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that also what they built would stand the test of the fire of that day. It
is not for us to set out a catalogue of the failure of others, but we would
earnestly plead with all who have realized the sacredness of a rightly
divided word of Truth to realize also the sacredness of a rightly divided
Church. Failure to discriminate, in a child of God, is a serious error,
doubly so if that child of God is a leader of others. No wonder James said:
'My brethren, be not many masters (teachers), knowing that we shall
receive the greater condemnation' (Jas. 3:1).
Look at the prayer which the apostle prayed for that Church which he
taught to press on for the prize:
'And this I pray, that your Love may abound yet more and more in
knowledge and in all Discernment; that ye may try the things that
differ; so that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of
Christ' (Phil. 1:9,10 author's translation).
The Scriptural conception of love here is no mere sentiment; it abounds
not merely in affection and kindness and 'bowels and mercies', but in
'knowledge' and in all 'discernment', it quickens the perceptions, it makes
us more sensitive to that which is for and against Christ. The discernment
vitally influences the future, it is the only safe path of sincerity and in-
offensiveness in the day of Christ.
There is a distinct connection between a rightly divided Word and a
discrimination between the world and the church, the flesh and the spirit.
It would be better for some not to have learned of 'heavenly places in Christ
Jesus' if they are not going to 'set their mind on things that are above',
and have 'no confidence in the flesh'. The days into which we are entering
are defined by the Spirit as 'perilous times', and we must not hesitate to
warn because some will consider that we are 'troublers of Israel'. May all
unite together to make a clear uncompromising loving testimony to the truth
given to us, before the days of our testimony are numbered.
My Yoke is Easy
The invitation given by the Lord to take His yoke and so find rest,
cannot be fully appreciated unless the context is taken into account. Let us
turn to Matthew 11. The whole setting of this chapter is one of doubt,
disappointment and triumphant trust. John the Baptist had sent from prison
saying: 'Art thou He that should come, or do we look for another?' (verse 3).
The generation that had seen the Lord's miracles and heard His words is next
compared to fractious children who will neither mourn at funerals nor rejoice
at weddings. The cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida are rebuked for their
unbelief, and it is then, at that time, and in these circumstances, that we
read: 'At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of
heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and
prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it
seemed good in Thy sight' (verses 25,26). It is in this setting and context
that the words of comfort follow:
'Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and
lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is
easy, and My burden is light' (verses 28 -30).