August 28Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season — 2 Tim. 4:2.
This cannot mean that we are to violate the laws of reason and decency by intruding the good tidings upon others at times inconvenient and unseasonable to them; but it does mean that we are to have such a love for the Truth, such an earnest desire to serve it, that we shall gladly accept the opportunity to do so, however inconvenient it may be for ourselves. It is the chief business of our lives, to which life itself even is subservient, and hence, no opportunity for service must be laid aside—Z '03, 189 (R 3210). The Word of God consists of the thoughts that God has revealed in the Bible. These consist of doctrines, precepts, promises, exhortations, prophecies, histories and types. To preach the Word means to make these known to others. We may do this in our language, in the language of others, as literature distributors; and in helping others to preach in these two ways. We should do it in season and out of season; always in the other's season, regardless as to whether it is in or out of our season. Our convenience is to be disregarded, if it is in the season of others. So only will we lay down our life unto death for the Lord's cause. If we consult our own season, we will fail to sacrifice—P '30, 110. Parallel passages: Psa. 40:8; 96:2, 3; Eccles. 11:6; Isa. 6:8; 61:1-3; Jer. 20:9; Matt. 5:14-16; Luke 24:47-49; John 18:37; Acts 1:8; 8:4-6, 31, 32, 35; 10:42; Rom. 10:14-18; 12:6-8; Eph. 4:15; 1 Thes. 1:8; 1 Tim. 2:6, 7; 4:13. Hymns: 70, 116, 210, 260, 275, 309, 18. Poems of Dawn, 293: Endure As Seeing Him Who is Invisible. Tower Reading: Z '16, 140 (R 5893). Questions: Have I this week preached the Word? Was it in or out of season for me? If I failed, what caused the failure? What contributed to success? What were the results to others and to myself? What lessons can I learn from the week's experiences on this line? |
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ENDURE AS SEEING HIM WHO IS INVISIBLE
ENDURE as seeing Him who is
Invisible. He'll point the way,
And solve thy deepest mysteries,
And turn thy darkest night to day.
Though storms may break on every side,
Though lightnings crash and thunders roar,
We have in Him a constant guide—
Just lean on Jesus more and more.
Endure in Him! He cannot fail!
Press firmly on! The goal is near!
Ascend the mountain! Breast the gale!
Look upward, onward—never fear!
Why shouldst thou faint? God smiles above,
Though clouds and storms may intervene;
That Sun shines on, whose name is Love,
Serenely o'er Life's shadowed scene.
Endure! Though many times thy feet
Slip back and stumble, rise again;
Succumb to neither cold nor heat;
Fear not the threats or jeers of men,
But run with patience; look not back;
True victory comes if we faint not.
He fails indeed whose pace is slack,
Whose zeal is neither cold nor hot.
Endure, though oft misunderstood;
Thy sacrifice is not in vain.
Remember, all things work for good;
Eternal joy is born of pain.
Oft 'mid the forest's deepest gloom
A bird sings from some blighted tree,
And 'mid the thorns the roses bloom—
Thy joy springs from Gethsemane.
Therefore endure as seeing Him
Who is invisible; for He
With cherubim and seraphim
And heavenly hosts will fight for thee.
Fear not! Press on! And reach the goal;
Rejoice in His unfailing grace.
Victory to the steadfast soul!
Eternal life in His embrace!
ENDURE as seeing Him who is
Invisible. He'll point the way,
And solve thy deepest mysteries,
And turn thy darkest night to day.
Though storms may break on every side,
Though lightnings crash and thunders roar,
We have in Him a constant guide—
Just lean on Jesus more and more.
Endure in Him! He cannot fail!
Press firmly on! The goal is near!
Ascend the mountain! Breast the gale!
Look upward, onward—never fear!
Why shouldst thou faint? God smiles above,
Though clouds and storms may intervene;
That Sun shines on, whose name is Love,
Serenely o'er Life's shadowed scene.
Endure! Though many times thy feet
Slip back and stumble, rise again;
Succumb to neither cold nor heat;
Fear not the threats or jeers of men,
But run with patience; look not back;
True victory comes if we faint not.
He fails indeed whose pace is slack,
Whose zeal is neither cold nor hot.
Endure, though oft misunderstood;
Thy sacrifice is not in vain.
Remember, all things work for good;
Eternal joy is born of pain.
Oft 'mid the forest's deepest gloom
A bird sings from some blighted tree,
And 'mid the thorns the roses bloom—
Thy joy springs from Gethsemane.
Therefore endure as seeing Him
Who is invisible; for He
With cherubim and seraphim
And heavenly hosts will fight for thee.
Fear not! Press on! And reach the goal;
Rejoice in His unfailing grace.
Victory to the steadfast soul!
Eternal life in His embrace!
