In Tribulation Call Upon the Name of The LORD JESUS!

"And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus." —Matthew 14:12 [KJV]

Thus was extinguished that burning and shining light, John Baptist. It is very staggering to the eye of sense, and the judgment of carnal reason, that the "Lord, whose eyes are over the righteous," should yet suffer His faithful ministers, and dearest children, to fall a sacrifice to the rage and malice of cruel, and unreasonable men. This puzzled the royal prophet David; this was an exercise to patient Job; and it has put disciples to the stand in all ages. We are ready to cry out, "Where is the God of Elijah!" When it comes nearer home, and we ourselves are the subjects of insults and injuries, from the power and malice of enemies to Jesus and His truths; this is a trial of faith. If this exercise is continued, if the enemy triumphs, and God our Friend appears not, as our Deliverer, how does Satan, who has stirred up fightings without, industriously aim to inject fears within; with, "where is now thy God?" 'Why dost thou vainly imagine thyself a child of God, while thy Father leaves thee to this cruel treatment? If thou wast in His favor, thou wouldest surely find His protection. The want of His care proves thou hast no part in His love.'

Now thou art called, O Christian, to fight and resist Satan stedfastly in the faith. Judge not of thy Father's love by present dispensations. Strengthen thyself in thy God. Consult His word. Wait on Him. Take up the deceitful, unclean body of sense, and carnal reason, bury it, and go, and tell thy Saviour. He is thy Wisdom, thy Counsellor; and a perfect match for thy subtlest adversary. It is very alleviating to a distressed mind, to pour his complaints into the sympathizing breast of a faithful friend. What is the cause of thy sorrows, make the subject of thy free converse with thy Saviour. If thou art smitten on earth, tell Him who feels for thee in heaven. Here is thy comfort,  He always hears, ever loves, and can instantly deliver. But if he does not; rest assured, love delays for thy profit. Afflictions are blessings in disguise. We do not, so heartily, think of our home above, while richly furnished with earthly comforts below. Our Lord strips us of them, to turn our thoughts homeward. But, we shall surely find, "as tribulation abounds, consolation shall much more abound." Our Lord advises, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me." —Psalm 50:15. Prize it as your greatest blessedness, to live near the Lord, and maintain humble converse with Him: pour out your complaints, and shew Him your trouble —Psalm 142:2.

Lord, we adore Thy vast designs, 

Th' obscure abyss of providence! 

Too deep to sound with mortal lines, 

Too dark to view with feeble sense.

When Thou array'st Thine awful face, 

In angry frowns without a smile: 

We, thro' thy clouds, believe thy grace, 

Secure of thy compassion still.

 

-preacher William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)