No Man Cared For My Soul

No Man Cared For My Soul

Psalm 142:4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

This is one of the saddest verses in all of Scripture. There was a point in David's life that he felt no man cared for him. He was left all alone in this world, left all alone to fend for himself. More striking than the fact that no one cared for him, was the fact that no one cared for his soul; no one cared for him spiritually, no one cared where he stood before God, where he was in his walk with the Lord. No man cared for his soul.

Our study today starts in John chapter five. It is the story of the impotent man. Again we come across the phrase, "no man." In this case, there was no man to help this powerless man to find the healing he so desperately needed, but had given up all hope of receiving.

John 5:1-9 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, He saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered Him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

Several things immediately come to our attention:

1) Healing was available.

2) The man knew he needed healing.

3) The Lord knew he desired healing, and was completely willing to provide it.

4) But the impotent man had almost given up hope, because there was no one to help him.

The story is very interesting and there is much to learn from here. The name Bethesda means House Of Mercy. The five porches picture God's grace (the number five typifies grace throughout the Bible). While the porches covered many people, only those who entered the pool of Bethesda received healing from the Lord. After the angel stirred up the waters, whosoever entered therein was healed of whatsoever disease he had. While there was healing available for those who looked for it, it was only applied to those who had help to receive it. (I will come back to this thought later.)

Some other verses on the theme of no man are:

Isaiah 41:28 For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word.

Isaiah 50:2a, Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is My hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver?...

Isaiah 59:16a And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor:

1 Samuel 2:25a If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him?

Job 9:33 Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.

Job 16:21 O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!

2 Timothy 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me.

Ezekiel 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

Psalm 142:4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

While this problem is a grievous one, the Lord has provided several solutions:

What did the Lord Jesus Christ Himself do about this problem?

The Old Testament paints a picture of the world in need of a Saviour, of Israel in need of a Kinsman-Redeemer. A Kinsman-Redeemer was a relative that was in a position to redeem their enslaved or poverty-stricken kinsman. This redeemer needed to be someone who was related, as well as someone who was physically able to pay the required price - another enslaved family member could not do so.

In a very real sense, spiritually, the world is in the same bind. Mankind has fallen into bondage to sin; they are poverty-stricken in God's sight, and there is no man living who was born without sin, all are tainted by the sin nature. Something needed to be done. A Kinsman-Redeemer needed to be found. That Redeemer was Jesus Christ, God Himself, who became a man to die for our sins. He took on our human nature so He could legally redeem mankind. He became flesh and dwelt among us. He who knew no sin bore our sins on the cross of Calvary. He paid the price that our Heavenly Father demanded be paid to ransom humanity from sin.

Revelation chapter five reveals what took place in Heaven. The book mentioned in this passage is the title deed for the reclamation/redemption of the Earth.

Revelation 5:1-9 And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne. And when He had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.

While others may have been willing, this passage (and many others) teach that Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Lamb of God, the Lion of the tribe of Judah) was the only sinless Man capable of redeeming fallen mankind from their enslavement to sin and death, from the kingdom of darkness. Through His death for our sins, His burial, and His physical resurrection, He did what no one else in the history of the world could do: He provided for our complete salvation, which is ours by personal faith in Him. This is the reason the whole Bible (from Genesis to Revelation) declares Him as the ONLY SAVIOUR! (If you disagree with that, take your complaint up with the Author!)

Isaiah 59:16-17 And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him. For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

Isaiah 63:5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore Mine own arm brought salvation unto Me; and My fury, it upheld Me.

Just like the impotent man in John 5, there are many today who are looking for answers, for healing, for forgiveness of sins, for refuge from the fire of God's eternal wrath, but many don't know where to look, or how to receive the help they need. No man is there to help them find the healing pool, to carry them to the fountain of living waters. Jesus is the source of eternal life; His blood is the fountain that cleanses all our sins, but who is there to help them?

What can we do about it?

The price for sin has been paid, and yet the despairing cry goes out, "There is no man to help me!"

The biggest way we can help the lost is by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them. As the Apostle Paul says in Romans 1:16,  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  But someone must go and bring them the Gospel. Whether it is across the world, or across the street, we are commanded to go and tell others the Good News of salvation. You may not be called to be a missionary, but you are commanded to be an ambassador of Jesus Christ. (See 2 Corinthians 5:20)

Romans 10:14-15 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

The word for beautiful means "belonging to the right hour or season (timely)." There can never be a wrong time to preach the saving Gospel to those who are lost and on their way to Hell. The Good News is beautiful to the soul who comes to Jesus Christ! (See also Proverbs 15:23; 25:11)

We must first show our love for the lost souls around us by doing all we can to reach them for Christ. We must pray fervently for the lost. We must give to missions to send the Gospel out to other countries. And we must go where we can, and share the Gospel with those we personally come in contact with. All our praying for lost souls won't amount to much if we don't put feet to those prayers by witnessing to them about Jesus Christ! How can we expect the Lord to save our loved ones if we couldn't be bothered to share the Gospel with them. Yes, the Lord can use anyone to reach the lost, but He wants to use you (and me)!

We can also show our love for saved souls by teaching and reminding them where refuge is to be found from all of life's trials and afflictions - in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Psalm 142:4-5 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto Thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.

Isaiah 50:4-5 The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.

Isaiah 63:7-9 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He hath bestowed on them according to His mercies, and according to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses. For He said, Surely they are My people, children that will not lie: so He was their Saviour. In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them: in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

2 Timothy 4:16-18 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Like the impotent man in the Gospel of John, there are many today who need help to reach the healing waters of Shiloah. (See Isaiah 8:6) There are many lost souls who need help to understand the Word of God and find the Saviour revealed therein. (See Acts 8:30-31)

John 5:15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. The idea here is for Christians to be concerned with the welfare of others around them, particularly spiritually. We need to consider the eternal welfare of those we encounter every day. When the impotent man was healed, he told others that it was Jesus who had healed him. We need to share the Good News of salvation with others that they too may be healed of their sins. The healing waters are available for whosoever will heed the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

The psalmist's cry, "No man cared for my soul!"

Our response, let's tell them Jesus cares!

Study written May 25th, 2002

By Jerry Bouey

Not Of This World

Not Of This World

Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, descended from Eber - Eber was the third generation after Shem (Genesis 10:21-24). The name Eber appears 7 times in Genesis (in the Table of Nations in Genesis chapters 10-11). Abram was the sixth generation after Eber, and he is often referred to as a Hebrew, and the nation that descended from him are called the Hebrews. The name Hebrew comes from the name Eber.** Eber means “the region beyond,” and therefore a Hebrew is “one from beyond.”

**It is interesting to note that Eber is the 14th generation from creation (Enoch being the 7th). The people of God in the Old Testament take their name (the Hebrews) from this man. Contrast this with the rebel, Nimrod, the founder of Babel/Babylon, who was the 13th generation (see Genesis 10:6-10). In Genesis, Abram is the 20th generation (see Genesis 11:10-32). However, if you look at Luke 3:34-38, you will see Abraham listed as the 21st generation (counting backwards from verse 38, Adam being the first generation; and Cainan being listed in verse 36 - for whatever reason he is not listed in the genealogies in Genesis). That makes the 7th generation, the “dedicated” man, Enoch (see Genesis 5:21-24 and Jude 1:14-15); Eber (the namesake for the people of God, the Hebrews), the 14th generation; and Abram/Abraham, the father of the Jews physically (Romans 4:1) and the father of all who believe spiritually (see Romans chapter 4, where Abraham is called a “father” seven times; see especially Romans 4:11), the 21st generation. If you count out the number of generations listed in Luke 3:23-38, you will also discover that Jesus Christ, our Saviour, is the 77th generation from God! Interesting stuff indeed!

I love studying out Old Testament types and pictures and seeing how they portray spiritual things that are opened up to us in the light of the New Testament. Consider the following passage:

Numbers 15:37-41  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God.

In regards to the priesthood and the tabernacle system, the colour blue (ie. blue thread or blue material) is representative of Heaven. They were to put blue fringes (ie. tassels) on the borders of their garments so that everything they did was with the things of Heaven in view, in light of the glory of God, in light of eternity. We see that exact same idea portrayed in Colossians:

Colossians 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Are you living for the Lord, keeping your focus on Him, and serving Him day by day?

1 Corinthians 10:31  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:23  And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

This also comes to mind regarding Abraham:

Joshua 24:2-3 And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods. And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.

We also see the following statement about Abraham, the other patriarchs, and OT believers:

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

And for us:

John 15:18-19 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

John 17:16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

1 Peter 2:9-11  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

A really great quote from Warren Wiersbe from his BE Commentaries on the last passage above is: “Our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20), our names are written down in heaven (Luke 10:20), and we are “pilgrims” in this world (1 Pet. 1:1). A fugitive is running from home, a vagabond has no home, a stranger is away from home, but a pilgrim is heading home. This dual citizenship forces us to look at this world from the viewpoint of heaven.”

Are you living for this world or for the world that is to come? Are you of this world, living for the things of this world - or are you not of this world? Let us keep our minds steadfastly focused on the things of eternity, storing up treasures in Heaven, and keeping our eyes upon the Lord Jesus Christ!

November 6th, 2024
Jerry Bouey

For a further blessing on this theme, please read the following poem, Soaring Aloft On Eagle's Wings

Job's Lessons In Trust: Times of Testing

Job's Lessons In Trust: Times Of Testing

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

Eschew means to "avoid, shun, abstain from, keep away from." Here we see a God-fearing (Proverbs 8:13; 16:6 and Job 28:28), upright (saved, righteous) man that sought to please the Lord in his life. He was perfect (meaning "spiritually mature"), and kept himself away from evil. He also strove to ensure that his children didn't forsake the Lord. (See verse 5) Yet, as the story goes on to relate, Job undergoes a tremendous time of testing - all because of his steadfast walk with the Lord!

Job 1:6-12 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not Thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth Thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse Thee to Thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

Job 2:1-7 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst Me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth Thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse Thee to Thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

Satan, jealous of this godly servant, desires to afflict and test him and his commitment to the Lord. He wanted to see if Job would really serve the Lord if all he had was taken away. Even so, Satan could not break through the hedge about Job, his family, and his possessions unless the Lord allowed him to. (See also Isaiah 5:1-7, especially verse 5 regarding the hedge about God's vineyard, the nation of Israel.)

While Job did not know why these afflictions were happening to him, we can see the whole picture in hindsight. God inspired one of His holy prophets (possibly Elihu - see Job 32:16 and 2 Peter 1:21) to write this portion of Scripture for us. There are many lessons we can learn from Job, but the one I want to emphasize today is: Satan has to get permission for all the tests and trials he desires to afflict upon the children of God. If it is not in God's perfect will for our lives, it will not happen. And inasmuch as God allows any trials from Satan, they are in His sovereign will, and He will work it all out according to the plan He has for each of us. (See Romans 8:28-29)

I don't remember the exact quote, but Martin Luther made a comment about the devil being God's dog, on God's leash. He can only go so far as the Lord allows him to go. We may not understand why God allows certain things to happen to us, but we can know that it is all according to His perfect plan for our lives, and that all that happens to us is caused or allowed by Him.

Another example of the Devil desiring to test God's children is found in the New Testament. In this particular instance it was all the Apostles that he wanted to sift. (Notice the word "you", which is always plural in the King James Bible. "Thou" is singular, and we can see that Jesus prayed specifically for Peter to be restored after he denied the Lord.)

Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Again, we see that the Devil had to get permission to sift (test or afflict grievously) these Christians.

Are you trusting the Lord? Do you believe that God is in control, even in the times of trial? Do you believe that He only allows into your life what is in His perfect will for you? These Bible examples are for us to learn by. (See Romans 15:4) Our Heavenly Father knows what He is doing. Let's put our trust in Him - even when we can't see the larger picture, and let's learn from the example of Job.

Like A River Glorious
(Lyrics:Frances Havergal)

Like a river glorious, is God s perfect peace,
Over all victorious, in its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth, fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it groweth, deeper all the way.

Chorus:
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry, touch the spirit there.

Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do.
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.

August 19th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

The Fire On The Altar

The Fire On The Altar

Susannah Wesley, mother of John and Charles Wesley, once said, "Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or removes your desire for spiritual things - that is sin to you."

Leviticus 6:12-13 And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings. The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.

According to the New Testament, true believers in Jesus Christ are referred to as priests. (See 1 Peter 2:9) As such we need to always keep the fire of devotion to the Lord burning on the altar of their hearts and not become lukewarm or cold.

Revelation 3:15-16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Is the fire burning hot on the altar of your heart, or are the embers glowing dim? It is a proven spiritual principle that allowing sin and compromise to dominate in your life will cool your fervour for the Lord Jesus Christ and the things of God.

One passage that has greatly helped me in my service to the Lord has been 2 Timothy 1:6-8:

2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

In the above verse, "stir up" means "to bring the fire to life again." We are to use our spiritual gifts - not just keep them on the shelf (in a manner of speaking). The Holy Spirit has divided these gifts among the believers in each local church to edify the body of Christ and to equip them for service. (See 1 Corinthians 12:1, 7, 11 and Ephesians 4:11-16)

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Fear does not come from God - except for the fear of the Lord! The word for "fear" in this passage means "dread; timidity." If I am cowardly and timid in my service and witnessing, then I know I am not submitted to the leading of the Holy Spirit; I am not filled with (controlled or influenced by) His Holy Spirit, but am in fact controlled by my flesh or fear caused by Satan. We should never let either of these dictate whether we will be faithful to the Lord or not; whether we will be a witness or not. Some other related verses that have also strengthened me and helped me fight the battle when I am tempted to be timid are: Proverbs 29:25 and 28:1, as well as 1 John 4:18.

What has Jesus Christ given me instead of fear? His power for witnessing (Acts 1:8), His love for the lost (Romans 5:5 and 2 Corinthians 5:14), and a "sound mind" (notice temperance in Galatians 5:22-23). A "sound mind" means "discipline; self-control." The Holy Spirit gives me the power and ability to resist the fear and the self-control to do the service He requires of me.

Because of the gifts, strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10), grace (1 Peter 5:5 and 2 Corinthians 9:8), power, love, and sound mind the Lord has given us, we have all we need day by day as we strive to serve Him.

The Apostle Paul goes on to say this:

2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.

Jeremiah 20:9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

"...A sense of the Redeemer's preciousness makes the Christian useful, for that which is much in the heart will soon creep up to the tongue, and the testimony of the heart is a notable method of spreading the gospel. If thou lovest Christ much, thou will speak about him... Thus, telling out, with a burning heart, the things which he has made touching the King, others will hear the good news, and they will ask, 'Who is this Precious One?' and they will, by God's good Spirit, be led to seek him and find him too. So, the Christian valuing Christ will come to be useful to the souls of men...." - Charles Spurgeon.

Fervency is the fire on the altar of your heart that burns the incense of prayer and sends the sweet-smelling savour up to God. - A phrase I coined, loosely based on a statement I had heard but could not quite remember.

"The preacher with fire in his bones does not only await an opportunity; he makes one. He must preach!" - John R. Rice.

The Altar Is Empty

The altar is empty -
The sacrifice has walked away.
The heart's gone cold -
Where's the willingness to pray?

Something is wrong, it shouldn't be,
No peace within, convicting me!

Chorus:
Kindle my heart, stir into a flame.
Restore my soul, as I call on Your name.
Oh Lord above, grant me the grace
To deny myself and put Your will in its place.

The altar is empty -
There are no prayers offered today.
The heart's lukewarm -
Where's the desire to pray?

The field is white, but no reaping done,
No hearts breaking, pleading for God's Son.

Chorus

The field is empty -
Where are the labourers today?
Those faithful servants
Standing in the gap to pray?

Oh hear God's voice, His Spirit's call;
Repent, you watchmen, upon the wall.

Chorus

Quicken my heart, in Jesus' name,
Cleanse me from my sin - bring to life again.
Send me, oh Lord, and I will go -
Go and tell the world Jesus loves them so.

Devotional and song written July 29th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

For a related devotional:
The Song Of The Altar

What Is Your Response To The Word Of God?

What Is Your Response To The Word Of God?

Was reflecting on a certain passage of Scripture, and thought how much I strived to be like the Bereans of old. I hope that is your desire also.

Consider how believers during Bible times regarded the Word of God:

1) Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Received the Word with all readiness of mind.

This implies a willingness to hear, a willingness to listen attentively when the Word of God is being preached or taught.

Searched the Scriptures daily.

Searched is Strong's #350, and means "properly, to scrutinize, i.e. (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine:--ask, question, discern, examine, judge, search." In other words, these Bereans took all that was presented to them and put it under the searchlight of the Scriptures. They were discerning of all that was taught; accepted what was clearly in alignment with God's Word, and rejected what contradicted it. This is in accordance with the following passages: 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 (prophesying here means preaching); Romans 12:9; 1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 John 4:1-3.

2) 1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Received the Word of God as God's Word, and not man's.

The first word for received here is Strong's #3880, which means "to receive near, i.e. associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn:--receive, take (unto, with)." In other words, these believers in Thessalonica embraced the Word of God whenever it was preached. They believed it was God's very own Word - not man's - given from Him to them. As such, they received it personally and held it close to their hearts. To get an idea of the intimacy involved in these believers receiving of the Word of God, consider that this is the same Greek word that Jesus used in John 14:3, when He said He would come again to receive us unto Himself.

When we value the Word as much as these early Christians did, then it can do the effectual work the Lord intended it to do in our hearts and lives.

3) Ezra 7:6 This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

Was a ready scribe in the Scriptures.

The word ready is Strong's #4106, and means "quick; hence, skilful:--diligent, hasty, ready." Ezra was a mature (perfect) believer who diligently studied the Scriptures. He spent time in the Word of God, and knew it. Unfortunately, the average professing believer today does not. Are you more like Ezra or like some of the Hebrew and Corinthian believers? See Hebrews 5:11-14 and 1 Corinthians 3:1-3.

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

4) Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

Prepared his heart to seek God's Word.

What Ezra learned from God, he passed on to others. Notice this verse says he prepared his heart. That means he took the time necessary to maintain his walk with the Lord, and that he was looking to see what God would teach him from His Word. The word seek is #1875, which means "properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship." He frequently pursued the Word of God, diligently, fervently, reverently read and studied it - not like many of us do today when we quickly strive to read our three (or however many) chapters as quickly as we can. Ezra came to God's Word, in a worshipful manner, expecting to get something from the Lord. Do we do the same? Do we come to God's Word in a reverent spirit, expecting the Holy Spirit to teach us, to show us something of Christ in each passage we read? Or are we just marking our chapters as read and then moving on to other things?

Is your heart prepared to seek the Lord and His Word? Contrast Ezra's attitude with that of King Rehoboam's:

2 Chronicles 12:14 And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.

Matthew 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

5) James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Be ye doers of the Word.

Do you come to the Word of God with a heart that is determined to obey what the Holy Spirit teaches you? If not, over time, you will lose what you have learned and find that you are not getting much out of the Scriptures.

Mark 4:24-25 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

If you come to the Scriptures and find that they are dry and boring - the problem is with your heart and life, not His Word. Sin will hinder God's Word in our lives, but repenting and forsaking those sins will quicken us and cause the Word to become a source of rest and refreshing to us again.

If you read and study the Bible with an attitude of submission, you will learn and be taught of God, your faith will grow and your walk will be strengthened.

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Matthew 11:29-30 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

What is your attitude to the Word of God? Do you reverently read it and study it, with an intent to obey and pass on what you have learned to others - or do you flippantly or casually read your allotted portion without much thought or consideration? When you hear the Scriptures being taught or preached, do you willingly focus on the message and consider how it fits in with the rest of the Word of God, do you carefully discern what is being taught? What is your response to the Bible, the Word of God?

February 17th, 2005
Jerry Bouey