Joshua and the Angel
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“‘The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan.’ I gave My life for these souls. They
are graven upon the palms of My hands.”
The assaults of Satan are strong, his delusions are terrible; but the
Lord’s eye is upon His people. Their affliction is great, the flames of
the furnace seem about to consume them; but Jesus will bring them
forth as gold tried in the fire. Their earthliness must be removed
that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected; unbelief must be
overcome; faith, hope, and patience are to be developed.
The people of God are sighing and crying for the abominations
done in the land. With tears they warn the wicked of their danger in
trampling upon the divine law, and with unutterable sorrow they hum-
ble themselves before the Lord on account of their own transgressions.
The wicked mock their sorrow, ridicule their solemn appeals, and sneer
at what they term their weakness. But the anguish and humiliation
of God’s people is unmistakable evidence that they are regaining the
strength and nobility of character lost in consequence of sin. It is
because they are drawing nearer to Christ, and their eyes are fixed
upon His perfect purity, that they so clearly discern the exceeding
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sinfulness of sin. Their contrition and self-abasement are infinitely
more acceptable in the sight of God than is the self-sufficient, haughty
spirit of those who see no cause to lament, who scorn the humility of
Christ, and who claim perfection while transgressing God’s holy law.
Meekness and lowliness of heart are the conditions for strength and
victory. The crown of glory awaits those who bow at the foot of the
cross. Blessed are these mourners, for they shall be comforted.
The faithful, praying ones are, as it were, shut in with God. They
themselves know not how securely they are shielded. Urged on by
Satan, the rulers of this world are seeking to destroy them; but could
their eyes be opened, as were the eyes of Elisha’s servant at Dothan,
they would see the angels of God encamped about them, by their
brightness and glory holding in check the hosts of darkness.
As the people of God afflict their souls before Him, pleading for
purity of heart, the command is given, “Take away the filthy garments”
from them, and the encouraging words are spoken, “Behold, I have
caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with
change of raiment.” The spotless robe of Christ’s righteousness is
placed upon the tried, tempted, yet faithful children of God. The
despised remnant are clothed in glorious apparel, nevermore to be