We call them beatitudes, the simplest definition of which is given as “ supreme happiness.” This is the lofty desire of our Lord for His people “ that (our) joy might be full” (Jno. 15:11). David was reaching for such a blessing. The one who proceeds in this direction is destined to exult with the victors, but, meanwhile, he must say, “Nothing in my hand I bring; simply to thy cross I cling.” The arch-enemy of God and man is ever ready to attack. David knew he must have a shelter, a strong tower, a tabernacle in which to abide, and a covert (Ps. 61:3, 4). Relief must be forthcoming — soon! It is in this crucial moment a most encouraging vision comes before his faltering heart. There, on the horizon of his weakened faith, stands the Rock that is higher ■—■higher than his enemy; higher than his needs; higher than himself — the
jeopardy?” (I Cor. 15:30). Christians may not be able to prevent themselves from plunging into disturbing situ ations, but they can prevent themselves from remaining there. How? By appealing to the One who is mighty to deliver. This is precisely what the Psalmist was doing when he cried, “ Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.” This is what the disciples did. They, too, were in jeopardy when the dreadful storm overtook them on the lake and their little craft was beginning to fill. “Master! Master!” they appealed with pronounced alarm, “We perish!” (Lu. 8:23,24). But they didn’t. Their reach for the Rock was richly rewarded. Advances with Confession When the path of the Saviour’s design and the course of the saint’s desire fail to coincide, there is a state of broken fellowship. We have yet to learn thoroughly that while the Master’s yoke is easy it is not elastic, and those who veer from the path of true devotion will inevitably experience the way of the transgressor to be hard. To say the least, David sensed his own insufficiency. He is not content to pick a path through the jungle of reason. He confesses his need of assistance, and it is intriguing to analyze his supplication. It indicates distance, desire, and decision. It reveals a search of faith for solidity, security and support ■—- all of which he well knew were discov erable in the Rock. His appeal was not the hasty, ill-considered and ordinary outburst of a frustrated individual who becomes incoherent in his desperation — one that is sobbed forth meaninglessly. On the contrary, it is fraught with assur ance that the infinite God would be his strong defence, a present help in his moment of difficulty. Such confidence struggles for expression. It must be expressed! And when it issues full-clothed in clear, heart-prompted diction, it cannot but encourage and strengthen the one who gave it utterance. May God inspire our weak lives by the unfading record of those noble personalities who, though thrust by life’s varying vicissitudes into the quicksands of dismay, saw luminously before their tearful eyes the unfailing ROCK and knew that He was ever within the reach of their feeble hand of faith. But, indicated by our text, God’s greatest servants lapsed. They veered from the illumin ated course of devotion and obedience. As the Light of truth is variously manifested, so is the darkness which militates against it. There is the darkness of disobedience, of rejection, of rebellion. And what is unbelief but indif ference? What is disobedience but insincerity? What is rejection but infidelity? What is rebellion but insurrec-
SPIRITUAL LONGING tion. Indifference ignores the Light; insincerity evades the Light; infidelity refuses the Light; insurrection op poses the Light, but the Light shines on — ever on! It shines on in spite of treason, treachery, and tyranny. It is ever available to direct wayward feet from the dismal valleys to the highlands of victory and blessing.
Gibraltar of divine protection. He is the Rock of Ages. David had an intelligent awareness of the place of refuge. Of course, that, in itself, was not sufficient. Know ing about a place of security does not make one secure. Many people know about the Saviour but they are not saved. Decision is ever the determining factor. One towers to the apex of good judgment when one says with deter mination, “ In the Lord put I my trust” (Ps. 11:1). The tempter had taunted David, urging him to “ Flee as a bird to your mountain” (Ps. 11:1). This, of course, was un mitigated folly, and he refused to yield. Now by faith, he has decided to fly as a believer to the Rock. When the Psalmist said, “ Lead me to the Rock,” he was indicating his willingness to follow. It is this attitude ( Continued on the N ext Page)
Acknowledged Incapability “ Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Mt. 5:3), for only those who have a sense of spiritual poverty will reach for the riches of God in Christ Jesus, and theirs is the kingdom. All the beatitudinal promises of our Lord’s immortal mountain-message stem from His first utter ance. What issued from those sacred lips was richer far than “ apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Prov. 25:11).
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AUGUST, 1959
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