Spurgeon: October PM
* 10/20/PM
"Keep not back."
--Isaiah 43:6
Although this message was sent to the south, and referred to
the seed of Israel, it may profitably be a summons to ourselves.
Backward we are naturally to all good things, and it is a lesson
of grace to learn to go forward in the ways of God. Reader, are
you unconverted, but do you desire to trust in the Lord Jesus?
Then keep not back . Love invites you, the promises secure you
success, the precious blood prepares the way. Let not sins or
fears hinder you, but come to Jesus just as you are. Do you
long to pray? Would you pour out your heart before the Lord?
Keep not back . The mercy-seat is prepared for such as need
mercy; a sinner's cries will prevail with God. You are invited,
nay, you are commanded to pray, come therefore with boldness to
the throne of grace.
Dear friend, are you already saved? Then keep not back from
union with the Lord's people. Neglect not the ordinances of
baptism and the Lord's Supper. You may be of a timid
disposition, but you must strive against it, lest it lead you
into disobedience. There is a sweet promise made to those who
confess Christ--by no means miss it, lest you come under the
condemnation of those who deny Him. If you have talents keep
not back from using them. Hoard not your wealth, waste not
your time; let not your abilities rust or your influence be
unused. Jesus kept not back, imitate Him by being foremost in
self-denials and self-sacrifices. Keep not back from close
communion with God, from boldly appropriating covenant
blessings, from advancing in the divine life, from prying into
the precious mysteries of the love of Christ. Neither, beloved
friend, be guilty of keeping others back by your coldness,
harshness, or suspicions. For Jesus' sake go forward yourself,
and encourage others to do the like. Hell and the leaguered
bands of superstition and infidelity are forward to the fight.
O soldiers of the cross, keep not back.