Commission
21
And angels of God, that excel in strength, are sent forth by God to
minister to His human workers who are speaking the truth to those
who know it not.
* * * * *
To the minister of the gospel God has given the work of guiding
to Christ those who have wandered from the narrow way. He is to be
wise and earnest in his efforts. At the end of each year he should be
able to look back and see souls saved as the result of his labors. Some
he is to save with fear, “pulling them out of the fire; hating even the
[18]
garment spotted by the flesh,” “holding fast the faithful word as he
hath been taught.”
Jude 23
;
Titus 1:9
. Paul’s charge to Timothy comes
to the ministers of today: “I charge thee therefore before God, and
the Lord Jesus Christ; ...Preach the word; be instant in season, out of
season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.”
2 Timothy 4:1, 2
.
But it is not only upon those who preach the word that God has
placed the responsibility of seeking to save sinners. He has given this
work to all. Our hearts are to be so filled with the love of Christ that
our words of thanksgiving shall warm other hearts. This is service
that all can perform, and the Lord accepts it as offered to Himself. He
makes it efficacious, imparting to the earnest worker the grace that
reconciles man to God.
May the Lord help His people to realize that there is earnest work
to be done. May He help them to remember that in the home, in the
church, and in the world they are to work the works of Christ. They
are not left to labor alone. The angels are their helpers. And Christ
is their helper. Then let them labor faithfully and untiringly. In due
season they will reap if they faint not.
* * * * *
The Christian pilgrim does not yield to his desire to rest. He
moves steadily forward, saying: “The night is far spent, the day is at
hand.” This is his motto: “Not as though I had already attained, either
were already perfect: but I follow after.... I count not myself to have
apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which