4th Street Meeting

This morning was gloomy. Heavy with clouds, and was threatening to rain. Come afternoon we were granted a pleasant sunny weather. 

The text for the sheep was on Luke 21:35-48. How that we should always be watching in constant readiness, having a mindset of instant accountability when we are suddenly called to stand before the Master. It reminds us, that those who are blessed, are the ones whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Christ our Lord is immeasurably gracious to His watchful servants, but He is just as severe in judging the unfaithful ones. Our profession of Him is no guarantee of anything on our side. Many believing will be surprised when are numbered among the unbelieving, and even more astonished to see heathen being shown more mercy than they, in punishment. The wicked will be shown more mercy, than those believing, yet is not practicing. 

His finding us ready to hear His voice, with our loins girt about and our lights burning when He comes, is what separates the true from the pretentious, the heavenly from the worldly, the listeners from the doers. An unused knowledge of Christ is the most dangerous of all possessions, for it surely adds to the severity of one's condemnation in neglecting Gospel commands, and Gospel opportunities (Luke 12:47).

It was hot and the people kept away under the shade but no sooner than I stepped up to read the word and began my public pleading did the sun hide behind some clouds, giving an opportunity for the people to come near and sit comfortably in the open. God did send more fish today than the previous weeks in answer to prayer. An encouragement to me regarding what I have in mind to do in the coming months was the enlarged tenderness I felt when I saw simple folk listening to the good news of salvation. They looked to me like sheep without a shepherd. May the LORD grant that I remain faithful, and turn the people's hearts to Him. Only that great day will reveal the fruits of this toil. 

I am prepared to undergo surgery tomorrow. I trust the LORD will carry me through and enable me once again to stand this coming Lord's day and fulfill the greater labor that still lay ahead.