Welcome, friends, to another
broadcast of Morsels for Zion's Poor. Paul instructed Timothy
with these words, I exhort therefore that first of all supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
for kings and for all that are in authority, that we may lead
a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, for
this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.
The Lord alone will cause all that earthly magistrates do,
whether they be kings, presidents, or governors. He will cause those
things to work together for good to all of his children, whether
or not we agree with whatever policy or agenda they might have.
As the sons of light, we dwell in that light and are not overtaken
by darkness, regardless of the darkness that swirls around us.
Many are heard lamenting the election of our current president,
as if this somehow thwarts the purpose of God rather than fulfilling
it. I'm sure that the apostles often lamented various trials
that befell them as a result of the rulers under which they
lived. Yet they spoke no evil towards those whom the Lord raised
up into these places, and they did not expect that it was these
powers which would render unto them some blessing. The Lord
was pleased to put Paul and Silas in prison by the hand of an unjust
ruler, yet he was pleased to meet with them there and put
a song in their heart and praise upon their lips. Christ alone
is our light, our peace, and our hope. We look for help nowhere
else in this world of sin and sorrow. He has ordained that
we be the emissaries of his light, not by political activism, but
by worship. Thus we read Paul's specific
instructions to the Colossians of that activity which is fitting
for the sons of God who were in this world but not of it.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation,
a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of him
who hath called you out of darkness and into his marvelous light.
Paul exhorts the Colossians in three very closely related activities,
which are the lifeblood of the saints. Number one, he says,
rejoice evermore. Why should the saints be discouraged?
Has not our Savior and King triumphed openly over all principalities
and powers? Can the powers of darkness prevail
against the children of light? Christ has gone to prepare for
us a place, that where He is, there we shall be. Rejoice, because
your names are written in heaven. What he has inscribed, no man
can alter. There is no greater place of rejoicing in this world
than in the sending and hearing of the gospel of Christ's redemption
of unworthy sinners. Number two, pray without ceasing. True prayer is both effectual
and fervent. It is effectual because it is
always according to the will of God. A man may pray thus with
himself when he prays contrary to that will or seeks to consume
his request upon his own lust. Yet He has promised that if we
ask anything according to His will, He heareth us. True prayer
is fervent. Fervent prayer is unceasing prayer.
Some think that they are heard because of their much speaking.
But when you pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathen do,
for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Fervency has more to do with singleness of purpose than it
does with zeal or passion. And shall not God avenge His
own elect which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long
with them? Number three, in everything give
thanks. Man by nature is an unthankful
creature. By this we do not mean that he
does not take pleasure in events which produce the results which
he is pleased with. Even unbelievers often speak
of being blessed and expressing thanks. Yet this natural expression
of enjoyment of the good things, as men may define them, falls
quite short of being truly thankful in the manner in which Paul describes.
True thanksgiving is that which is produced by the Spirit of
God in the sons of God and does not exist in men by nature. We see this type of thanksgiving
expressed in an attitude more so than in words such as we see
exhibited in the life of Joseph. If anyone had reason to hold
a grudge against his brethren, it would be Joseph, sold into
slavery by his own kin. Yet he was thankful for these
events. But as for you, you thought it evil against me, but God meant
it unto good, to bring to pass as it is this day, to save much
people alive. We see it in the apostles. And
they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that
they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. Their thanks
was expressed in their gladness to do the will of God. In everything
we are to give thanks, for we are given to understand that
He works all things together for good to those who are called
according to His purpose. Our Savior's joy was found in
the unfolding of His Father's will. This is to give thanks
in everything, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning
you. Are you thankful? For a free
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