God of the Publican, be merciful to me a sinner; this I am by nature and practice, this thy word proclaims me to be, this I hope I feel myself to be. Yet thou hast not left me to despair, for there is no ‘peradventure’ in thy grace; I have all the assurance I need that with thee is plenteous redemption. -The Valley of Vision; A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions

Today’s Hymn

Words: Karolina W. Sandell-Berg, 1861 (Jerusalem, Jerusalem som ovan der er bygt); translator unknown.

JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM
Click here for tune.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Thou city ever blest,
Within thy portals first I find
My safety, peace and rest.
Here dangers always threaten me,
My days in strife are spent,
And labor, sorrow, worry, grief,
I find at best their strength.

No wonder, then, that I do long
O blessèd home, for thee,
Where I shall find a resting place,
From sin and sorrow free;
Where tears and weeping are no more,
Nor death, nor pain, nor night,
For former things are passed way,
And darkness turned to light.

Now all for me has lost its charm
Which by the world is praised,
Since on the cross, through faith, I saw
My Savior Jesus raised;
My goal is fixed, one thing I ask,
Whate’er the cost may be,
Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Soon to arrive in thee.

Thought Provoker

Take the time to meditate upon the sinfulness of sin, how much God hates sin, and the horrible judgment that awaits unrepentant sinners. Then contrast that with meditation upon the wonderful graces God bestows upon the repentant, who have turned from their wickedness and by faith trusted in Christ. We see opposite ends of the spectrum represented in this contrast. Today we see an example of this in 2 Kings 25.

Dad’s Study

The final destruction of Jerusalem and the nation Israel takes place. God’s forbearance with the disobedience of Israel has come to an end and he has brought to pass all His prophetic judgments about which He had warned Israel. Matthew Henry provides us this insight:

Jerusalem was so fortified, that it could not be taken till famine rendered the besieged unable to resist. In the prophecy and Lamentations of Jeremiah, we find more of this event; here it suffices to say, that the impiety and misery of the besieged were very great. At length the city was taken by storm. The king, his family, and his great men escaped in the night, by secret passages. But those deceive themselves who think to escape God’s judgments, as much as those who think to brave them. By what befell Zedekiah, two prophecies, which seemed to contradict each other, were both fulfilled. Jeremiah prophesied that Zedekiah should be brought to Babylon, (Jer. 32:5; 34:3) Ezekiel, that he should not see Babylon, (Ezek. 12:13). He was brought thither, but his eyes being put out, he did not see it.

This chapter of misery ends with a ray of hope in the account of Jehoiachin’s final days. After imprisonment for 37 years he is released from prison. This pardon alone is a wonderful blessing of God’s grace, but there is even more. He is not only released from prison, but the king showed him great kindness, which was not deserved. The king gave him a place of honor, which was not deserved. The king allowed him to dine with him, which was not deserved. And the king provided a daily allowance for all of his needs and provided for him all his days, which was not deserved.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

In Jehoiachin’s release from captivity we see a wonderful picture of God’s grace to elect sinners. As sinners we are guilty of crimes against the King and deserving of our sentence, (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Yet, the King has pardoned us of our crimes (Psalm 103:3) and released us from the bondage of sin (Col. 1:13). He has spoken kindly to us through His Word (Heb. 1:1-2); He has given us a place of honor that causes even the angels to look on in wonder (1 Cor. 12:22-25, 1 Pet. 1:6, 7). He has given us raiment that is washed clean in the blood of the lamb, as white as snow (Rev. 3:5); He has provided our every temporal need (Matt. 6:32,33), and He will receive us at His table to feast with Him in His presence (Rev. 19:9).

Catechism

Question 40

Q. What did God reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?

A. The rule which God first revealed to man for his obedience is the moral law (Deut. 10:4; Mt .19:17) which is summarised in the ten commandments.

Father of all creation, we pray that your name would be glorified as it is spread among the nations. May your kingdom come even at the price of mockery and martyrdom – Amen.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Karolina W. Sandell-Berg, 1861 (Jerusalem, Jerusalem som ovan der er bygt); translator unknown.

JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM
Click here for tune.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Thou city ever blest,
Within thy portals first I find
My safety, peace and rest.
Here dangers always threaten me,
My days in strife are spent,
And labor, sorrow, worry, grief,
I find at best their strength.

No wonder, then, that I do long
O blessèd home, for thee,
Where I shall find a resting place,
From sin and sorrow free;
Where tears and weeping are no more,
Nor death, nor pain, nor night,
For former things are passed way,
And darkness turned to light.

Now all for me has lost its charm
Which by the world is praised,
Since on the cross, through faith, I saw
My Savior Jesus raised;
My goal is fixed, one thing I ask,
Whate’er the cost may be,
Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Soon to arrive in thee.

Thought Provoker

Jesus warned His disciples, remember the word that I said unto You, The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me; they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also (John 15:20). One of Christ’s faithful disciples, John Huss counted it a delight to be martyred under similar circumstances as His Lord.

Dad’s Study

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs

Chapter VIII

An Account of the Persecutions in Bohemia Under the Papacy

Persecution of John Huss

John Huss was born at Hussenitz, a village in Bohemia, about the year 1380. His parents gave him the best education their circumstances would admit; and having acquired a tolerable knowledge of the classics at a private school, he was removed to the university of Prague, where he soon gave strong proofs of his mental powers, and was remarkable for his diligence and application to study.

In 1398, Huss commenced bachelor of divinity, and was after successively chosen pastor of the Church of Bethlehem, in Prague, and dean and rector of the university. In these stations he discharged his duties with great fidelity; and became, at length, so conspicuous for his preaching, which was in conformity with the doctrines of Wickliffe, that it was not likely he could long escape the notice of the pope and his adherents, against whom he inveighed with no small degree of asperity . . .

Being strongly attached to the doctrines of Wickliffe, Huss opposed the decree of the archbishop, who, however, at length, obtained a bull from the pope, giving him commission to prevent the publishing of Wickliffe’s doctrines in his province. By virtue of this bull, the archbishop condemned the writings of Wickliffe: he also proceeded against four doctors, who had not delivered up the copies of that divine, and prohibited them, notwithstanding their privileges, to preach to any congregation. Dr. Huss, with some other members of the university, protested against these proceedings, and entered an appeal from the sentence of the archbishop.

The affair being made known to the pope, he granted a commission to Cardinal Colonna, to cite John Huss to appear personally at the court of Rome, to answer the accusations laid against him, of preaching both errors and heresies. Dr. Huss desired to be excused from a personal appearance, and was so greatly favored in Bohemia, that King Winceslaus, the queen, the nobility, and the university, desired the pope to dispense with such an appearance; as also that he would not suffer the kingdom of Bohemia to lie under the accusation of heresy, but permit them to preach the Gospel with freedom in their places of worship.

Three proctors appeared for Dr. Huss before Cardinal Colonna. They endeavored to excuse his absence, and said they were ready to answer in his behalf. But the cardinal declared Huss contumacious, and excommunicated him accordingly. The proctors appealed to the pope, and appointed four cardinals to examine the process: these commissioners confirmed the former sentence, and extended the excommunication not only to Huss but to all his friends and followers.

From this unjust sentence Huss appealed to a future Council, but without success; and, notwithstanding so severe a decree, and an expulsion in consequence from his church in Prague, he retired to Hussenitz, his native place, where he continued to promulgate his new doctrine, both from the pulpit and with the pen…

…In the month of November, 1414, a general Council was assembled at Constance, in Germany, in order, as was pretended, for the sole purpose of determining a dispute then pending between three persons who contended for the papacy; but the real motive was to crush the progress of the Reformation.

John Huss was summoned to appear at this Council; and, to encourage him, the emperor sent him a safe-conduct: the civilities, and even reverence, which Huss met with on his journey were beyond imagination. The streets, and sometimes the very roads, were lined with people, whom respect, rather than curiosity, had brought together.

He was ushered into the town with great acclamations, and it may be said that he passed through Germany in a kind of triumph. He could not help expressing his surprise at the treatment he received: “I thought (said he) I had been an outcast. I now see my worst friends are in Bohemia.”

As soon as Huss arrived at Constance, he immediately took lodgings in a remote part of the city. A short time after his arrival, came one Stephen Paletz, who was employed by the clergy at Prague to manage the intended prosecution against him. Paletz was afterwards joined by Michael de Cassis, on the part of the court of Rome. These two declared themselves his accusers, and drew up a set of articles against him, which they presented to the pope and the prelates of the Council.

When it was known that he was in the city he was immediately arrested, and committed prisoner to a chamber in the palace. This violation of common law and justice was particularly noticed by one of Huss’s friends, who urged the imperial safe-conduct; but the pope replied he never granted any safe-conduct, nor was he bound by that of the emperor…When he was brought before the Council, the articles exhibited against him were read: they were upwards of forty in number, and chiefly extracted from his writings.

John Huss’s answer was this: “I did appeal unto the pope; who being dead, and the cause of my matter remaining undetermined, I appealed likewise unto his successor John XXIII: before whom when, by the space of two years, I could not be admitted by my advocates to defend my cause, I appealed unto the high judge Christ.”

When John Huss had spoken these words, it was demanded of him whether he had received absolution of the pope or no? He answered, “No.” Then again, whether it was lawful for him to appeal unto Christ or no? Whereunto John Huss answered: “Verily I do affirm here before you all, that there is no more just or effectual appeal, than that appeal which is made unto Christ, forasmuch as the law doth determine, that to appeal is no other thing than in a cause of grief or wrong done by an inferior judge, to implore and require aid at a higher Judge’s hand. Who is then a higher Judge than Christ?

Who, I say, can know or judge the matter more justly, or with more equity? when in Him there is found no deceit, neither can He be deceived; or, who can better help the miserable and oppressed than He?” While John Huss, with a devout and sober countenance, was speaking and pronouncing those words, he was derided and mocked by all the whole Council.

These excellent sentences were esteemed as so many expressions of treason, and tended to inflame his adversaries. Accordingly, the bishops appointed by the Council stripped him of his priestly garments, degraded him, put a paper miter on his head, on which was painted devils, with this inscription, “A ringleader of heretics.” Which when he saw, he said: “My Lord Jesus Christ, for my sake, did wear a crown of thorns; why should not I then, for His sake, again wear this light crown, be it ever so ignominious? Truly I will do it, and that willingly.” When it was set upon his head, the bishop said: “Now we commit thy soul unto the devil.” “But I,” said John Huss, lifting his eyes towards the heaven, “do commend into Thy hands, O Lord Jesus Christ! my spirit which Thou has redeemed.”

When the chain was put about him at the stake, he said, with a smiling countenance, “My Lord Jesus Christ was bound with a harder chain than this for my sake, and why then should I be ashamed of this rusty one?”

When the fagots were piled up to his very neck, the duke of Bavaria was so officious as to desire him to abjure. “No, (said Huss;) I never preached any doctrine of an evil tendency; and what I taught with my lips I now seal with my blood.” He then said to the executioner, “You are now going to burn a goose, (Huss signifying goose in the Bohemian language:) but in a century you will have a swan which you can neither roast nor boil.” If he were prophetic, he must have meant Martin Luther, who shone about a hundred years after, and who had a swan for his arms.

The flames were now applied to the fagots, when our martyr sung a hymn with so loud and cheerful a voice that he was heard through all the cracklings of the combustibles, and the noise of the multitude. At length his voice was interrupted by the severity of the flames, which soon closed his existence.

Then, with great diligence, gathering the ashes together, they cast them into the river Rhine, that the least remnant of that man should not be left upon the earth, whose memory, notwithstanding, cannot be abolished out of the minds of the godly, neither by fire, neither by water, neither by any kind of torment.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Catechism

Question 40

Q. What did God reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?

A. The rule which God first revealed to man for his obedience is the moral law (Deut. 10:4; Mt .19:17) which is summarised in the ten commandments.

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Amen. Psalm 37:1-4

Today’s Hymn

Words: Karolina W. Sandell-Berg, 1861 (Jerusalem, Jerusalem som ovan der er bygt); translator unknown.

JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM
Click here for tune.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Thou city ever blest,
Within thy portals first I find
My safety, peace and rest.
Here dangers always threaten me,
My days in strife are spent,
And labor, sorrow, worry, grief,
I find at best their strength.

No wonder, then, that I do long
O blessèd home, for thee,
Where I shall find a resting place,
From sin and sorrow free;
Where tears and weeping are no more,
Nor death, nor pain, nor night,
For former things are passed way,
And darkness turned to light.

Now all for me has lost its charm
Which by the world is praised,
Since on the cross, through faith, I saw
My Savior Jesus raised;
My goal is fixed, one thing I ask,
Whate’er the cost may be,
Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Soon to arrive in thee.

Thought Provoker

Just yesterday I was listening to “Unshackled”, a radio show produced by a rescue mission in Chicago. For over 50 years it has given dramatic accounts of real people’s testimonies of God’s grace in their lives. As part of the drama, the central character recalled how uncomfortable he became when one of his co-workers testified to him. The co-worker was a great mechanic, but always came to work intoxicated or with a hangover. One day he came to work straight. After three days of sobriety, the central character asked the mechanic why he hadn’t been drunk in three days. The answer was that his wife threatened to leave him because of his drinking. He went to church and during the service he believed God had saved him and he no longer wanted to drink to drunkenness. His crisis within his family caused him to seek God, God was revealed to him in the sermon at the service he attended, and he sought to purify his life. This is not unlike Josiah and Judah in 2 Kings 23.

Dad’s Study

In verses 1 and 2, Josiah, mindful of the judgement of God in 21:12, and hoping that God would forgive Judah’s idolatry, gathered the people and had the books of the law read to the people. Like all true revivals of faith in individuals, churches, or whole societies, this one began with people seeking God through His Word.

Verse 3 and verse 11 of chapter 22 show that in a true revival people are convicted of their disobedience of God’s law and make a commitment to obey Him in the future. The character in the radio play was convicted by his wife’s intent to leave him. He then heard the Word of God preached and was convicted of his sin against God, his wife, and his children. God led him to commit to follow Christ, to commit to stay sober, and to be a godly husband and parent.

Verses 4-25 record how Josiah destroyed and desecrated the pagan places of worship and purified the temple and the priesthood. Unfortunately, as God said through the prophetess Hulldah, the efforts to purify the worship of Judah would not suffice. Judah would still receive the judgement in chapter 21.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Like Josiah, the king of an apostate and doomed country, like the formerly drunken mechanic, when life seems hopeless or without purpose, we must seek God’s direction from God’s Word.

Greg Bailey – Greenville, SC

Catechism

Question 40

Q. What did God reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?

A. The rule which God first revealed to man for his obedience is the moral law (Deut. 10:4; Mt .19:17) which is summarised in the ten commandments.

Great and Almighty Lord, cause us to desire Thy will and way in our lives. Amen.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Karolina W. Sandell-Berg, 1861 (Jerusalem, Jerusalem som ovan der er bygt); translator unknown.

JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM
Click here for tune.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Thou city ever blest,
Within thy portals first I find
My safety, peace and rest.
Here dangers always threaten me,
My days in strife are spent,
And labor, sorrow, worry, grief,
I find at best their strength.

No wonder, then, that I do long
O blessèd home, for thee,
Where I shall find a resting place,
From sin and sorrow free;
Where tears and weeping are no more,
Nor death, nor pain, nor night,
For former things are passed way,
And darkness turned to light.

Now all for me has lost its charm
Which by the world is praised,
Since on the cross, through faith, I saw
My Savior Jesus raised;
My goal is fixed, one thing I ask,
Whate’er the cost may be,
Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Soon to arrive in thee.

Thought Provoker

If evil in the world is only going to get worse (increase), why should I (we) live faithfully before the Lord, according to His will and way? Why not just follow the world?

Dad’s Study

Josiah reigned over Judah for 31 years. Looking at a chronology of his life we learn how important it is that each one who claims to be saved faithfully obey God’s will.

At age 8, Josiah became king of Judah (1-2). If the Book of the Law had not yet been recovered when Josiah became king, how did he know how to do what was right in the sight of Lord? (Parents, never underestimate the potential of godly influence, and remind your children that they are an influence to their peers–is it godly or evil?).

At age 16 (year 8), according to 2 Chronicles 34:3, Josiah began to seek the Lord. Why do you think it took Josiah this long to begin to seek the Lord? (While a godly influence is good, it can go only so far; he needed God’s Word).

At age 20 (year 12), also according to 2 Chronicles 34:3-7, Josiah began religious reform (destroying the “high places” [This is more completely covered in 2 Kings 23]). How far would Josiah go to lead Judah back to God? (You will have to wait until tomorrow…).

At age 26 (year 18), Josiah began repair on the Temple (3-7). When the Book of the Law was discovered (8-10), Josiah’s immediate response was to repent for having disobeyed God, then seek to know whether God would follow through on His curses (11-14). Josiah was told that God would indeed punish Judah, but because he had humbled himself before God, Josiah would die before all the calamity began (15-20).

Josiah would reign over Judah for another 13 years. Would he remain faithful throughout his entire life? Did Josiah die in “peace”? (We will know tomorrow…).

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Look again at 2 Kings 22:18-19. Through the prophetess, God told Josiah why he wouldn’t endure the evil God was to bring on Judah: “…because thine heart was tender.”

What does the phrase “thine heart was tender” mean? Some would incorrectly conclude this means that Josiah was led by his emotions (“heart”) because of his young (“tender”) age, “before he was hardened by the evil world.”

When we speak of “heart” we are often referring to “emotions.” But this is not the way the Hebrews would have understood “heart.” In the Hebrew manner of thinking, the “heart” was never the center of emotion, but the center of volition (will). “Tender” is not a reference to age, but, in this instance, to Josiah’s character. He was “soft” or “weak” (to his own will). Positively, Josiah was “compliant” to the will of another. When it came to sin, Josiah was resolute in destroying idolatry (that doesn’t sound very tender hearted). When it came to seeking the Lord, Josiah was weak to do his own will (which means he was willingly obedient to His every command).

Why should we live faithfully before the Lord, even if all the world persists in sin? (Because it is God’s will, which is always the right thing to do).

Is your will (“heart”) weak, soft, or delicate (“tender”) against the Lord’s will?

Catechism

Question 40

Q. What did God reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?

A. The rule which God first revealed to man for his obedience is the moral law (Deut. 10:4; Mt .19:17) which is summarised in the ten commandments.

Heavenly Father we thank You for the gift and blessing of children. We desire that all within our family might be graced with Your salvation. May Your Word today be effectual in drawing each one of us ever closer unto Thee – Amen.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Frances R. Havergal, February 1874. I went for a little visit of five days (to Areley House). There were ten persons in the house, some unconverted and long prayed for, some converted, but not rejoicing Christians. He gave me the prayer, Lord, give me all in this house! And He just did. Before I left the house every one had got a blessing. The last night of my visit after I had retired, the governess asked me to go to the two daughters. They were crying, &c.; then and there both of them trusted and rejoiced; it was nearly midnight. I was too happy to sleep, and passed most of the night in praise and renewal of my own consecration; and these little couplets formed themselves, and chimed in my heart one after another till they finished with Ever, Only, ALL for Thee! (Havergal Manuscripts)

TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE
Click here for tune.

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.

Thought Provoker

Early in my ministry there was a faithful man of God who lived directly across the street from the church. He was faithful in church attendance and was graced with a heart of mercy and evangelism. Each week he would encourage the saints that were sick and weekly brought God’s Word to those in the nursing home. His ministry seemed to impact many, except those who were closest to him. God had blessed him with five sons. All five were prodigals. None followed in the way of the Lord. Two lived their lives out as drunkards, unwilling to provide for their own needs. His boys were a heartache. Once he shared his sad heart with these words: When they are young they step on your feet. As they grow old they walk on your heart.

Dad’s Study

The pattern we have seen repeated many times by the kings of Judah and Israel has been, like father like son. However, today we come to King Manasseh, the longest reigning (55 years) and perhaps the most wicked king who ruled over Judah. The reign of his father, King Hezekiah was good and glorious, however Manasseh did not follow in the way of his father. He was born three years after his father’s illness. The name “Manasseh” means, “forgetting”. Perhaps the joyful birth caused him to “forget” the pain and heartache of his illness. We have to believe that this godly king raised his son in the way of righteousness. Much of this chapter details the extent of Manasseh’s evil deeds. Read together verses 3-17 and discuss the extent of his depraved deeds. King Hezekiah did not live to witness his son’s evil reign. We can only guess the degree of heartache this prodigal son would have brought to his dad. Although we do not find it in this chapter, we learn that Manasseh’s life ended on a joyful note. The seeds of truth that were planted by a godly father began to take root under the power of God’s Spirit. The Book of Chronicles records that Manasseh repented of his sins later in life and obtained mercy from God (2 Chron. 33:11-17)!

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

There are few heartaches in this life that are more painful than watching your children who were raised under the banner of truth walk away from God into the pathway of a life of sin. How sad it is to see little ones who once prayed and sang praises grow up to reject God and His will for their lives. Oh, how it hurts to see the ugly scars of sin deface their lives. What pain there is in knowing they are walking in the pathway of eternal ruin.

· Sometimes prodigal children are the product of faulty parenting. Be encouraged that our God is merciful to all parents and children who cry out for forgiveness and divine help.
· If you have been faithful in your parenting, don’t continue to bear personal guilt for your prodigal child. Continue to pray for God’s intervening grace. He is a God who is mighty to save! Rest knowing your child’s eternal destiny is in the hands of a loving and sovereign God. Remember, Hezekiah did not live to see his son’s repentance.
· For those of you with children at home, it is never too late for change. Remember, it is not right techniques alone that will change a child’s heart, rather the grace of almighty God. As parents be faithful to bring to bear the ordinary means of grace – prayer, the Word, worship, and fellowship. Pray today for your children and ask that God might save and sanctify each one of them.

Catechism

Question 39

Q. What shall be done to the wicked at the day of judgment?

A. At the day of judgment the bodies of the wicked being raised out of their graves, shall be sentenced, together with their souls, to unspeakable torments with the devil and his angels for ever (Dan. 12:2; John 5:28,29; 2 Th. 1:9; Mt. 25:41).

O Thou terrible meek, let not pride swell my heart…How can I flaunt myself proudly? Lowest abasement is my due place, for I am less than nothing before Thee. Help me to see myself in Thy sight, then pride must wither, decay, die, perish. Humble my heart before Thee, and replenish it with Thy choicest gifts. -The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions

Today’s Hymn

Words: Frances R. Havergal, February 1874. I went for a little visit of five days (to Areley House). There were ten persons in the house, some unconverted and long prayed for, some converted, but not rejoicing Christians. He gave me the prayer, Lord, give me all in this house! And He just did. Before I left the house every one had got a blessing. The last night of my visit after I had retired, the governess asked me to go to the two daughters. They were crying, &c.; then and there both of them trusted and rejoiced; it was nearly midnight. I was too happy to sleep, and passed most of the night in praise and renewal of my own consecration; and these little couplets formed themselves, and chimed in my heart one after another till they finished with Ever, Only, ALL for Thee! (Havergal Manuscripts)

TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE
Click here for tune.

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.

Thought Provoker

A Christian is to show hospitality, literally to be a lover of strangers. Part of hospitality is being a gracious host to your guest and doing all you can to make your guest feel comfortable in your home. What are some of the common things we do to make guests feel comfortable in our home? Of these, which, if not done from a right heart, could be motivated more by our pride than by a love for strangers? In what way could this be detrimental to the welfare of our family?

Dad’s Study

“In those days” Hezekiah became mortally ill. To understand the significance of this one must read 2 Chronicles 32 to place it in historical context. What had transpired immediately prior to this was God’s deliverance of Judah from the hand of Sennacherib, king of Assyria. As a result of this deliverance Hezekiah was exalted by the peoples and in the sight of other nations (2 Chronicles 32:23), but he did not acknowledge God’s deliverance and his heart became proud (2 Chronicles 32:25), and God’s wrath was upon him. So, it was “in those days” that he was struck ill and Isaiah was sent to him to proclaim God’s word to him.

Hezekiah was stricken by the pronouncement of God’s judgment and humbled himself before the Lord and repented of his pride. God, being faithful to His nature (1 John 1:9), forgave Hezekiah and allowed him to live, withholding His judgment and not bringing it upon Judah in Hezekiah’s day. However, Hezekiah’s pride would be directly responsible for Judah’s eventual captivity to Babylon. Hezekiah was very wealthy with great riches. When the envoy of Babylon made a call on Hezekiah 2 Chronicles 32 says that God let Him alone to test his heart. Once again Hezekiah’s pride came forth and he proudly displayed all of his wealth to the Babylonians and thus marked Judah for future conquest and pillaging.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Pride is one of man’s greatest adversaries. It is a part of our carnal, sinful nature and proceeds forth out of our heart (Mark 7:20-23). Even for the Christian who has been redeemed, forgiven and delivered from the bondage of sin, pride remains as part of that remnant of indwelling sin. Our pride must be continually mortified (Colossians 3:5-11) in our bodies because once put down, it will come back up again in some other form. We must be constantly vigilant of our own hearts, searching and examining ourselves for even the slightest indication that pride is manifesting itself. Pray for humility, guard your heart, and ever seek to be like our Lord (Philippians 2:3-8).

Catechism

Question 39

Q. What shall be done to the wicked at the day of judgment?

A. At the day of judgment the bodies of the wicked being raised out of their graves, shall be sentenced, together with their souls, to unspeakable torments with the devil and his angels for ever (Dan. 12:2; John 5:28,29; 2 Th. 1:9; Mt. 25:41).