The nest was destroyed, and the poor
bird lay bleeding and exposed!
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Evening Visit")
"I thought: Surely I shall die
"I thought: Surely I shall die
in my nest!" Job 29:18
Job's nest was very comfortable--
Job's nest was very comfortable--
and appeared to be very secure.
It was on high--
and not to be easily reached.
He knew that death could reach it--
but he thought that nothing else
would disturb it.
His conduct was consistent,
his conscience was quiet;
GOD was his FATHER, and
providence was his friend.
His conduct was consistent,
his conscience was quiet;
GOD was his FATHER, and
providence was his friend.
"I thought: Surely I shall
die in my nest!"
But, alas! Suddenly a 'storm' arose--
But, alas! Suddenly a 'storm' arose--
the nest was destroyed, and the poor
bird lay bleeding and exposed!
No earthly nest is out of danger!
No earthly nest is out of danger!
Temporal comforts are only lent to us.
The higher the tree in which we build--
the more exposed to the whirlwind
and the storm!
Here on earth--
Here on earth--
we have no continuing city.
In one moment--
our fine nest may be devastated!
Let us therefore endeavor to leave
our matters fully with the LORD--
and learn to be content with
HIS appointments.
We must die.
We must die.
But when, and where, and how--
should be left with the LORD.
Five minutes after death--
Five minutes after death--
it will matter very little whether
we died on a bed of down,
in a luxurious mansion, and
surrounded by kind friends--
OR as a poor diseased beggar,
dying alone in squalor!
Present comforts may all leave us,
Present comforts may all leave us,
and our soft nest may be
scattered to the winds--
but nothing can disturb our
salvation and future glory!
"These all died in faith--
and confessed that they were
strangers and pilgrims
on the earth!" Hebrews 11:13
"They were longing for a better country--
a heavenly one. Therefore GOD is not
ashamed to be called their GOD, for HE
has prepared a heavenly city for them!"
Hebrews 11:16
~ ~ ~ ~
No comments:
Post a Comment