to the Rock that is higher. We must press upwards. The Higher W a y Approved Active faith not only recognizes a good thing or a better way but is ready to approve and appropriate it. What kind of reticence is it that stands aloof and irreso lute when the riches of all heaven are being proffered? What will a man give in exchange for his soul? What will a believer count worthy' of being exchanged for his reward? Friends, the higher way provides better vision. The view will not be obstructed by the multitudinous mounds of self-interest which hinder vision on a lower plane. Then, too, it is easier to descend to the ministry of work when one has ascended to the mountain of worship. The higher way also produces greater vitality. He who lives in the shadows lacks the sunshine. The mountaineers of God’s grace are the sturdy stalwarts who can meet a task and see it through. They know how to climb the steep ascents to heaven. They are not easily fatigued when on assignment for the Lord —■never weary in well doing. They are hearty and wholesome in their attitude. They know the meaning of walking and talking with God (Gen. 5:24). The higher way prompts wider ventures. Do you ever dream of doing exploits for God? You begin by asking, “ Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6). You grow in willingness to be used as each task is joyfully performed, each assignment becoming less a duty and more a privilege. Joy increases until greater joy is de sired. The capacity for patience and endurance is enlarged while eagerness and boldness become stronger. Nothing then is too difficult to do for the Lord; no loss too great, and no danger too terrifying. Faith, when properly devel oped, will venture forth in the face of death and will count it an honor par excellence, if need be, to be num bered with the martyrs. We should long to be led to the Rock that is higher, if for no other reason than to be encouraged to attempt great things for God. But, alas! we seem indifferently content to live on low planes of broken fellowship when we might be on the highways of boundless blessing. We could mount up on wings as the eagle, but we creep along on the shaky legs of an impoverished faith. We might follow the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake, but we listlessly wan der on the by-paths of selfishness for our own gratification. Without a doubt, God’s people are suffering irreparably in this day as a result of the course which they are follow ing. It reminds us of an aeroplane disaster in southern England during World War II. The plane had hit the tree tops and plunged into a burning heap of wreckage, killing all the occupants. The investigators returned this terse report of their findings: “ Flying too low.” We are flying too low in our Christian profession. We haven’t the vision which makes for an aggressive endeavour of the finer type. The higher way, near to the heart of God, gives the proper outlook. We should be “mounting up with wings as eagles” (Is. 40:20). And what shall we say more about the practical impli cations of the text? Time would fail us. David in his heavenward appeal, “ Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I,” accepted more able leadership and showed him self a resigning soul. He also approached with heart overwhelmed and thereby proved himself a repentant soul. After all, there is only One who can meet our every need — only one “ Friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24). To know the approach to Him and to sense His tender, waiting welcome, comprise an asset of immeasurable proportions for the one who finds his own limited resources insufficient for the exactions of life. None is sufficient; all need the Rock that is higher.
which prompts and permits a man to slip his baby hand into the firm and helpful grip of the Infinite. And is not the Good Shepherd a leader of the sheep? Is it not pleas ing to Him when His sheep show the disposition and determination to follow? David places reliance upon leadership external to himself and his plea is directed to none other than Jehovah. We also may with confidence commit our souls to Him “ as unto a faithful creator” (I Pet. 4:19). The Lower W a y Deserted The Rock to which David was appealing was higher in every conceivable respect. This must obviously be so, since God is in view. However, sometimes it requires the presence of an enemy, the pressure of duty, or the per plexity of a situation to give one this proper perspective. There is some reason to believe that David felt sufficiently capable of holding out in his struggle against a foe — at least for a while, for he said, “ When my heart is over whelmed, (then) lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.” This is an exaggerated view, yet it is so like men to look upon God as the last resort. Nevertheless, David was acquainted with the Rock. He also was conscious of his need. He knew he was operating on a low plane — too low for his good and too low for God’s glory. One may be low in devotion. Both in Old Testament days and in the New, the Lord revealed that “people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Is. 29:13; Mt. 15:8). Deception subtly invades the unwary with an unreality which destroys vision, fruitfulness, and spiritual enjoyment. It was some such discovery which exercised the heart of David. He wanted to press on to higher ground. One may be low in desire. How oft would the Lord gather us to Himself today as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but as of old, WE WILL NOT (Mt. 23: 37). The thought involved is that of a father cuddling his children to his bosom. But the disposition to respond is lacking on the part of God’s children. There is a wide spread obstinacy and prevailing indifference — an inde pendence which is contributing to present-day spiritual delinquency. The desire to love, honor and serve the Lord is anything but prominent. One may be low in deeds. The neglect to invest the pound (Lu. 19:20), the hiding of the talent of the earth (Mt. 25:25), the failure of the son to go to the field (Mt. 21:30) are but a few of the parabolic incidents which reflect our Lord’s displeasure with the inactivity and unproductiveness of His servants. He definitely wants us to be “ doers of the Word and not hearers only” (Jas. 1:22). Are we today low in deeds? Is there carelessness about the expenditure of our energy, the arrangement of our time? What have we, thus far, to lay at His pierced feet in the way of dedicated accomplishments? One may be low in delight. When we love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our might, our devotion strengthens our desire to please Him. Pleasing Him is only possible as we seek to do His w ill; and doing His will results in the deepest, most soul-permeating joy which one can experience. There is joy in following Jesus; there is joy in seeing results of His great power through us; there is joy also in seeing others enter into the riches of His grace. Con versely, if the devotion to Christ is weak, our desire to please Him will be lessened. If our desire to please Him is faint, our deeds for Him will be few. If our deeds for Him are sparse, our delight in Him will be almost non existent. How unimpressive is the professing Christian who does not know the joy of the Lord! We must be led
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TH E K IN G 'S BU SINESS
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