p. 1 | BLESSING IN SERVICE by George W. Bethune

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Nov 1, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 44.

BLESSING IN SERVICE

By George W. Bethune

"He said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not. . . . My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to accomplish His work." John 4:32-34.

Upon the well by Sychar's gate, At burning noon, the Saviour sate, Athirst and hungry from the way His feet had trod since early day. The twelve had gone to seek for food, And left Him in His solitude.

They come, and spread before Him there, With faithful haste, the pilgrim fare, And gently bid Him, "Master, eat!" But God had sent Him better meat, And there is on His lowly brow Nor weariness nor faintness now.

For while they sought the market-place, His words had won a soul to grace; And when He set that sinner free From bonds of guilt and infamy, His heart grew strong with joy divine, More than the strength of bread and wine.

So, Christian, when thy faith grows faint, Amidst the toils that throng the saint, Ask God, that thou mayst peace impart Unto some other human heart; And thou thy Master's joy shall share, E'en while His cross thy shoulders bear. —George W. Bethune.