Spurgeon: August AM
* 08/14/AM
"Thou, Lord, hast made me glad through Thy work."
--Psalm 92:4
Do you believe that your sins are forgiven, and that Christ
has made a full atonement for them? Then what a joyful Christian
you ought to be ! How you should live above the common trials
and troubles of the world! Since sin is forgiven, can it matter
what happens to you now? Luther said, "Smite, Lord, smite, for
my sin is forgiven; if Thou hast but forgiven me, smite as hard
as Thou wilt"; and in a similar spirit you may say, "Send
sickness, poverty, losses, crosses, persecution, what Thou wilt,
Thou hast forgiven me , and my soul is glad." Christian, if
thou art thus saved, whilst thou art glad, be grateful and
loving . Cling to that cross which took thy sin away; serve thou
Him who served thee. "I beseech you therefore, by the mercies of
God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Let not
your zeal evaporate in some little ebullition of song. Show your
love in expressive tokens. Love the brethren of Him who loved
you. If there be a Mephibosheth anywhere who is lame or halt,
help him for Jonathan's sake. If there be a poor tried believer,
weep with him, and bear his cross for the sake of Him who wept
for thee and carried thy sins. Since thou art thus forgiven
freely for Christ's sake, go and tell to others the joyful news
of pardoning mercy. Be not contented with this unspeakable
blessing for thyself alone, but publish abroad the story of the
cross. Holy gladness and holy boldness will make you a good
preacher, and all the world will be a pulpit for you to preach
in. Cheerful holiness is the most forcible of sermons, but the
Lord must give it you. Seek it this morning before you go into
the world. When it is the Lord's work in which we rejoice, we
need not be afraid of being too glad.