How are we Receiving it?
By H. C. Miller
We mean the testimony of the Lord. This is a question of importance for all to decide. There are two ways in which it can be received: in meekness which is the right way, and in pride and stubbornness of heart, which is the wrong way. Those who receive it in meekness will think on their ways, comparing them with the testimony given, and will turn their feet into the way of such testimony. Those who are proud and stubborn, will bow with the others in prayer, will ask God to show them his will, and give them light as to their duty, but all the while the spirit in the heart is to do their own ways; and if the Lord sees fit to speak to them, they are ready to rebel against his word and to say of God's humble servant, “The Lord hath not spoken by you. Thou speakest falsely.” We would call attention to the prophecy of Jeremiah, chapters 43 and 45. Here is a remarkable instance recorded, illustrative of the course and end of those who do thus. We cannot make the case clearer by any comments, than it is made in the text. The points may be summed up in few words. The remnant that escaped being carried to Babylon got the idea into their mind that it would be a fine thing to put themselves under the protection of the king of Egypt. So under the leadership of Azariah, Johanan, and others, they wait on the prophet to make a pretense of learning his (God's) will. They say, verse 3, “That the Lord thy God may show us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do.” The sequel shows they had fully determined what they would do, and they sought the Lord not to learn what to do but to get his consent to what they were already decided upon. God told them to abide in the land and he would bless them; verse 7-12; but if they went to Egypt the sword, famine, and pestilence would be their portion. God knew the future of Egypt. He knew that it was to be the spoil, in a very short time, of the king of Babylon. He would have his people come under the dominion of Babylon in his own way, and so as to prove for their best good. But this was not the purpose of the people. They were going to Egypt any how. And they dissembled in their hearts when they came to Jeremiah. See verse 20. God gave them a plain testimony through Jeremiah. Did they heed it? Perhaps if God had thundered from heaven, or with his own mighty voice had spoken directly to them, they might have paid some little attention. But he spoke through a humble man; and would they believe a man, though Heaven-sent! They were too proud to humbly receive and obey his message. But we read, “And it came to pass, that when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all the people all the words of the Lord their God, for which the Lord their God had sent him to them, even all these words, then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men [mark this, it is the proud men who talk thus; and we know their end, see Mal. 4:1] saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the Lord our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there. But Baruch the son of Neriah setteth thee on against us, for to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they might put us to death, and carry us away captives into Babylon.” Jer. 43:1-3. But I need not say more. They obeyed not, but went over to the king of Egypt, forcing Jeremiah to go with them. Their end is recorded. It will be profitable to all to read carefully the record in these chapters from the fortieth onward. But especially would we commend it to the careful attention of those who are of a proud heart, and who have been reproved by the Lord through his chosen instrument, and who feel in their hearts to say: “I do not believe it is God who says thus, but you speak the thoughts of your own mind.” As my mind dwells upon it, I am exceedingly moved. Those words, “and all the proud men,” make a strong impression upon my mind. I contrast the course of these men with that of humble king David, 2 Sam. 12:13. 1 Chron. 20:9-13, &c. Hear his reply; hear his experience. He does not say to the prophets, The Lord has not said it, but you have said it. He says “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors,” “I have stuck [adhered closely, clung fast] unto thy testimonies: O Lord put me not to shame.” Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” “Incline my heart unto thy testimonies.” “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” Ps. 119. Yes, David did this always when reproved. I think it the best way, Lord help me to think on my ways and turn my feet unto thy testimonies; and give me my portion not with all the proud men who choose to go into Egypt, but with the meek and humble ones who are to inherit the land.
H. C. MILLER.
Battle Creek, Mich.