"Stir pure water as long as you like and no mud will rise. The evil is bad when seen, but it was quite as bad when not seen. It may be a great gain to a man to know what sin is in him, for then he will humble himself before God and begin to combat his propensities. Sometimes, therefore, trial may be sent that we may discern the sin that dwells in us and may seek its destruction." - Charles H. Spurgeon
And likewise, God's trials reveal to us how He has strengthens our hearts, and so when we come through the fire, we are not burned, "Nor shall the flame" have scorched us (Isaiah 42:2).
The Lord makes us pure: Never pure as in perfectly pure as Christ was. However, we are considered pure in Christ by faith; completely pure and clean from all sin. And this purity of Christ in us, helps us walk through the fires of life, as the Holy Spirit reminds of this truth.
Sometimes we see our dross, which makes us hate ourselves, and so we come to the Cross, and our hearts receive our forgiveness afresh in faith. Other times we see how Christ has sanctified us, and made us strong in His grace, so that we can love our brothers, neighbors, and even enemies.
Have a Lord filled weekend, and especially Lord's Day. Jesus lives indeed!
Date: 1611 and 1616
Artist: Rubens
No comments:
Post a Comment