The Passing of the Beast
When we side with God, we can experience the passing of the beastly passions and the friendly forces of nature, leading to a joyful assurance of God's companionship.
John Henry Jowett preaches on the promise of restoration and divine protection in Ezekiel 34:23-31. He emphasizes that under the care of the Good Shepherd, beastly passions will be destroyed, and our souls will no longer be ravaged by sin. The forces of nature will be in friendly cooperation with us as we align ourselves with God, receiving blessings even from the sky and field. Jowett highlights the joyful assurance of God's companionship, stating that in knowing the Lord is with us, we find the greatest treasure and can walk as kings and queens.
Text
EZEKIEL xxxiv. 23-31.
When the Good Shepherd has charge of His flock "_the wild beasts will
cease out of the land_." All beastly passions shall be destroyed. The fair
gardens of our souls shall no longer be ravaged by sleek pride, or fierce
appetite, or ravenous lust. "Thou shalt tread upon the lion and the adder,
the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet."
And the forces of nature shall be in friendly co-operation. "_I will cause
the shower to come down in his season._" We are to have mystic allies in
sky and field. Nature sides with the man who sides with God. Our very
garden becomes our helpmeet when we are cultivating the fruits of the
Spirit. The heavens assume a friendly aspect when we are "marching to
beautiful Zion." But when we are against the Lord all these forces appear
to be hostile. "The stars in their courses fought against Sisera."
And we are to have a joyful assurance of the companionship of our God.
"_This shall they know, that I, the Lord their God, am with them._" And
in that precious assurance every other treasure is found! Only be sure of
that, and we shall walk about as kings and queens!
Sermon Outline
- The Passing of the Beast points: - The Good Shepherd's Charge - All beastly passions shall be destroyed - The fair gardens of our souls shall be protected
- Friendly Forces of Nature points: - The forces of nature shall be in friendly co-operation - Nature sides with the man who sides with God
- Joyful Assurance of God's Companionship points: - We shall have a joyful assurance of the companionship of our God - Every other treasure is found in that precious assurance
Key Quotes
“Thou shalt tread upon the lion and the adder, the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.” — John Henry Jowett
“The stars in their courses fought against Sisera.” — John Henry Jowett
“Only be sure of that, and we shall walk about as kings and queens!” — John Henry Jowett
Application Points
- We should cultivate the fruits of the Spirit to experience nature's cooperation.
- We should be sure of God's companionship to experience every other treasure.
- We shall walk about as kings and queens when we have this joyful assurance.