ARISE AND DEPART, FOR THIS IS NOT YOUR REST.

 

NOVEMBER 16

 

Micah 2:10

Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest:

because it is polluted, it shall destroy you,

even with a sore destruction.

 

There is no permanent rest for the believer on earth; here briars and thorns will be with him, and a voice is daily sounding in his ear, “ARISE YE, AND DEPART.”

 

Here you are not to loll at ease, or idle on your journey; here you are not to expect to find satisfaction, for it is an enemy's land, and you are only passing through it to your heavenly home.

 

If your march is quick and your conduct spiritual, be not surprised if the dogs bark at you; they know you not, nor did they know your Master.

 

He was pursued, annoyed, and at last put to death by them; and in agony of soul He cried out, “Dogs have compassed me; the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me; they have pierced my hands and my feet.”

 

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but set your affections on things above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God.

 

Use the world, but do not abuse it; pass through it, but never seek a home in it; remember it is peopled by the enemies of your God, and your enemies too.

 

When snares and dangers line my way,

Jesus is all my strength and stay;

Cheerful I'll walk the desert through,

Nor fear what earth or hell can do;

Jesus will ease my troubled breast,

And shortly bring my soul to rest.

 

James Smith