Wise Travelers

“I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of Thy righteousness, even of Thine only” -Psalm 71:16 [KJV] 


Wise travelers provide things needful for their journey, and guard against such as lie in wait to rob them.  Our gracious God calls not His dear children to forsake their native country to travel to the heavenly city without furnishing them with a rich supply of all things necessary for their comfort, and also strength to protect them from the power of every enemy.  No soldier of His goeth a warfare at his own charge.  Christ being both their righteousness and strength, they can want (-lack) nothing.  Hence, they go on from day to day, glorying in Him as their richest treasure, and trusting in Him as their almighty strength; and this is their constant song in the house of their pilgrimage, and all their journey through: “Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength” (Isaiah 45:24).  

Jesus’ righteousness inspires the soul with boldness before God.  Jesus’ strength obtains victory over every enemy.  This is the triumph of faith.  So believers walk safely and comfortably.  Children of grace are not called to be idle spectators in doctrines, but to a life of activity, to holy walking with Jesus, constant hearing of His love, cheerful obedience to His will, diligent search of the Scriptures, steadfast resistance of Satan, striving daily against sin, and praying always with all prayer and supplication.     

But well may one ask, “Who is sufficient for these things?” As to natural power and inherent strength, we must all sit down in despair.  But faith leads from self to Jesus.  I can do all things through Christ strengthening me; so will I go on against my enemies; thus I shall be enabled to walk in the paths of every duty.  Yet after I have done all, my Saviour bids me confess the truth, that I am an unprofitable servant.

     

But is not this discouraging to the soul?  No; for it works not to obtain righteousness.  It is already clothed with that, and, in the view of faith, rejoices in it; abjures (-denounces) all other, and will make mention of Jesus’ righteousness, and His only, for acceptance with God, perfect justification before Him from every condemnation of the law and accusation of Satan.  True, doubts and fears may arise, distressing thoughts deject; but happily are we conducted, joyful shall be our experience, while the righteousness of Christ is held by faith, as our only hope, our only joy, our only crown of rejoicing.  For we are made the righteousness of God in Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).    

                         

 

-preacher Wm. Mason (1719-1791 A.D.)

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