Welcome, friends, to another
broadcast of Morsels for Zion's Poor. Every characteristic which
the Lord intends to perfect in His elect children He demonstrated
when He walked upon the earth. From a fervent prayer life to
an unwavering faith, He left us an example that we should
follow in His steps. He said, Love your enemies and
pray for those who despitefully use you. And then we see Him
hanging on the cross asking for forgiveness for those who crucified
Him. He said, Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit
the earth. Then he demonstrated that meekness. He was oppressed
and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth, and he
was brought as a lamb to the slaughter. He said, Blessed are
the pure in heart. And then he was in all points
tempted like as we are, yet without sin. He told his disciples, If
a man would be great, he must become the servant of all. Then
he girded himself and washed their feet. Our Lord never expects
more from us than He has given us, nor does He require more
than He has already done in our behalf. He has accomplished our
sanctification before Almighty God as well as our justification. He has called us by His grace
and is presently feeding us for our eternal abode with Him in
the heavens. We are indeed a blessed people, happy as that people
whose God is the Lord. Of all the glorious characteristics
of the sons of God which the Lord demonstrated, none is any
more important than that of His commitment to His people. Our
text says He loved them to the end. Partial commitment is no
commitment at all. Marriage, as it is given in the
scripture, is an illustration of the Lord's love for and dedication
to His bride. As we survey the state of marriage
in our society, we almost have to wonder if such can really
be the case. The concept of commitment is
by and large lost on a society that considers divorce as an
escape clause, even while the marriage vows are being spoken.
It has become a very viable option, which one almost expects to use
as is witnessed by prenuptial agreements, which are a matter
of course for those with property. The greatest hypocrisy which
is spoken in most weddings is, till death do us part. One almost
anticipates the congregation bursting out into raucous laughter
when these words are spoken. Is it any wonder the concept
of true commitment has been watered down in the minds of most? Most
modern-day preaching urges men to believe in order to be saved
and offers an upgrade to first-class accommodations by making him
lord of their lives. In addition to having no scriptural
foundation, this sort of doctrine makes a mockery of the true commitment
to Christ. The Lord said, No man, having
put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the
kingdom of God. He told the rich young ruler
to sell all that he had, and come and follow him. He told
the woman taking in adultery, Go and send no more. He said
to the multitude who followed him temporarily, Whosoever he
be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be
my disciple. The way of Christ is a radical
path, which in reality is not appealing to any but those who
have been awakened to their desperate need of him. It is impossible
that any man could convince another to go in that way. Paul gives
us a description of Christ's commitment to his elect. For
scarcely for a righteous man will one die, yet peradventure
for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth
his love toward us, and that while we were yet sinners Christ
died for us. It is unusual, but not unheard
of, that a man would give his life for someone who was his
true friend or loved one. But it is totally absurd in the
reason of men for a man to do so for his enemies. Paul said
that we were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Yet
for the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross, despising
the shame. Some try to produce obedience
in those who profess faith in Christ by conditional promises
and threats of judgment. The true impetus for commitment
for the sons of God is plain and simply His example. Looking
unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy
that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,
and is sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For
consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against
himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Christ gave
himself for us gladly when we deserve to die. Can we do any
less than give ourselves to him as we consider what he has done
for us? Can the prospect of service and devotion to Him be greeted
with anything less than joy by the true sons of God? For our
conversations in heaven, from whence also we look for the Savior,
the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you committed to Christ?
For a free CD containing 15 of these radio broadcasts, send
an email to forthepoor at windstream.net.