MUSINGS

TRACING THINGS TO THEIR SOURCE In New Zealand we were taken to see the source of a river in the mountains. A short walk from the road brought us to a narrow path at the bottom of a deep ravine. It led through dense, dank bush, the river flowing swiftly below us.

Then the track ended and there below us was the river’s source—it emerged, a swift, surging torrent from a mountain cave.

It made us reflect on the happy occupation of the believer in tracing things to their source in God. In Revelation 22: 1 the river of water of life, bright as crystal, goes out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. What living grace has flowed out to us, and we thankfully, worshipfully trace it back to God and to Him who suffered that we might enjoy it. In the service of God we have rich impressions of Himself as the glorious Source of all—“Of him, and through him, and for him are all things—to him be glory for ever. Amen”, Romans 11:13-36. The eternal purpose was His; the divine love which underlies all is His, and the wisdom, power, righteousness, grace, and mercy which have been employed in working out the purpose are His and His alone.

Every day, every hour, we receive blessings and mercies which should become, as we trace them to their Source, happy occasions of praise and thanksgiving to God. Every meal is a fresh reminder of a Father’s love and care, and our, thanksgiving engages us afresh with Him. Our measure of health and strength, mercies at work, at school, at home, and on the road, should lead us constantly back in praise to our God and Father. Every thought of Christ, every fresh glimpse of the truth, should not fail to produce a happy, thankful note of praise to Him who graciously gave it.

It is Paul— and Paul a prisoner—who says to the Ephesians, “Giving thanks at all times for all things to him who is God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”, Ephesians 5: 20. “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise continually to God”, Hebrews 13: 15.

FCM