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We rejoice also to realize that though the apostle could, without boasting, say that he
laboured "more abundantly than they all", yet he could add: "Yet not I, but the grace of
God that was with me" (I Cor. 15: 10). In spite of a weariness sometimes overshadowed
by death itself, we can rejoice that in the risen Christ, and by the power of His
resurrection, no labour however wearisome can be "in vain", for such is "in the Lord"
(I Cor. 15: 58).
#16. Symbols of Service.
Messengers and Ministers.
pp. 246 - 248
In the days of our ignorance, many of us have sung: "I want to be an angel, and with
the angels stand." We have since learned that the redeemed of the Lord will never be
angels, although some, in resurrection glory, will be made like the angels in some
respects. Some of us are rejoicing in a position, given by grace, that places us far above
principalities and powers.
Angels, we are told, are "ministering spirits". Although the saint will never be an
angel, yet in the wider sense of the word, all the redeemed may be "angels", for both the
Hebrew malak and the Greek aggelos are translated "messenger". To be a messenger
does not require learning or skill. It may call for expedition, but even a slow messenger
is better than none. To be a messenger for the Lord is within the power of all.
A most important aspect of this form of service is expressed by Haggai:--
"Then spake Haggai, the Lord's messenger in the Lord's message" (Hag. 1: 13).
The messenger and the message should be closely associated, so that the one is but the
outward expression of the other.
The words of Haggai might well be applied to dispensational truth, for one cannot
dissociate Peter from the message to the circumcision, nor Paul from the grace of God to
the Gentiles. And what is true of such messengers as Peter and Paul and Haggai should
be true of us all. The man and his message should be closely united as possible. This, of
course, involves practice as well as doctrine. As Paul puts it concerning himself: "Thou
hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life" (II Tim. 3: 10).
The Book of Proverbs uses a striking figure when speaking of the messenger:--
"As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that
send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters" (Prov. 25: 13).
It is a blessed thought that the faithful messenger, even though his message be
unpalatable to those who receive it, is a delight to the One who sent him. The figure is