HE HATH SETTLED ON HIS LEES

 

EVENING DEVOTION

NOVEMBER 26

 

Jeremiah 48:11

…he hath settled on his lees

 
This was the effect of prosperity. 

He was now wise in his own wisdom, and

  strong in his own strength.
 
All was calm and tranquil, and he was settled down in self-satisfaction. 

This would soon be the case with us, if it were not for trials and temptations.
 
We should, like Israel, forget God our Saviour, and

  lightly esteem the Rock of our salvation.
 
To a certain extent this is sometimes the case, 

  we settle down and the prayer becomes formal, 

    spiritual good tasteless, 

       the things of God mere common place matters.
 
There is no wrestling with God, no savoury spiritual conversation; 

  the form is maintained, but the power is gone.
 
When this happens, if we are really Christians, 

  we may look out for troubles, for they will surely come: 

    our God will stir us up, as the eagle stirreth up her nest.
 
He will send one trial upon another, 

  one message after another, 

    until he brings us back to himself 

       with weeping and supplication.
 
Moab may settle on his lees, but Israel shall not; 

  therefore beware of sinking into such an unbecoming state.
 
“Woe unto them that are at ease in Zion.”
 
Now is the time for diligence, for activity in God’s cause.
 

Be wise to run thy race,

And cast off every load:

Strive to be rich in works of grace,

Be rich towards thy God.

 
James Smith