Encouragement in Christ JESUS ~ 03 July, 2024 A.D.

"The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he is an unwise son: for he should not stay long in the place of breaking forth of children." -Hosea 13:13 [KJV]

"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him" (Proverbs of Solomon 22:15.) Though God’s children are made wise unto salvation, yet folly is bound up in their nature. Their conduct discovers it, and proves the necessity of the rod of correction to drive it from them. Here is a threatening—a charge—the reason for it—and a most precious promise from the Lord. 

(1st.) The threatening. God loves His children too well, to spare the rod and spoil them. “For whom the Lord loveth He correcteth: even as a father the son in whom He delighteth” (Proverbs 3:12.) Therefore painful sorrows, like those of a travailing woman, come upon them. Nature’s pains prove nature’s remedies. The painful visitations of love, prove spiritual remedies to the soul: they bring forth abundant blessings. O ye children of God, beware of construing love tokens of afflictions, into black marks of hatred. 

(2d.) The charge. “He is an unwise son.” My dear heavenly Father, what great reason hast Thou for this charge against me? O in how many ways have I displayed my folly! Though Thy wisdom sees it, yet Thy loving, gracious heart does not disinherit, but Thou sayest son, still. Faith works by this love, all hope and peace in the conscience, and holiness of life. 

(3d.) See the reason of the charge. “He should not stay long in the place of breaking forth of children.” This was fulfilled in the conduct of the disciples. Christ compared them to a woman in travail: told them they should “weep and lament, and be sorrowful,” but adds, “your sorrow shall be turned into joy” (John 16:20.) Yet they were unwise sons. 

They staid too “long in the place of breaking forth of children.” Instead of being delivered of their pains and sorrows, by faith in their Lord’s death, they indulged them. Hence our Lord upbraids them, “O fools, and slow of heart to believe” (Luke 24:25.) Do not fall under this reproof also. Do you act as a wise or an unwise son? Where are you? Has faith in your Lord delivered you of your pains, and brought forth joy? 

Or, are you still staying in the chamber of labour, sighing and sorrowing under bondage to fear, instead of rejoicing as children of God? This is really the case with many disciples now: they walk not in the glorious liberty of the children of God: they do not in their minds and consciences stand fast, triumph and rejoice in CHRIST’s FINISHED SALVATION; but are poring upon what they are in themselves. 

(4th.) Look at the precious promises of your Lord, “I will ransom and redeem them,” etc. (Hosea 13:14.)

 

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

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