May 25

Morning

Forsake me not, O Lord. — Ps 38:21

Frequently we pray that God would not forsake us in the hour of trial and temptation but we too much forget that we have need to use this prayer at all times. There is no moment of our life, however holy—in which we can do without His constant upholding. Whether in light or in darkness, in communion or in temptation—we alike need the prayer, “Do not forsake, O Lord!” “Hold me up and I shall be safe!”

A little child, while learning to walk—always needs the parent’s aid. The ship left by the pilot—drifts at once from her course. We cannot do without continuous aid from God. Let it be your prayer today, “Do not forsake me! Father, do not forsake Your child—lest he fall by the hand of the enemy. Shepherd, do not forsake Your lamb—lest he wander from the safety of the fold. Great Gardener, do not forsake Your plant—lest it wither and die! Do not forsake me now, O Lord! And do not forsake me at any moment of my life. Do not forsake me in my joys—lest they absorb my heart. Do not forsake me not in my sorrows—lest I murmur against You. Do not forsake me in the day of my repentance—lest I lose the hope of pardon, and fall into despair. Do not forsake me in the day of my strongest faith—lest faith degenerate into presumption. Do not forsake me—for without You I am weak but with You I am strong. Do not forsake me—for my path is dangerous, and full of snares and I cannot travel without Your guidance. The hen does not forsake her brood; evermore cover me with Your feathers, and permit me to find my refuge under Your wings. Do not be far from me, O Lord, for trouble is near and there is none to help. Leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation!”

Evening

And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem ... and they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them. — Luke 24:33,35

When the two disciples had reached Emmaus, and were refreshing themselves at the evening meal—the mysterious stranger who had so enchanted them upon the road, took bread and broke it, made Himself known to them, and then vanished out of their sight! They had constrained Him to abide with them, because the day was far spent; but now, although it was much later, their love was a lamp to their feet, yes, wings also! They forgot the darkness, their weariness was all gone, and forthwith they journeyed back the more than seven miles, to tell the gladsome news of a risen Lord, who had appeared to them by the way. They reached the Christians in Jerusalem, and were received by a burst of joyful news before they could tell their own tale.

These early Christians were all on fire to speak of Christ’s resurrection, and to proclaim what they knew of the Lord; they made common property of their experiences. This evening let their example impress us deeply. We too must bear our witness concerning Jesus. John’s account of the sepulcher needed to be supplemented by Peter; and Mary could speak of something further still; combined, we have a full testimony from which nothing can be spared.

We have each of us peculiar gifts and special manifestations; but the one object which God has in view, is the perfecting of the whole body of Christ. We must, therefore, bring our spiritual possessions and lay them at the apostle’s feet, and make distribution unto all—of what God has given to us. Keep back no part of the precious truth but speak what you know, and testify what you have seen. Let not the toil or darkness, or possible unbelief of your friends, weigh one moment in the scale. Up, and be marching to the place of duty and there tell what great things God has shown to your soul!