the Third Week after Easter
Daily Devotionals
John Gossner's Treasury
Be not slothful In business. Romans 12:11. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Hebrews 12:3. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees. Hebrews 12:12.
Slothfulness and weariness are sure to smuggle themselves in, when you become secure in grace and when, after having received the forgiveness of sins, you do not make war against evil habits, but make peace with one or another bosom-sin and in a subtle manner cling to it; when you, while enjoying the goodness of the Lord, believe that it is not necessary to be on your guard against your old enemies; that the wicked one can now no more cause you any injury, and that you can no more be lost, because you are in the bosom of God. Only too soon comes the old habit and inclination, the sin that still clings to us, into view. Grace diminishes because we do not "hold it fast, and because we are not zealous but lukewarm in the service of the Lord. Then we feel faint and permit "the hands" to ’’hang down" and we spare "the feeble knees. " Not so, beloved! Follow the Apostle’s admonition. Take courage and lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, that ye may raise your hands to heaven and make your footsteps sure. The God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory, shall prepare, establish, strengthen, settle you.
Ye servants of the Lord,
Each in His office wait,
Observant of His heavenly Word,
And watchful at His gate.
