Plead with Christ, Expect Power from Him!

"And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? Will ye save him?" —Judges 6:31 [KJV]

When the Lord Jesus appears and manifests Himself to the soul, it is so struck with His glory and grace, that it cries out in holy ecstasy, "What have I to do any more with idols?"— Hosea14:8—and an altar for spiritual worship is presently set up in the heart, and consecrated to Jehovah-Shalom, the LORD of peace. In this chapter is a sweet view of the zeal of Gideon for the true worship of Jehovah. He instantly obeyed the word of Jesus, the angel of the presence, the man, the PEACE who appeared to him, and at His command he threw down the altar of Baal. He expected opposition from his Father's household and from the men of the city, therefore he did it by night. 

A blessed instance of the obedience of faith joined to sanctified reason. As to the consequence after the work done, he "conferred not with flesh and blood;" he was "in nothing terrified by his adversaries." They demanded his life; but Joash his father was raised up like the fire of zeal from the Lord to argue with them. "Will ye, ye men of Israel, ye professed people of Jehovah, will ye plead for Baal? will ye serve an idol?" Be zealous, O disciple, for thy Lord; fear no consequences. The Lord is on thy side, what hast thou to fear from those who are against thee? Be not discouraged, though thou dost find great professors; children of the visible church, thy mother; yea the children of thy Father's grace also join in pleading by word or practice for Baal. This name signifies he that rules or subdues; a master, lord, or husband. This may most justly be applied to sin in general, and every idol lust in particular. So saith Paul, "His servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sin unto death, or obedience unto righteousness."—Romans 6:16.

Thou free man, thou heaven born son of the Lord, know thy freedom, study thy liberty. Strive by the Spirit's aid to live up to thy privilege (in spite of all that professing men or opposing devils plead against it) above the domineering power of lusts, the galling yoke of sin: thy Saviour has all power in heaven and earth! Plead with Him; expect power from Him; thou canst do all things through Christ strengthening thee. Faith surmounts every difficulty; it silences carnal reasonings and vain pleadings from every quarter. While Jesus is viewed, sin is abhorred and holiness loved, desired, and shall be increased in the soul.

Thou art my portion, O my God; 

Make me to know Thy way: 

O cause my heart t' obey Thy word, 

And that without delay.

I choose the path of heav'nly truth, 

And glory in my choice; 

Not all the riches of the earth 

Could make me so rejoice.

The testimonies of Thy grace I set before my eyes; 

Thence I derive my daily strength, 

And there my comfort lies.

 

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