WHAT SETS ASIDE SELF

WHAT SETS ASIDE SELF

How easily one becomes elated here, and consequently as easily disappointed! How we need to be exercised in the truth that He cares for us far more truly and wisely than we could care for ourselves.

Very few really know a Saviour in glory, a Saviour in death here, but in glory now. The evangelists in the Establishment preach Christ on the cross. Others go a step further, and preach Him risen, but they confine it too much to His resurrection from, or out of, death, and therefore still connect Him with our side of things, instead of setting Him forth as the Man in the amber spot (Ezekiel 1: 4, 5), “crowned with glory and honour” (Hebrews 2: 7).

Nothing sets aside self but Christ; none of the graces or gifts of the Spirit do. When the queen of Sheba saw all Solomon’s glory, and told him all her heart,

“^[p. 335] there was no more spirit in her”. There was nothing in her heart not confided to him, and then she did not care to think any more about herself. So with us, when Christ’s concerns so fill the released heart that there is no more room for self. The question with me then is, not what will please me or suit me, or even serve me, but what will please Him; and one must be very near Him, with eyes closed and ears closed to all around, to know what that is.

This imparts solemn caution as to every word and action; it leads us to ponder everything, but because we believe, we do not make haste. Man grasps at every offer, because he has no faith. The man of faith can wait till the Lord bids him move.

The Lord keep us more practised in this holy watchfulness, walking before Him in all well pleasing.