"Prepare to Meet thy God, O Israel."
Amos iv, 12.
By B. F. Snook
THIS is truly a solemn admonition to the man of God; and he must heed it, or he can never stand in the judgment. 1. We should remember that we are all to appear before him in judgment. 2 Cor. v, 10. No living mortal can possibly escape. We should also remember that he knows and understands all about our doings. Every thought of the heart is fully open before him. Our secret sins are all known to him. Not a crime can escape his notice. 2. We must133not only appear before him, but we must give an account to him of all our own deeds and of all the fruits of our doings. He gives to the sinner an opportunity to repent of his sins and do good, but if he neglects this duty and continues in his evil ways, he will be judged accordingly. To the Christian he gives many opportunities for doing good. He is commanded to let his light so shine that others may see his good works and be led to glorify God. Our thoughts, words, and deeds are all fruitful and will produce good or bad fruit. Hence we will be judged accordingly. Behold the filthy thoughts, the foul words, the ungodly deeds of Tom Paine! Did their fruits or influence cease at his death? No. Nor will they, while there are wicked men and women upon the earth to receive his demoralizing teaching. The unholy fountain that he opened up during his lifetime, still rolls on, in its corrupting and befouling influences. Then he will be judged not only for his words and deeds, but also for their influence upon others. Behold on the other hand a Peter, or a Paul! Witness their holy and godly lives, and conversation! They loved the Lord Jesus so much that they sacrificed their lives rather than to deny his name. See the fruits of their doings. The fruits are to the glory of God in the salvation of many souls. So they with all others of like character will be rewarded in the last day. Then dear reader, live so that the fruits of your doings may be of such a nature that you may have a crown of glory decked with many bright stars, and that you may be fully prepared to meet your God in judgment.