Elijah the Tishbite. Miscellaneous Writings of C. H. Mackintosh, vol. VMackintosh, Charles Henry
Religion
Elijah the Tishbite. Miscellaneous Writings of C. H. Mackintosh, vol. V
Mackintosh, Charles Henry
Theology
And yet, mark the grace which breathes in those words, "Come unto Me."
How unlike us! If we, who so often deserve them, because of our ways,
meet with rebuffs and disappointments, what returns do we make? Alas!
for the answer. Chagrin and sourness, fault-finding and bitter
complaints. And why is this? It may be said we are not perfect:--certainly
not in ourselves; but we may rest assured, that if we were more in the
constant habit of retiring from the rebuffs of the world or of the
professing church, into our resources in God, we should be much better
able to come forth and make gracious returns in the midst of the scene
which had repulsed us. But it too often happens that instead of being
driven in upon God, we are driven in upon _self_; and the consequence
is that, instead of returning grace, we return bitterness. It is
impossible that we can make a right return if we fail to realize our
right resource.
Oh, that we may really learn of Jesus, and take His yoke upon us! May
we drink into His meek and lowly spirit! What words--"Meek and lowly!"
How unlike nature! How unlike the world! How unlike us! How much
pride, haughtiness, and self-sufficiency in us! What self-confidence,
self-seeking, and self-exaltation! May the Lord give us to see
ourselves as He sees us, so that we may be in the dust in His
presence, and ever walk humbly before Him. May it be given us to
prove, in this day of headiness and high-mindedness, the moral
security of a lowly mind and a humble spirit--gladly bearing His
yoke--the yoke of entire subjection to our Lord's will in all things.
This is the secret of true peace and power. We can only taste of true
rest of heart when the will is kept in subjection. It is when we can
meet every dispensation of our Father's hand with an "Even so," that
rest is our portion. If our will is active, rest must be out of the
question. It is one thing to _receive_ rest of conscience on coming to
Jesus, at the first, and quite another thing to _find_ rest of heart
through taking His yoke and learning of Him. May it be given us to
know very much more of the latter, in this day of restless activity.
DIVERSITY AND UNITY
It is at once interesting and instructive to mark the varied lines of
truth presented in the New Testament, all finding their common centre
in that blessed One who is the truth. We see this, both in the Gospels
and in the Epistles. Each of the four Evangelists, under the direct
guidance and power of the Holy Ghost, gives us a distinct view of
Christ. Matthew presents Him in His Jewish relations--as the Messiah,
the Son of David, Son of Abraham--heir of the promises made to the
fathers. Mark presents Him as the earnest workman, the diligent
servant, the laborious minister, the incessant preacher and teacher.
Luke gives us "The Man Christ Jesus," in His human relations, Son of
man, Son of Adam. John is occupied with the Son of God, Son of the
Father, the heavenly Man, in His heavenly relationships.
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