Joshua and the Angel
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endeavors; but they have repented, and I have forgiven and accepted
them.”
The assaults of Satan are strong, his delusions are subtle; 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 will be removed, that
through them the image of Christ may be perfectly revealed.
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At times the Lord may seem to have forgotten the perils of His
church and the injury done her by her enemies. But God has not
forgotten. Nothing in this world is so dear to the heart of God as His
church. It is not His will that worldly policy shall corrupt her record.
He does not leave His people to be overcome by Satan’s temptations.
He will punish those who misrepresent Him, but He will be gracious
to all who sincerely repent. To those who call upon Him for strength
for the development of Christian character, He will give all needed
help.
In the time of the end the people of God will sigh and cry for the
abominations done in the land. With tears they will warn the wicked
of their danger in trampling upon the divine law, and with unutterable
sorrow they will humble themselves before the Lord in penitence. The
wicked will mock their sorrow and ridicule their solemn appeals. 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,
because their eyes are fixed on His perfect purity, that they discern so
clearly the exceeding sinfulness of sin. Meekness and lowliness are
the conditions of success and victory. A crown of glory awaits those
who bow at the foot of the cross.
God’s faithful, praying ones are, as it were, shut in with Him. 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
the eyes of God’s children be opened as were the eyes of Elisha’s
servant at Dothan, they would see angels of God encamped about
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them, 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,”
and the encouraging words are spoken, “Behold, I have caused thine
iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of rai-