Morning
Time: 2:46 AM PST
"But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man
his share, and his coulter, and his ax, and his mattock." --1 Samuel 13:20
We are engaged in a great war with the Philistines of evil. Every weapon
within our reach must be used. Preaching, teaching, praying, giving, all
must be brought into action, and talents which have been thought too mean for
service, must now be employed. Coulter, and axe, and mattock, may all be useful
in slaying Philistines; rough tools may deal hard blows, and killing need not be
elegantly done, so long as it is done effectually. Each moment of time, in
season or out of season; each fragment of ability, educated or untutored; each
opportunity, favourable or unfavourable, must be used, for our foes are many and
our force but slender.
Most of our tools want sharpening; we need quickness of perception,
tact, energy, promptness, in a word, complete adaptation for the Lord's work.
Practical common sense is a very scarce thing among the conductors of Christian
enterprises. We might learn from our enemies if we would, and so make the
Philistines sharpen our weapons. This morning let us note enough to sharpen
our zeal during this day by the aid of the Holy Spirit. See the energy of the
Papists, how they compass sea and land to make one proselyte, are they to
monopolize all the earnestness? Mark the heathen devotees, what tortures they
endure in the service of their idols! are they alone to exhibit patience and
self-sacrifice? Observe the prince of darkness, how persevering in his
endeavours, how unabashed in his attempts, how daring in his plans, how
thoughtful in his plots, how energetic in all! The devils are united as one man
in their infamous rebellion, while we believers in Jesus are divided in our
service of God, and scarcely ever work with unanimity. O that from Satan's
infernal industry we may learn to go about like good Samaritans, seeking whom we
may bless!