GET THEE UP by John O. Corliss

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 29, 1879

“GET THEE UP.”

By John O. Corliss

THESE words were addressed to Joshua at a time when, under trying circumstances, he fell on his face, and in great distress of mind offered prayer for light and knowledge to guide him in duty, to which the Lord replied as above, and in addition said reprovingly, “Wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them.” After the cause of Israel’s dismay had been revealed, it was necessary for them to do something that they might be relieved from their calamity, and when a willingness was manifested on their part to put away sin, pardon was granted and they were restored to the favor of God.

The principles of the gospel require the same submission of us, and unless we have this yielding disposition, it would seem by the word of inspiration that our prayers will be of no avail at the throne of grace; for David says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Ps. 66:18. Sin is of the same nature now that it has ever been. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4. Therefore, if we would avail ourselves of the benefits of the atoning blood of Christ we must put away our sins when they are made known to us.

Sometimes when persons are convinced of the claims of the fourth commandment, and stand halting, not knowing whether to follow convictions of duty and obey God, or to tread in the steps of the multitude and do evil, they are questioned by friends as to what course they intend to pursue. We hear them reply, “Oh, I’ll pray over it,” meaning, no doubt, that they intend to wait for the Lord to give them more light—some visible sign—which shall prove beyond a doubt that he requires them to comply with his requirements. To such, the words of the Lord to Joshua are applicable: “Get thee up;” for the written word is a light to our path, which if we walk in it, will bring the witness of God’s Spirit of our acceptance with him.

But when we stop to parley thus concerning duty, instead of yielding to the will of God, flesh and blood is conferred with, and, generally, excuses are framed to justify us in having our own way. And if we seek the Lord for counsel while in this frame of mind, we shall, unless very careful, approach him as the little boy did his father when desirous of going in company with others of his age. Said he, “Father, I’m going down town; now do say I may”!

It is God’s prerogative to command; it is our duty to obey. The gospel is not designed to bring the Lord to our terms, but as we have been the offending party, it becomes us to accede to his conditions with the greatest alacrity, and be able to say with the psalmist, “I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” It is possible for us to be deceived by thinking that God will at last overlook our sins, but we cannot mock God. He will render to every one the fruit of his doings. If any sow to the flesh here, they will reap corruption; but all who will sow to the Spirit here shall reap everlasting life.

J. O. CORLISS.