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07/11/2022

Herald Broadcasting Network presents BibleBanquet, a daily devotional on the book of 1 Kings
Let’s read 1 Kings Chapter 7
Of all we have read, this is the sum:
Solomon's buildings. (1-12) Furniture of the temple. (13-47) Vessels of gold. (48-51)
Here are some beautiful lessons we may draw from this reading:
1. All Solomon's buildings, though beautiful, were intended for use. Solomon began with the temple; he built for God first, and then his other buildings. The surest foundations of lasting prosperity are laid in early piety. In this, he provides an example for all young ones to seek the Lord early in their lives. whwereas he spent thirteen years building his personal house, he built the temple in little more than seven years; not that he was less eager in building his own house, than in building God's. Lesson: We ought to prefer God's honour before our own ease and satisfaction.
2. The two brazen pillars in the porch of the temple, some think, were to teach those that came to worship, to depend upon God only, for strength and establishment in all their religious exercises. The first was called "Jachin," meaning, “God will fix this roving mind.” It is good that the heart be established with grace.
3. The second porch was called, "Boaz," meaning, “In Him is our strength, who works in us both to will and to do.” Spiritual strength and stability are found at the door of God's temple, where we must wait for the gifts of grace, in use of the means of grace.
4. Spiritual priests and spiritual sacrifices must be washed in the laver of Christ's blood, and of regeneration. We must wash often, for we daily contract pollution. There are full means provided for our cleansing; so that if we have our lot forever among the unclean it will be our own fault. Let us then bless God for the fountain opened by the sacrifice of Christ for sin and for uncleanness.
5. Christ is now the Temple and the Builder; the Altar and the Sacrifice; the Light of our souls, and the Bread of life; able to supply all the wants of all that have applied or shall apply to Him. Outward images cannot represent, words cannot express, the heart cannot conceive, His preciousness or His love.
Prayer: May God help us to come to Jesus now, and wash away our sins in His blood. May the Holy Spirit draw us to seek for His purifying grace, and make us maintain communion with the Father through Christ’s intercession, and yield up ourselves and all we have to His service. Being strengthened by Him, may we be accepted, useful, and happy forever, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

04/11/2022

Herald Broadcasting Network presents BibleBanquet, a daily devotional on the book of 1 Kings
Let’s read 1 Kings Chapter 4
Of all we have read, this is the sum:
Solomon's court. (1-19) Solomon's dominions, His daily provision. (20-28) The wisdom of Solomon. (29-34)
Here are some beautiful lessons we may draw from this reading:
1. In the choice of the great officers of Solomon's court, no doubt, his wisdom appeared. Several are the same that were in his father's time. A plan was settled by which no part of the country was exhausted to supply his court, though each sent its portion.
2. Never did the crown of Israel shine so bright, as when Solomon wore it. He had peace on all sides. Herein, his kingdom was a type of the Messiah's: for to Him it is promised that He shall have the heathen for His inheritance, and that princes shall worship Him. The spiritual peace, and joy, and holy security, of all the faithful subjects of the Lord Jesus, were typified by that of Israel.
3. The kingdom of God is not, as Solomon's was, meat and drink, but, what is infinitely better: righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. The vast number of his attendants, and the great resort to him, are shown by the provision daily made. Herein Christ far out does Solomon; that He feeds all His subjects, not with the bread that perishes, but with that which endures to eternal life.
4. Solomon's wisdom was more of his glory than his wealth and power. He had what is here called "largeness of heart", for the heart is often put for the powers of the mind. He had the gift of utterance, as well as wisdom. It is very desirable, that those who have large gifts of any kind, should have large hearts to use them for the good of others.
5. No treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are lost. But every sort of gifts that is needful for salvation is to be found in the holy Scriptures. It is notable that there came persons from all parts of the then world who were more eager after knowledge than their neighbours, to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Solomon was herein a type of Christ, in whom are hid all treasures of wisdom and knowledge; and hid for us, for He is made of God to us, wisdom. Christ's fame shall spread through all the earth, and men of all nations shall come to Him, learn of Him, and take upon them His easy yoke, and find rest for their souls.
Prayer: O LORD, give me wisdom, knowledge, and understanding; but above all, give me largeness of heart, that I may apply these gifts for the good of others, and for the enlargement of your eternal kingdom, in Jesus' name. Amen.

29/08/2022

Herald Broadcasting Network presents BibleBanquet, a daily devotional on the book of Judges
Let’s read Judges Chapter 17
Of all that we have read, this is the sum:
The beginning of idolatry in Israel, Micah and his mother. (1-6) Micah hires a Levite to be his priest. (7-13)
Here are some beautiful lessons we may draw from this reading:
1. What is related in this, and the rest of the chapters to the end of this book, was done soon after the death of Joshua: see Judges 20:28. That it might appear how happy the nation was under the Judges, here is showed how unhappy they were when there was no Judge.
2. The love of money made Micah so undutiful to his mother as to rob her, and made her so unkind to her son, as to curse him. However, outward losses drive good people to their prayers, but bad people to their curses. Notably, this woman's silver was her god, before it was made into a graven or a molten image. No wonder Micah and his mother agreed to turn their money into a god, and set up idol worship in their family, and hence, set a national pace
3. See then the course of the deepening national corruption in Israel, once they forsook their God. Every man did that which was right in his own eyes. The consequence was that they soon did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord. All these things were written for our examples and instruction, that we, the spiritual Jews (the church) should not repeat the fatal error of ancient Jews.
4. Micah thought it was a sign of God's favour to him and his images, that a Levite should come to his door. That coincidence was of the devil, and not of God. Thus those who please themselves with their own delusions, if Providence unexpectedly bring any thing to their hands that further them in their evil way, are apt from thence to think that God is pleased with them. Caution! God does not bless anyone on the highway of sin because He does not pass through it.
Prayer: May God help us to hate evil and love good. May the Holy Spirit revive and restore the church and nations from the deepening spiritual and moral decay. May God raise up spiritual leaders for both the church and nations, who will move on God's own agenda, shunning selfishness, and working as servant leaders, in Jesus' name. Amen.

27/08/2022

Herald Broadcasting Network presents BibleBanquet, a daily devotional on the book of Judges
Let’s read Judges Chapter 15
Of all that we have read, this is the sum:
Samson is denied his wife; He smites the Philistines. (1-8) Samson kills a thousand of the Philistines with a jaw-bone. (9-17) His distress from thirst. (18-20)
Here are some beautiful lessons we may draw from this reading:
1. When there are differences between relations, let those be reckoned the wisest and best, who are most forward to forgive or forget, and most willing to stoop and yield for the sake of peace. In the means which Samson employed, we must, exceptionally, look at the power of God supplying them, and making them successful, to mortify the pride and punish the wickedness of the Philistines.
2. The Philistines threatened Samson's wife that they would burn her and her father's house. She, to save herself and obliged her countrymen, betrayed her husband; and the very thing that she feared, and by sin sought to avoid, came upon her. She, and her father's house, were burnt with fire, and by her countrymen, whom she thought to oblige by the wrong she did to her husband. Lesson: The mischief we seek to escape by any unlawful practices, we often pull down upon our own heads. Caution!
3. Sin dispirits men, it hides from their eyes the things that belong to their peace. Thus did the Israelites blame Samson for what he had done against the Philistines, as if he had done them a great injury. In like manner, our Lord Jesus did many good works, and for those the Jews were ready to stone Him.
4. When the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson, his cords were loosed: where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty, and those are free indeed, whom the Son of man sets free. Like Samson, Christ triumphed over the powers of darkness that shouted against Him, as if they had Him in their power.
5. Samson made great destruction among the Philistines. To take the bone of an ass for this, was to do wonders by the foolish things of the world, that the excellency of the power might be of God, not of man. This victory was not in the weapon, was not in the arm; but it was in the Spirit of God, which moved the weapon by the arm. Hallelujah!
6. We can do all things through Him that strengtheneth us. Seest thou a poor Christian, who is enabled to overcome a temptation by weak, feeble counsel, there is the "Philistine" vanquished by a sorry jaw-bone.
7. So little notice did the men of Judah take of their deliverer, that he was ready to perish for want of a draught of water. Thus are the greatest slights often put upon those who do the greatest services. Samson prayed to God in this distress. This is a lesson for those that forget to attend God with their praises; they may be compelled to attend Him with their prayers.
8. Past experiences of God's power and goodness, are excellent pleas in prayer for further mercy. As Samson pleads his being exposed to God's enemies, our best pleas are taken from God's glory. Hence, the Lord sent him seasonable relief.
9. The place of this action was, from the jaw-bone, called Lehi. And in the place thus called, God caused a fountain suddenly and seasonably to open, close by Samson. We should be more thankful for the mercy of water, and consider carefully how ill we can spare it. It is remarkable that Israel submitted to him whom they had betrayed because God was with him; henceforward, they were directed by him as their judge.
Prayer: May God's hands be mighty upon us to empower, uphold and to bless us. May the Holy Spirit cause our enemies, who betray us, to be at peace with us, and even, to submit themselves to us, in Jesus' name. Amen and Amen.

26/08/2022

Herald Broadcasting Network presents BibleBanquet, a daily devotional on the book of Judges
Let’s read Judges Chapter 14
Of all that we have read, this is the sum:
Samson desires a wife of the Philistines. (1-4) Samson kills a lion. (5-9) Samson's riddle. (10-20)
Here are some beautiful lessons we may draw from this reading:
1. As far as Samson's marriage was a common case, it was weak and foolish of him to set his affections upon a daughter of the Philistines. Shall one, not only an Israelite, but a Nazarite, devoted to the Lord, covet to become one with a worshipper of Dagon? It does not appear that he had any reason to think her wise or virtuous, or any way likely to be a help meet for him; but he saw something in her agreeable to his fancy.
2. He that, in the choice of a wife, is only guided by his eye, and governed by his fancy, must afterwards thank himself if he find a "Philistine" in his arms. Yet it was well done not to proceed till Samson had made his parents acquainted with the matter.
3. Children ought not to marry, nor to move towards marriage without the advice and consent of their parents. Samson's parents did well to dissuade him from yoking himself unequally with unbelievers. It seems that it pleased God to leave Samson to follow his own inclinations, intending to bring out good from his conduct; and his parents consented, because he was bent upon it. However, his example is not recorded for us to do likewise.
4. By enabling him to kill a lion, God let Samson know what he could do in the strength of the Spirit of the Lord, that he might never be afraid to look the greatest difficulties in the face.
5. Samson was alone in the Philistine vineyards, whither he had rambled. Likewise, young people consider not how they expose themselves to the roaring lion that seeks to devour, when they wander from their prudent, pious parents and godly fellows. Nor do men consider what lions lurk in the vineyards, the vineyards of red wines.
6. Our Lord Jesus having conquered Satan, that roaring lion, believers, like Samson, find honey in the carcass abundant strength and satisfaction, enough for themselves, and for all their friends. Samson's riddle literally meant no more than that he had got honey, for food and for pleasure, from the lion, which in its strength and fury was ready to devour him. But the victory of Christ over Satan, by means of His humiliation, agonies, and death, and the exaltation that followed to Him, with the glory thence to the Father, and spiritual advantages to His people, seem directly alluded to in Samson's riddle.
7. And even death, that devouring monster, being robbed of his sting, and stripped of his horror, is followed by eternal victory to the redeemed of the Lord. In these and other senses, "out of the eater comes forth meat, and out of the strong, sweetness."
8. Samson's companions obliged his wife to get the explanation from him. Lesson: A worldly wife, or a worldly friend, is to a godly man, as an enemy in the camp, who will watch every opportunity to betray him. No union can be comfortable or lasting, where secrets cannot be entrusted, without danger of being divulged. Satan, in his temptations, could not do us the mischief he does, if he did not plough with the heifer of our corrupt nature. His chief advantage against us arises from his correspondence with our deceitful hearts and in**ed lusts. This proved an occasion of weaning Samson from his new relations.
9. It were well for us, if the unkindness we meet with from the world, and our disappointments in it, obliged us by faith and prayer to return to our heavenly Father's house, and to rest there. See how little confidence is to be put in man. Whatever pretence of friendship may be made, a real Philistine will soon be weary of a true Israelite. Beware!
Prayer: May the LORD help us to cherish and maintain the enmity between light and darkness, good and evil, Christ and Satan, and holy and unholy. May we never be unequally yoked with unbelievers, in Jesus' name. Amen and Amen.

25/08/2022

Herald Broadcasting Network presents BibleBanquet, a daily devotional on the book of Judges
Let’s read Judges Chapter 13
Of all that we have read, this is the sum:
The Philistines, Samson announced. (1-7) The angel appears to Manoah. (8-14) Manoah's sacrifice. (15-23) Birth of Samson. (24,25)
Here are some beautiful lessons we may draw from this reading:
1. Israel did evil: then God delivered them again into the hands of the Philistines. When Israel was in this distress, Samson was born. His parents had been long childless. Many eminent persons were born of such mothers. Mercies long waited for, often prove signal mercies; and by them others may be encouraged to continue their hope in God's mercy.
2. As the angel noticed the affliction of Manoah and his wife, so does God often send comfort to His people very seasonably, when they feel their troubles most. This deliverer of Israel must be devoted to God, and the same is expected of everyone whom God would use for His cause of spiritual reformation.
3. Manoah's wife was satisfied that the messenger was of God. She gave her husband a particular account, both of the promise and of the precept. This is exemplary for husbands and wives should tell each other: they ought to share their experiences of communion with God, and their improvements in acquaintance with Him, that they may help each other in the way that is holy.
4. Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet, as Manoah, have believed. Good men are more careful and desirous to know the duty to be done by them, than to know the events concerning them: duty is ours, events are God's. God will guide those by His counsel, who desire to know their duty, and apply to Him to teach them.
5. Pious parents, especially, will beg Divine assistance. Hence, the angel repeats the directions he had before given. There is need of much care for the right ordering, both of ourselves and our children, that we may be duly separate from the world, and be a living sacrifices to the Lord.
6. What Manoah asked for instruction in his duty, he was readily told; but what he asked to gratify his curiosity, was denied. Thus, as God has in His Word, given full directions concerning our duty, He has never designed to answer other questionings. There are secret things which belong not to us, of which we must be quite contented to be ignorant, while in this world. The name of our Lord is wonderful and secret; but by His wonderful works He makes Himself known as far as is needful for us.
7. Prayer is the ascent of the soul to God. But without Christ in the heart by faith, our services are offensive smoke; but in Him, acceptable flame. We may apply this to Christ's sacrifice of Himself for us; He ascended in the flame of His own offering, for by His own blood, He entered in once into the holy place, Hebrews 9:12.
8. In Manoah's reflections, there is great fear; "We shall surely die." In his wife's reflection, there is great faith. As a help meet for him, she encouraged him. Likewise, let believers who have had communion with God in the Word and prayer, to whom He has graciously manifested Himself, and who have had reason to think God has accepted their works, take encouragement from thence in a cloudy and dark day.
9. God would not have done what He has done for my soul, if He had designed to forsake me, and leave me to perish at last; for His work is perfect. We must learn to reason as Manoah's wife; "If God designed me to perish under His wrath, He would not give me tokens of His favour."
10. The Spirit of the Lord began to move Samson when a youth. This was evidence that the Lord blessed him. Where God gives His blessing, He gives His Spirit to qualify for the blessing. Those are blessed indeed in whom the Spirit of grace begins to work in the days of their childhood. Notice that Samson drank no wine or strong drink, yet he excelled in strength and courage, for he had the Spirit of God moving him.
Prayer: May God therefore grant that we be not drunk with wine, but be filled with the Holy Spirit. May the Holy Spirit empower us to overcome every evil addiction and sin, in Jesus' name. Amen and Amen.

24/08/2022

15/08/2022

Herald Broadcasting Network presents BibleBanquet, a daily devotional on the book of Judges
Let’s read Judges Chapter 3
Of all that we have read, this is the sum:
The nations left to prove Israel. (1-7) Othniel delivers Israel. (8-11) Ehud delivers Israel from Eglon. (12-30) Shamgar delivers and judges Israel. (31)
Here are some beautiful lessons we may draw from this reading:
1. As the Israelites were a type of the church on earth, they were not to be idle and slothful. The Lord was pleased to try them by the remains of the Canaanite nations they spared. Temptations and trials detect the wickedness of the hearts of sinners; and strengthen the graces of believers in their daily conflict with Satan, sin, and this evil world.
2. They must live in this world, but they are not of it, and are forbidden to conform to it. This marks the difference between the followers of Christ and mere professors. The friendship of the world is more fatal than its enmity; the latter can only kill the body, but the former murders many precious souls.
3. The first Judge of Israel was Othniel: even in Joshua's time, Othniel began to be famous. Soon after Israel's settlement in Canaan, their purity began to be corrupted, and their peace disturbed. But affliction makes those cry to God who before would scarcely speak to Him.
4. God returned in mercy to them for their deliverance. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel. The Spirit of wisdom and courage to qualify him for the service, and the Spirit of power to excite him to it. He first judged Israel, reproved and reformed them, and then went to war. Lesson: Let sin at home be conquered, as the worst of enemies, then enemies abroad will be more easily dealt with. Thus let Christ be our Judge and Lawgiver, then He will save us.
5. When Israel sinned again, God raised up a new oppressor. The Israelites did ill, and the Moabites did worse; yet because God punishes the sins of His own people in this world, Israel was weakened, and Moab strengthened against them. Lesson: If lesser troubles do not do the work of reformation, God will send greater.
6. When Israel prayed again, God raised up Ehud. As a judge, or minister of Divine justice, Ehud put to death, Eglon, the king of Moab, and thus executed the judgments of God upon him as an enemy to God and Israel. But the law of being subject to principalities and powers in all things lawful, is the rule of our conduct. No such commissions are now given; to pretend to them is to blaspheme God.
7. Notice Ehud's address to Eglon, "I have a message from God to you." What message from God, but a message of vengeance, can a proud rebel (a sinner) expect? Such a message is contained in the Word of God; His ministers are boldly to declare it, without fearing the frown, or respecting the persons of sinners. But, blessed be God, they have to deliver a message of mercy and of free salvation; the message of vengeance belongs only to those who neglect the offers of grace.
8. The consequence of Israel's victory against Moab, was that the land had rest for eighty years. It was a great while for the land to rest; yet what is that to be compared with the saints' everlasting rest in the heavenly Canaan? Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, and the mind cannot imagine the things which God has prepared for the saints in heaven.
9. The side of the nation of Israel which lay south-west, was infested by the Philistines. God raised up Shamgar to deliver them; having neither sword nor spear, he took an ox-goad, the instrument next at hand. Indeed, God can make those serviceable to His glory and to His church's good, whose birth, education, and employment, are mean and obscure. It is no matter what the weapon is, if God directs and strengthens the arm. Often He works by unlikely means, that the excellency of the power may appear to be of God. Hallelujah! Amen and Amen.

08/08/2022

Herald Broadcasting Network presents BibleBanquet, a daily devotional on the book of Joshua
Let’s read Joshua chapter 20
Of all we have read, this is the sum:
The law concerning the cities of refuge. (1-6) The cities appointed as refuges. (7-9)
Here are some beautiful lessons we may draw from this reading:
1. When the Israelites were settled in their promised inheritances, they were reminded to set apart the cities of refuge, whose use and typical meaning have been explained in Hebrews 6:18 KJV:
"That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us."
2. Those cities, as those also on the other side Jordan, stood so that a man might in half a day reach one of them from any part of the country. God is ever a Refuge at hand. They were all Levites' cities. It was kindness to the poor fugitive, that when he might not go up to the house of the Lord, yet he had the servants of God with him, to instruct him, and pray for him, and to help to make up the want of public ordinances.
3. Some observe a significance in the names of the cities with application to Christ our Refuge. Kedesh signifies holy, and our Refuge is the holy Jesus. Shechem, a shoulder, and the government is upon His shoulder. Hebron, fellowship, and believers are called into the fellowship of Christ Jesus our Lord. Bezer, a fortification, for He is a stronghold to all those that trust in Him. Ramoth, high or exalted, for Him hath God exalted with His own right hand. Golan, joy or exultation, for in Him all the saints are justified, and shall glory.
Prayer: May the Holy Spirit inspire us today, to flee into the Almighty God, our Strong Tower, that we might hide in Him and be saved, now and forevermore, in Jesus' name. Amen and Amen.

08/07/2022

Herald Broadcasting Network presents BibleBanquet, a daily devotional on the book of Deuteronomy
Let’s read Deuteronomy Chapter 23: Persons to be Excluded from Sanctuary Service

Of all we have read in this chapter, this is the sum: Who are shut out from the congregation. (1-8) Of fugitive servants, Usury, and other precepts. (9-14) Cleanliness enjoined. (15-25)
Here are some beautiful lessons we may draw from this reading:
1. Rules about the sanctity of the sanctuary were given. Personal blemishes, bastard background, idolatrous nationalists, were listed among conditions that shut people out of the sanctuary. Under the Christian dispensation, only an unsound heart will deprive us of blessings; and a bad example, or an unsuitable marriage, may shut our children from them.
2. The camp of the Lord must have nothing offensive in it. If there must be this care taken to preserve the body clean, much more should we be careful to keep the mind pure.
3. It is honorable to shelter and protect the weak, provided they are not wicked. Proselytes and converts to the truth, should be treated with particular tenderness, that they may have no temptation to return to the world.
4. We cannot honor God with our substance, unless it be honestly and honorably come by. It must not only be considered what we give, but how we got it. Beware! Ill-gotten wealth is abhorable in God’s service.
5. Taking usury was forbidden in order not to take advantage of a poor borrower. The lender should share the gain; but to him that borrows for necessity, pity must be showed.
6. That which is gone out of our lips, as a solemn and deliberate vow, must not be recalled, but shalt be kept and performed punctually and fully.
7. The people were allowed to pluck and eat of the corn or grapes that grew by the road side; only they must not carry any away. This law intimated what great plenty of corn and wine they should have in Canaan. It provided for the support of poor travelers, and teaches us to be kind to such; teaches us to be ready to distribute, and not to think everything lost that is given away.
8. Yet the above liberal allowances forbid us to abuse the kindness of friends, or to take advantage of what is allowed. Faithfulness to any engagement should mark the people of God; and they should never encroach upon others.
Prayer: May the Lord help us to honor God, not only with our substance, but also, with a lifestyle of integrity. May we scrupulously abhor ill-gotten wealth as a plague. May we never take advantage of those who are helpless, but do our best to relieve their needs. May the Holy Spirit teach us to be faithful to God in every affair of life, in Jesus’ name. Amen and Amen.

05/07/2022

Herald Broadcasting Network presents BibleBanquet, a daily devotional on the book of Deuteronomy
Let’s read Deuteronomy Chapter 20: Laws about Military Service

Of all we have read in this chapter, this is the sum: Exhortation and proclamation respecting those who went to war. (1-9) Peace to be offered, What cities were to be devoted. (10-20)
Here are some beautiful lessons we may draw from this reading:
1. In the wars wherein Israel engaged according to the will of God, they might expect the Divine assistance. The Lord was to be their only confidence. In these respects they were types of the Christian's warfare. Those unwilling to fight, must not be forwarded. Unwillingness might arise from a man's outward or inward perceived condition. God would not be served by men forced against their will. Thy people shall be willing, Psalm 110:3. In running the Christian race, and fighting the good fight of faith, we must lay aside all that would make us unwilling. If a man's unwillingness arose from weakness and fear, he had leave to return from the war. The reason here given is, lest his brethren's heart fail as well as his heart. We must take heed that we fear not with the fear of them that are afraid, Isaiah 8:12. The Lord has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love, power and of sound mind, 2Tim 1:7.
2. The Israelites were directed about the nations against whom they should make war. This is a show of God's grace in dealing with sinners. He proclaims peace, and beseeches them to be reconciled. Let it also show us our duty in dealing with our brethren. Whoever are for war, we must be for peace.
3. Of the cities given to Israel to war against, none of their inhabitants must be left. Since it could not be expected that they should be cured of their idolatry, they would hurt Israel. These regulations are not the rules of our conduct, but Christ's law of love. We battle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. Our weapons of warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, and casting down imaginations, bringing low, everything that exalts itself above God. In the war against self, nothing should be left, lest they beset us again with temptations.
4. The horrors of war must fill the loving heart with anguish upon every recollection; and are proofs of the wickedness of man, the power of Satan, and the just vengeance of God, who thus scourges a guilty world. But how dreadful their case who are engaged in unequal conflict with their Maker, who will not submit to render Him the easy tribute of worship and praise! Certain ruin awaits them.
5. The number or the power of the enemies of our souls should not dismay us; nor let even our own weakness cause us to tremble or to faint. The Lord will save us; but in the ongoing cosmic war, let none engage, whose hearts are fond of the world, or afraid of the Cross and the conflict.
6. Care was to be taken that in besieging cities, the fruit-trees should not be destroyed. God is a better friend to man than he is to himself; and God's Law consults our interests and comforts; while our own appetites and passions, which we indulge, are enemies to our welfare. Many of the Divine precepts restrain us from destroying that which is for our life and food. The Jews understood God’s restraint as forbidding all willful waste upon any account whatsoever. Every creature of God is good, so nothing is to be abused. We may live later to want what we carelessly waste.
Let’s sing: Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before. Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe; onward into battle see his banners go! Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before. Like a mighty army moves the church of God; brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod. We are not divided, all one body we, one in hope and doctrine, one in charity. Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before. Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane, but the church of Jesus constant will remain. Gates of hell can never 'gainst that church prevail; we have Christ's own promise, and that cannot fail. Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before. Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng, blend with ours your voices in the triumph song. Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King, this through countless ages men and angels sing. Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
with the cross of Jesus going on before. Hallelujah! Amen and Amen.