The sphere of humiliation
If Thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. Mark 9:22. After every time of exaltation we are brought down with a sudden rush into things as they are, where it is neither beautiful nor poetic…
The sphere of exaltation
Jesus leadeth them up into a high mountain apart by themselves. Mark 9:2. We have all had times on the mount, when we have seen things from God’s standpoint and have wanted to stay there; but God will never allow…
The commission of the call
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His body’s sake. Col. 1:24. We make calls out of our own spiritual consecration, but when…
The consciousness of the call
For necessity is laid upon me: yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 1 Cor. 9:16. We are apt to forget the mystical, supernatural touch of God. If you can tell where you got the call…
The “go” of unconditional identification
One thing thou lackest. . . . come, take up the cross, and follow Me. Mark 10:21. The rich young ruler had the master passion to be perfect. When he saw Jesus Christ, he wanted to be like Him. Our…
The “go” of renunciation
Lord, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest. Luke 9:57. Our Lord’s attitude to this man is one of severe discouragement because He knew what was in man. We would have said—‘Fancy losing the opportunity of winning that man!’ ‘Fancy…
The unblameable attitude
If. . . thou rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee . . . Matthew 5:23. If when you come to the altar, there you remember that your brother has anything against you, not—If you rake up something by…
The “go” of relationship
And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Matthew 5:41. The summing up of Our Lord’s teaching is that the relationship which He demands is an impossible one unless He has done a supernatural work…
The “go” of preparation
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there thou rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come…
The missionary’s goal
Behold, we go up to Jerusalem. Luke 18:31. In the natural life our ambitions alter as we develop; in the Christian life the goal is given at the beginning, the beginning and the end are the same, viz., Our Lord…