Spurgeon: June PM
* 06/06/PM
"Are they Israelites? so am I."
--2 Corinthians 11:22
We have here A PERSONAL CLAIM, and one that needs proof .
The apostle knew that His claim was indisputable, but there
are many persons who have no right to the title who yet claim to
belong to the Israel of God. If we are with confidence
declaring, "So am I also an Israelite," let us only say it after
having searched our heart as in the presence of God. But if we
can give proof that we are following Jesus, if we can from the
heart say, "I trust Him wholly, trust Him only, trust Him
simply, trust Him now, and trust Him ever," then the position
which the saints of God hold belongs to us--all their enjoyments
are our possessions; we may be the very least in Israel, "less
than the least of all saints," yet since the mercies of God
belong to the saints AS SAINTS, and not as advanced saints, or
well-taught saints, we may put in our plea, and say, "Are they
Israelites? so am I; therefore the promises are mine, grace is
mine, glory will be mine." The claim, rightfully made, is one
which will yield untold comfort. When God's people are rejoicing
that they are His, what a happiness if they can say, "So AM I!"
When they speak of being pardoned, and justified, and accepted
in the Beloved, how joyful to respond, "Through the grace of
God, SO AM I." But this claim not only has its enjoyments and
privileges, but also its conditions and duties. We must share
with God's people in cloud as well as in sunshine. When we hear
them spoken of with contempt and ridicule for being Christians,
we must come boldly forward and say, "So am I." When we see them
working for Christ, giving their time, their talent, their whole
heart to Jesus, we must be able to say, "So do I." O let us
prove our gratitude by our devotion, and live as those who,
having claimed a privilege, are willing to take the
responsibility connected with it.