Witness for Christ lies in self-condemnation according to the
rule of the Word of God. Sinners are as many as the race of Adam;
but a poor and needy sinner is a precious jewel in the sight
of Christ.
We are not to gather from the angel's feeding Elijah that God
approved of his going to Horeb. (1 Kings 19) If God gives us
good things when we are out of the way, we ought to see keen
reproof in His very kindness.
God will put His faithful servants into the furnace to prove
them and fit them for honour. (Gen. 39) Joseph was steadfast
in obedience to God, and true to Potiphar in all things; yet
his service to Potiphar ended in bonds and dishonour. Joseph
in prison seemed forgotten of God; but God was faithful, and
raised His faithful servant to promised honour, after fitting
him for that honour by humiliation and suffering.
The cross of Christ brought in a new order of faith, so that
now the children of God, when walking in obedience and simplicity
of heart before God, should expect trials of faith like those
of Christ. Did they settle this in their hearts, they would not
be surprised at God's giving them to drink of Christ's cup, and
to share His baptism: they would suffer gladly, remembering that
the curse of the law cannot touch them.
If we walk in self-will and unbelief, the holy rebukes of the
still small voice of the Spirit will not be heard; but if our
hearts are listening, God will be ever teaching us by ways innumerable,
-- chiefly by the Holy Scriptures.