adultery and murder? Who would have recognized in Elijah the same man, when facing alone the false prophets and the assembled Israelites on mount Carmel — and when fleeing for his life for fear of Jezebel? Who that had heard Peter’s noble confession of Christ — would have looked for him to have denied the Master with oaths and cursing?
Yet, in all this, there is nothing that need surprise those who believe in the exceeding corruption of human nature. It is the old stock breaking out again, after grace has engrafted upon it a better principle. As when a good rose has been grafted upon the wild brier, the brier puts forth from time to time shoots from the root, or from below the graft, and these need to be cut off, or the tree will be injured. Just so, is there ever arising from the old nature something which must be watched against and cut off, or the soul will suffer great loss.
It is alike the case with every believer. Invariably bitter as the child of God finds the fruit of sin ever to be, still more or less there are in the course of a Christian, backslidings and departures from the narrow path, which he has to confess with shame and sorrow. Even where grace preserves him from any open transgression — yet the heart testifies of inner evils, which are not concealed from the Holy One. Through lack of taking heed to his way, a man has often felt a dark midnight settle down upon his soul; or a long, cold winter, that for a while has frozen up every spring of joy within.
Even when a Christian abides very near to Christ, there are at times painful seasons in the spiritual warfare. The remembrance of former iniquity comes back with fresh power,
physical infirmity clouds the mind,
faith grows weak and fears grow strong, and
we have to tread with faltering footsteps the valley of humiliation. In any such varying experiences as these — where may we look for consolation, but in the changeless Savior?
It is written, "I am the Lord, I change not — therefore the sons of Jacob are not consumed." Christ changes not, nor does the everlasting Gospel with all its manifold hopes and promises. Not to lull you into any false security, but to enable you to overcome the sin and unbelief you mourn — take firm hold of whatever encouragements it affords.
Rejoice that the free promise of Christ is today the same as in days past. Whatever you may feel or not feel, it is still true, and you may rest upon it, that He has said, "Him that comes unto Me, I will never cast out." Trust in Christ as a sinner, if you fear to do so as a believer. Your experience may seem to fail you, you hesitate to think that you can ever have belonged to the Savior — then repose here. If never before — yet now, even now, cast yourself on Christ and you are safe. His promise can never fail.
Rejoice that the cleansing fountain is still as efficacious as ever! It is still open to sinners and to saints. None are forbidden to go to it, and all who wash are made therein whiter than snow.
Rejoice that the glorious intercession of our great high priest is ever the same. Upon His heart He wears the breastplate, engraved with the names of all who entrust their cause into His hand. He pleads, and His plea cannot fail. Still upon the throne He waits to receive the prayers offered in His name. In all our straits, can we but lift our eye to Him, we shall not despair. A story is told of the inhabitants of Vienna, that when their city was besieged, they sent for support to King John of Poland; and that having done so, day and night their eyes were turned toward a certain hill, over which they looked for him to come and rescue them. In due time their hopes were fulfilled, and their deliverer with his army drove their enemy away. Let our eye be often turned in trustful expectation to the everlasting hills, even to the hill of Zion, where Jesus reigns. He will not fail those who wait for Him.
Rejoice also that the mighty power of the Holy Spirit is still the same. The flesh indeed may be weak, the power of sin may be strong, faith and love but as a little spark tossed hither and thither on a stormy sea — but the grace of the Holy Spirit is a sufficient remedy for every ill. The Spirit . . .
can strengthen you with might in the inner man,
can subdue your iniquities and quicken your graces,
and make you more than conqueror in Christ.
Rejoice that the love of Christ never fails. The tie that knits a soul to the Savior is firm and lasting. Do you renounce both your own righteousness, and your own will? Do you take hold of His covenant by thorough reliance upon His promised grace? Then you are one of His jewels, and as dear to Him as the apple of His eye. He has betrothed you unto Himself in faithfulness forever. He has loved you with an everlasting love. He loved you before ever you were born — He loves you now in the midst of the infirmities that beset you — He will love you when the Heaven and earth have passed away
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39