We will not take up this question in a doctrinal, but in a practical way, as it relates to our path during the present perplexing hour.
God gave us power to become sons (John 1:1212But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12)). It was His mighty power that took us out of the condition of death, and seated us together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1-2). This same power, but not in exercise to produce relationship, or to give standing, but the inner enabling, which will give us to live a life and walk a path that shall comport and agree with the relationship and standing given, is that of which I speak. And inasmuch as the world stands opposed to the Father (1 John 2) and we are strangers and pilgrims in it (1 Peter 2:11), our place being in heaven (Phil. 3:2020For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (Philippians 3:20)), we may expect to see power coming out, not in doing, but in bearing, and more especially is this true in the present moment of ruin when we are so strongly reminded that it is “the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ,” not “the kingdom and glory.”
True Power
Power is usually associated in our minds with some brilliant display, some startling feat, something astounding and marvelous, but true power is not to be seen in these.
It is not the time for the man of “seven locks” to take “the doors of the gate of the city, the two posts, bars and all, to the top of the hill.” Power will not come out now in stopping the mouths of lions, quenching the violence of fire, and subduing kingdoms; we follow the Lamb, and the sword must be sheathed. I hear Him say, “Suffer ye” (Luke 22:47-5347And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. 48But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? 49When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? 50And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. 51And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. 52Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? 53When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. (Luke 22:47‑53)). Ours is the place of weakness. He says to the world, “This is your hour, and the power of darkness.” “His strength is made perfect in weakness.” The “earthen vessel” is the depository of His power. He that is strong is feeble in an hour like this. I have the deepest desire that we may see this—“By strength shall no man prevail.”
Not Saul in his coat of mail, but David with his five (weakness number) smooth stones and a sling, “in the name of the Lord,” is our pattern as to appearance—a “stripling.” Mark, I do not say as to apparent achievement we may be like David, for power will come out now in a way that will quite comport with our appearance. Not for the eyes or apprehension of men, but alone for the heart of that One who looketh not on the outward appearance, and who values aright true power as it comes out in that aspect which is suited to the present hour. And to hear Him say, “I know,” will surely be an inspiration for the one who is in the secret.
Let us turn to Colossians 1: “Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” How far removed from our thoughts is the precious truth breathed here! “All might and glorious power,” couched in the simple grace of patience—that attribute of love which “suffereth long, and is kind.” This is the rarest of flowers now. God is not bestowing power to make us famous and illustrious; a man can be this in the mere energy of nature, and in a religious way, too. To walk the solitary way, disreputable and small, unnoticed and unappreciated, will require more than the activity of pious flesh. This, restless man cannot endure; he demands the intoxicating whirl of foes vanquished and victories won. I would not cast a straw in the way of any, neither would I encourage or foster a spirit of indolence, but the word for the present hour is, “Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Alas, how few are up to this, and in grasping for more, how many have let slip what God has already made ours.
The Way of His Victory
Many today are uncrowned ones, simply because they do not see it is ours to keep, not to conquer. Where there is conquest (as a rule), victory must come out of defeat. “This is an hard saying: who can hear it?” doubtless is the expression of many a zealous heart. I can only say, look at the cross—
By weakness and defeat,
He won the mead and crown.
See in Laodicea the end of what stood a pillar of strength on the day of Pentecost. Is not this signal defeat? He will bring victory out of it. Read Revelation 21: “And her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal,” and this of the one whose candlestick was removed.
But let us look further at our path as we are on the way to His victory. I know how inspiring it is to be pressing the foe, but how few have power (having done all) “to stand” when they are pressing us. It is very easy to shout victory with the foe disabled, and possessor of the spoils; it is quite another thing to be able to say, “For Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter,” and then be able to add, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors.” But how is this? “Through Him that loved us.” Conquerors, though for the present we are as sheep for the slaughter! Hallelujah! Love and praise to Christ belong.
Stephen was one “full of power,” and the first who comes before us prominently after the ruin had set in. His strength was displayed in what he endured. In the presence of the council he wears an angel’s face, and when the brutal mob makes his body a target for jagged stones, is there any giving way? The poor “earthen vessel” breaks, but the “treasure”—“patience and longsuffering”—is there, for I hear him say, “Lay not this sin to their charge.” The Christ in glory held his heart still (Acts 7:55-5955But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. (Acts 7:55‑59)).
Paul and Silas are a happy illustration of this truth. Hear them singing praises to God at midnight; not in a big meeting, no; they are in prison, their feet fast in the stocks and backs bleeding, but there is perfect tranquility, not even a cry for deliverance. The power that enabled them to endure was sweeter to them than escape (Compare 2 Cor. 12:7-10). “Patience” so blessedly possessed them, that when the doors did fly open, there was no hurry. Thus the grace of “longsuffering” had already made them free; their hearts had plenty of room if their bodies were in a felon’s cell. They were in communion with One who was skilled in converting prisons into palaces, and in making rugged stones shine like rubies. Walls quite as real and formidable surround us perhaps; are we in the secret of strength?
Leaning Upon Our Beloved
Have we been looking for something great, and about to break down because we have not found it? Have we anticipated a brighter day for ourselves than this, and, because it is not ours, are we getting to feel that we are out of the current of His will, and hence, where we cannot claim His support? Fear not, beloved ones, our very feebleness is our title to this. While we may not have the appearance of “an army with banners,” we may be seen leaving the wilderness “leaning upon our Beloved.” We must regard with suspicion that which is of large dimension now. See in Philadelphia and Laodicea that which respectively characterizes the true and the false at the close (Rev. 3). It must be seen by all who are conversant with the course of time, as detailed in God’s Word, that there will be the call but a little longer, at most, for the exercise of “patience.” He is to be contemplated now as the “Nearing One.” So let us in glad anticipation sing; it may not be an earthquake song; the bolts and bars may not jostle loose, nor the prisoners hear us, but we can “make melody in our hearts to the Lord.” We may sing for Him. Men may not hear, but the songs of heaven will not shut this symphony out from His ear. “Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.”
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