We can be filled with that which will put out the fire, and if we are not
full, who is there to blame but ourselves? Those buckets might have been
neglected till the hoops dropped off, and the power to hold water was
gone, all because they were not kept full, and if so, they would be an
apt illustration of some who have ceased to be the men they were, and
only that they fill the same place, we should not dream of them being
used at all.
VI. "HIS CHAINS FELL OFF."
ACTS xii. 7.
IN ANSWER TO PRAYER:--Do you know any one tied and bound? Have you
prayed for them without ceasing? Are you conscious of the enemy putting
YOUR hands or feet in fetters? Are you unable to reach that purse which
was at one time always within your grasp, so that now you do not give to
the poor as you once did? Are your feet prevented from going on errands
of mercy? Do the manacles keep you at home on Sundays, instead of
walking muddy lanes to preach? If so, how do you like it? Do you not
think you should cry to God?
We know a godly and cultivated minister who got into Doubting Castle,
some years ago. He was losing hold of God, and his duty was becoming
irksome, so he cried unto the Lord in his trouble. "I let them all go to
bed," said he, "and had an all-night of prayer," and his chains fell off.
VERY QUIETLY. Not a single soldier was awakened. God can speak in
loudest tones, as at Phillippi. He can bring His people out without
anyone knowing, till they tell the tale themselves. It has often been
the case, that some gentle, quiet preacher has been the instrument of
deliverance to the Lord's chosen ones. There has been a revolution in
nature. What a blessed change! How the chains of winter have fallen
off, and that surly east-wind jailer been dismissed without noise or
clamour.
When free, Peter went to tell those who had prayed him out. He found
them in a state of great surprise. How good of God not to limit our
success in prayer by our faith, or the want of it. In this also He does
"exceeding abundantly." Still they did not fail, depend on it, to praise
the Lord. Herod soon found it out, and was abashed. He would not dare
to meet a Christian in the street, for the smile on the believer's face
would say, "His chains fell off." Do not let us who can pray be ever
discouraged. We can touch the heart of God, so let us sing--
"The Lion of Judah shall break every chain,
And give us the victory again and again."