Cross-Purposes

C.H. Spurgeon has long been a cherished pastor to our hearts.

He comes to us via sermons recorded in books as well as in his 

devotional writings, mainly, Morning and Evening.

Recently, the following excerpt from this devotional book brought me to tears.

It is has been a precious thing to ponder and wrap my heart and head around.

Perhaps it will be a source of encouragement to any who may be 

wrestling through these things as well?  How good it is to fill our minds with truth.

** "...death smites the goodliest of our friends; the most generous, the most prayerful,

the most holy, the most devoted must die.  And why? 

It is through Jesus' prevailing prayer -- 'Father, I will that they also, 

whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.'

It is that which bears them on eagle's wings to heaven.

Every time a believer mounts from this earth to paradise,

it is an answer to Christ's prayer."

"A good old divine remarks, " 'Many times Jesus and His people

pull against one another in prayer.  You bend your knee in prayer and say, 

'Father, I will that Thy saints be with me where I am;'

Christ says, 'Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, 

be with Me where I am.' " 

Thus the disciple is at cross-purposes

with his Lord.  The soul cannot be in both places:

the beloved one cannot be with Christ and with you too."

"Now, which pleader shall win the day?

If you had your choice; if the King should step from His throne,

and say, 'Here are two supplicants praying in opposition to one another,

which shall be answered?'  Oh!  I am sure, though it were agony,

you would start from your feet, and say, 'Jesus, not my will, but Thine be done.'

You would give up your prayer for your loved one's life,

if you could realise the thought that Christ is praying in the opposite direction --

'Father, I will that they also, whom Thou has given Me, be with Me where I am.'

Lord, Thou shalt have them.

By faith we let them go." **

May the Lord truly give the grace to submit to His perfect and loving
plan for His people as He gently leads each one Home.
May He help those of us still on this earthly journey to remain
faithful and follow Him wherever He leads with joyful hearts.

At the end of it all, eternity is all that really matters.
May we be found living out the reality of this truth day by day.
By His grace and in His strength.  For His glory alone.

With Love, Camille


**Quoted from Spurgeon's Morning and Evening
March 22  ~ Evening reading.