xxxii. 20. _Blessed are they that sow beside all waters,
&c._
I. We may use the language of the text _as a warning against the
neglect of the least opportunity of usefulness to others._ The
prophet pronounces a blessing upon those who are prepared to scatter
seed, not only where there is a probable prospect of a rich harvest,
but upon whatsoever soil God shall bring them in contact with. It is
not only by the waters that are sweet and sparkling that the sowing
is to be carried on, but beside the floods that seem likely to
overwhelm. We are to maintain a lively sense of our obligation to do
good unto all men as we have opportunity. Even those who are alive to
the reality of the effect which one man's life and conversation may
have upon another, nay, who are desirous to be useful to their
brethren in Christ, are under a great temptation to be ruled by
predilections for or against particular persons, and to regard some
as too proud, too insincere, too thoughtless to reward their labour.
Or their affections are so absorbed in one or two individuals, united
with them by blood or friendship, that they are rendered
comparatively indifferent about the influence they may exert upon
others. But whether we choose or no, our power for good or evil
extends over all who come within our shadow, and we should neglect no
opportunity to make it a power for good (H. E. I. 1857-65, 4596).
II. _We should not neglect any opportunity of securing benefit for
ourselves._ Every period of existence is to be spent under God. Swift
and resistless the waters of life glide on. But beside them all, the
Christian sows his good seed. Equally in youth, middle age, and in
advancing years, whatsoever his hand finds to do, he does it
heartily, as unto the Lord; and in each he reaps a harvest according
to his sowing in that which preceded it. Blessed through eternity
will he be who sowed wisely and liberally beside all the waters of
life.--_J. R. Woodford, M.A.: Sermons preached in Bristol,_ pp.
228-243.
It should be the ambition of us all to be useful. The difference
between one man who lives a useful, and another who lives a useless
life, is simply this--the one improves his opportunities for doing
good and making others happy, while he ministers to his own
well-being; and the other lives only for himself, and reaps the
barren harvest of his selfishness. Life comes but once to each of us,
and blessed are they who, bearing this over in mind, are careful to
"sow beside all waters."
I. Those who wish to be useful should never forget the many
favourable opportunities for sowing seed _on the clear and untroubled
waters of childhood._ II. Another opportunity for scattering precious
seed is _on the troubled waters of strife_ (Matt. v. 9).
III. Another, _on the stagnant and muddy waters of doubt and
unbelief._ It often happens that the Christian is obliged to listen
to the vapid and senseless discourse of those who seek to bring the
religion of the Son of God into contempt, and if he would be prepared
for such occasions of seed-sowing, he ought to be a diligent student
of the Word of God, and of such works as will give him a right
understanding of it. IV. _There will be times when words of comfort
may be spoken to bewildered souls about to embark on "the narrow sea"
which divides this world from the next._--_John N. Newton: Golden
Truths,_ pp. 73-81.