The Medical Missionary, vol. 13

May 1904

“Daily Bread for Christian Workers” The Medical Missionary 13, 5.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

Sunday, May 1. I, even I, am he that blotteth out My transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Isaiah 43:25.

These words are addressed to all who have made God to serve with their sins, and have wearied him with their iniquities, and so stand in need of justification. (See verses 24, 26.) The sins of all men are upon the Lord, whether they believe and acknowledge it or not; for all men and all things are borne by his life. Sins weary the Lord, and that is why he blots them out. It is for his own sake. What blessed assurance this gives! Instead of our sin being too great for God to forgive, the greater it is, the more anxious, he is to blot it out and be free from it. MEDM May 1904, page 161.1

Monday, May 2. I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and as a cloud, thy sins. Isaiah 44:22. MEDM May 1904, page 161.2

By the sacrifice of Christ, reconciliation is made for the sins of the whole world; this sacrifice was made “from the foundation of the world;” “and he died for all.” God was “reconciling the world unto himself;” and by the obedience of Christ, who was always obedient, “the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.” Our sins have separated us from God; but Christ has “broken down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in his flesh the enmity;” so that there is nothing to separate any man from God. MEDM May 1904, page 161.3

Tuesday, May 3. Return unto me for I have redeemed thee. Isaiah 44:22. MEDM May 1904, page 161.4

This is the only condition on which anybody could possibly be induced to return to God. The reason why many people do not come to the Lord, is that they are afraid to, thinking that he wishes to punish them. If a criminal knows that a charge has been made against him in court, and that he is wanted for a crime, he will not come into court, no matter how earnest the request. But if he be called upon to come to hear his innocence declared, he will come gladly. So when God calls us to himself, he gives us the assurance that he has redeemed us, and that he wants us to come only to receive the free pardon. What a pity that so few know this! MEDM May 1904, page 161.5

Wednesday, May 4. Sing, O ye heaven for the Lord hath done it; shout ye lower parts of the earth; break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel. Isaiah 44:23. MEDM May 1904, page 161.6

The heavens and earth are called up to sing and shout for joy because God has redeemed men. Why is this? What interest have they in man’s redemption? Just this: the power that upholds them is the power that redeems mankind. The Gospel “is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth;” and this divine power is manifested in “the things that are made.” Therefore, if God failed to redeem man, all creation would be wrecked, and would cease to exist. But the Lord still upholds all things by the word of his power; and so we know that with the Lord there is plenteous redemption. MEDM May 1904, page 161.7

Thursday, May 5. Be not faithless, believing. John 20:27. MEDM May 1904, page 161.8

What shall we believe?-Believe the truth. Believe that God is. Believe that he is the living God, the fountain of life. Believe that he is the Almighty,-that “there is no power but of God,”-that all power in heaven and in earth is his. Believe that “God is love,” and therefore all the power of God is mercy. Believe that God “hath visited and redeemed his people,” and that he calls men to him to receive the redemption that is already theirs as a free gift. Then let us come in faith, rejoicing in his salvation. MEDM May 1904, page 161.9

Friday, May 6. When he had by himself purified our sins, he sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:3. MEDM May 1904, page 161.10

It was not only our sins that he purged, he made purification for sins in general. “He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sin the whole world.” This is done “by himself,” because there is none greater.” “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” so, as all are in the same condition, there could be no hope for one if there were not hope for all. But we know that there is hope for some, for some have already been glorified in heaven; therefore every person on earth may know that his own redemption has been secured to him in Christ. MEDM May 1904, page 161.11

Sabbath, May 7. This Man [Christ], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. Hebrews 10:12, 13. MEDM May 1904, page 161.12

The sacrifice has been made, and Jesus is now waiting,-resting from his works just as God did from his “when he surveyed” his work, and saw that it was “very good.” His work is perfect and glorious, and men have but to believe in it to make it theirs; for “this is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” A new creation has been opened for all for all whom Christ died; and “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation.” No new sacrifice needs to be made, for the one from the foundation the world” is amply sufficient; the fact that by this one sacrifice the world was made, gives us our confidence. “Our help is in the name of the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” MEDM May 1904, page 161.13

Sunday, May 8. For by one offering he has perfected forever them that are sanctified. Hebrews 10:14. MEDM May 1904, page 161.14

This “one offering” is the body of Christ. But Christ is one with humanity as a whole, since he took human nature, and he is the “perfect Man.” He is “the Son of man.” This is the title by which Jesus always designated himself, and by it he identifies himself with every son of man in the world. Apart from our body, his one offering could avail us nothing; but it is not apart from us; for “the Lord is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in the heart.” Therefore, by Jesus Christ, everybody, in offering his own body a “living sacrifice,” presents a sacrifice which is “holy, acceptable unto God.” MEDM May 1904, page 161.15

Monday, May 9. Ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. Romans 8:23. MEDM May 1904, page 161.16

If we receive Christ by faith, then we, with him, enter into rest, waiting only all our foes be made our footstool,-till one flesh itself be purified and glorified, and no sin be left in it to molest us. Christ’s enemies rage against him, yet he looks upon them calmly and unmoved; even so we, although enemies in our flesh threaten to destroy us, may be of good cheer, knowing that Christ has overcome the world in our flesh. MEDM May 1904, page 161.17

Tuesday, May 10. For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. Romans 8:19. MEDM May 1904, page 161.18

In every experience we are but sharing and repeating the experience of Christ. When he was on earth he was the Son of God; yet scarcely any received him as such. Even now “he is despised and rejected of men,” although he has entered into glory, because men do not see the glory now any more than they did nineteen centuries ago. Christ is yet waiting the hour of his triumph, still sharing all our conflicts. But the work is complete, nevertheless, and the whole creation is, with Christ, only waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. There is no doubt about the new heavens and the new earth and we may be just as sure that we also shall “appear with him in glory.” MEDM May 1904, page 161.19

Wednesday, May 11. What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. Acts 10:15. MEDM May 1904, page 161.20

When we view creation in the light of the cross, everything is even now glorified. Although there is a veil spread over all things, “the whole world is full of his glory,” and the everlasting power and divinity of the Creator may be seen in everything that he has made. The glory of God may be seen in every wayside plant as truly as at Cana of Galilee or at the grave of Lazarus. In everything and in every person we may see the same miraculous life working, and find cause to praise the wonderful works of God. Why should we be content to look at the unsightly veil, when underneath are unspeakable glories? Shall we not rather do all we can toward removing the veil? MEDM May 1904, page 161.21

Thursday, May 12. God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Acts 10:28. MEDM May 1904, page 161.22

To speak about “the common people” is wholly unwarranted in Scripture. It is true our translators have given us the term in Mark 12:37, but without reason. The Greek is literally rendered in the margin of the Revision, “the great multitude.” Other versions than the English have it correctly. To speak of the “lower classes” is to exalt ourselves and to dishonor the Lord, who has gone down to the lowest place, and who is to be recognized in every person. If we should look upon the earth from a balloon a mile above it, we could not distinguish between high and low objects: even so God, who from the height of his sanctuary beholds the children of men, sees “no difference.” “Are we better than they? No, in no wise.” But “through the grace of our Lord Jesus we shall be saved even as they.” MEDM May 1904, page 161.23

Friday, May 13. God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them. 2 Corinthians 5:19. MEDM May 1904, page 162.1

We must not forget that redemption is the work of God the Creator. When men are injured they naturally seek a victim in the transgressor; but when God was sinned against, he offered himself. He was not offended, requiring to be appeased, but he gave, and still gives, his life to reconcile the world. No man’s sins are imputed to him, but God has taken upon himself the responsibility for every man’s transgressions. No man’s sins will ever be charged to him, unless the man deliberately takes them on himself, and will not let them go. MEDM May 1904, page 162.2

Sabbath, May 14. God hath put in us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:9, margin. MEDM May 1904, page 162.3

Let us take heed that we do not reject this word, and refuse to hear it; for whosoever does not speak the word and perform the ministry of reconciliation, thereby takes his sin upon himself, and is guilty of the sin of the one whom he condemns. God, in Christ, did not impute the trespasses of the world to them, and so we must not. Our part is only to announce the opening of the prison to those who are bound through their ignorance. MEDM May 1904, page 162.4

Sunday, May 15. If, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Romans 5:10. MEDM May 1904, page 162.5

The sacrifice for sin has been made once for all. It is nothing less than the gift of God’s life. The sin of all the world was upon him who upholds the worlds; and so, in giving himself, he atoned for the sins of the world. God will not impute any man’s sins to him until the judgment shows that the man claims it as his own, and refuses to let it go. This being so, how surpassingly sure we are of being “saved by his life,” if we but receive it as freely as it is given. MEDM May 1904, page 162.6

Monday, May 16. We trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 1 Timothy 4:10. MEDM May 1904, page 162.7

However impossible it may seem to us, it is true that God is “the Saviour of all men.” This is at once our hope for ourselves, and our message of comfort to the world. All have been saved, and it only remains for them not to neglect so great salvation. Those who will at last be lost will be like a man who, having been pulled from the fire, deliberately turns and rushes into it, and is consumed. God is the Saviour of all men, but especially of those that believe, because it is by living faith in the living God that men make their calling and election sure. MEDM May 1904, page 162.8

Tuesday, May 17. This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. John 6:29. MEDM May 1904, page 162.9

Redemption is creation; and creation, even a new creation, was complete from the foundation of the world. It is in the work of God’s hands that we triumph (Psalm 92:4); “for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before prepared, that we should walk in them.” Every thing has been done for our salvation that could be done; and it has been well done. Our part is only to accept the finished work. All the Lord’s works exist in himself; by faith we receive him; and by believing we have all his works. MEDM May 1904, page 162.10

Wednesday, May 18. We which have believed do enter into rest. Hebrews 4:3. MEDM May 1904, page 162.11

This seeming contrast to John 6:29 is the exact counterpart of that text; for when one’s work is finished, there is nothing else to do but to rest. Now there is no work that is good for anything except the work of God; so we must cease from our own works, and take his. But nothing can be done, even by God himself, much less by us, to improve his work; therefore when we accept his work, and his only, we must have rest. MEDM May 1904, page 162.12

Thursday, May 19. Come unto me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and l will give you rest. Matthew 11:28. MEDM May 1904, page 162.13

This rest to which Jesus calls all the weary ones of earth is the rest which God took when he saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. Nothing could be added to it, and so he rested. Ever since the close of creation week the rest has remained for the people of God; and in Jesus we find it. He upon whom the universe securely rests calls to us to repose in him as confidingly. “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” MEDM May 1904, page 162.14

“That hand which bears creation up
Shall guard his children well.” MEDM May 1904, page 162.15

Friday, May 20. My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. Exodus 33:14. MEDM May 1904, page 162.16

These words of God are addressed to each one of us as truly as they were to Moses. God’s personal presence is with every one of us, whether we know it or not; and our failure to recognize that presence is all that keeps us from having rest. We are inclined to depend upon ourselves, instead of upon God, and that is what makes our lives burdensome. When we learn and remember the fulness of the truth that we live and move and have our being in God, also learn what it means for God to work in us, both to will and to do his good pleasure, we shall have rest. MEDM May 1904, page 162.17

Sabbath, May 21. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5. MEDM May 1904, page 163.1

The literal rendering is, “Roll thy way upon the Lord.” Throw the responsibility of it upon him, and he will bring it to pass. It may not be the way that you have marked out for yourself; it certainly will not be the way that you would go if you had the ordering of it; but it will be the right way.” “The way of a man is not in himself; it is not in man that walkest to direct his steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23.) Therefore it is the highest wisdom to leave it to the Lord, who knows the way, and who is himself the way. MEDM May 1904, page 163.2

Sunday, May 22. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5. MEDM May 1904, page 163.3

There is wisdom in this; for the foolishness of God is stronger than men, and the weakness of God is wiser than men. He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool. God’s thoughts and ways are as much higher and greater than our ways as the heavens are higher and greater than the earth: and so much better will the way of the man who trusts in the Lord than the way of the man who counts himself wise. It is impossible to imagine the advantage which the man has who allows God to think for him. Only such a man is in the truest sense a thinker. MEDM May 1904, page 163.4

Monday, May 23. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths [or, shall make thy way right]. Proverbs 3:6. MEDM May 1904, page 163.5

Man has been called “a thinking animal,” but man has no more power of himself to originate real thought than a tree has. “The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the [professedly] wise, that they are vain.” Man is but dust, designed an instrument for God to use. This does not destroy individuality, but is real individuality. God’s presence in men constitutes their individuality; and because God is infinite, no two men are the same. To the degree that a man allows God to use his brains, as well as the rest of his being, does he approach to “the perfect man.” He who thinks that he is independent, and will not acknowledge God, finally loses his manhood. MEDM May 1904, page 163.6

Tuesday, May 24. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go. Psalm 32:8. MEDM May 1904, page 163.7

You may not feel that it is the way that you should go; but that makes no difference. The most of the time that the Israelites were in the wilderness, they felt that they were going wrong; yet “He led them forth by the right way,” and he himself went in the way before them, to search out a place for them to pitch their tents. (Deuteronomy 1:33.) What can you expect to know about the way, when you never have gone over it before? Leave it to God, and he will bring it to the right end as surely as he directs the underground root to the spring of water. Let him do it to-day. MEDM May 1904, page 163.8

Wednesday, May 25. I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding, whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle. Psalm 33:8, 9. MEDM May 1904, page 163.9

The horse or mule will not come near or obey unless drawn with a bit and bridle; and the man who will not acknowledge God, and who will not be guided by God’s eye, is as destitute of understanding as they. God would have us free; but freedom can be found only in being the willing agent of his will. MEDM May 1904, page 163.10

Thursday, May 26. My times are in thy hand. Psalm 31:15. MEDM May 1904, page 163.11

Our present and future are in the hand of the Lord. He knows the end from the beginning, while we do not know one moment ahead, nor even properly understand the present. How safe we are with the great God to interest himself personally in our welfare; yet how often we act as if we were suspicious that he had designs against us, and we seek to take ourselves and our affairs out of his hands. Men pay vast sums to a human agent to conduct their business for them, and yet reject the superhuman power that will do everything for us freely. Let us not be so foolish. MEDM May 1904, page 163.12

Friday, May 27. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Acts 15:18. MEDM May 1904, page 163.13

God is never taken by surprise. Nothing takes place that he has not foreseen. He is always ready for all emergencies. He did not begin to build this earth and its inhabitants without, like a wise architect, knowing what each one was to do, or rather, what he designed to do with each one. Why, then, should we ever get excited and flurried when unexpected things occur? They are unexpected only to us, and not to God. The Lord has from the beginning known what he would do in every case, just as he knew what he would do when he had a multitude of hungry people in the wilderness, with only five loaves for them. MEDM May 1904, page 163.14

Sabbath, May 28. “Ebenezer.” Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. 1 Samuel 7:12. MEDM May 1904, page 164.1

If he had not, we should not have been here. Many things seemed to us to be wholly against us at the time of their occurrence; but now we can see that they were best for us, even as Jacob and Joseph could in looking back over their lives. Their greatest reverses were their greatest blessings. God is just as good and powerful now as he was then, and he has not led us thus far to forsake us. MEDM May 1904, page 164.2

“His love in times past
Forbids me to hink
He’ll leave me at last,
In sorrow to sink.” MEDM May 1904, page 164.3

Sunday, May 29. Thou hast given commandment to save me. Psalm 71:3. MEDM May 1904, page 164.4

This is one of the commandments that we are to “keep;” that is, hold fast to. Never lose sight of the truth that God is not willing that any should perish; that he is the Saviour; and that he has his eye upon us individually, noting every danger. Angels that “excel in strength,” who “do his commandments, hearkening to the voice of his Word,” are sent forth to minister unto us, to encamp round about us, and to deliver us from every peril. His commandment is to save us, and his commandment is life everlasting. Surely the knowledge of this commandment ought to save us from all despondency. MEDM May 1904, page 164.5

Monday, May 30. I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High, I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. Psalm 77:10, 11. MEDM May 1904, page 164.6

“The right hand of the Lord is exalted, the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.” (Psalm 118:16.) And how long has the Lord’s right hand been employed doing wonderful things? From eternity. We cannot count the years; we can only remember that God has promised to uphold us with the right hand of his righteousness (Isaiah 41:10), and that it can never fail. Recall what God has done; meditate on the works of his hands: and you will know something of what it still does, and will do. MEDM May 1904, page 164.7

Tuesday, May 31. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God, which made heaven, earth, and the sea, and all that therein is. Psalm 146:5, 6. MEDM May 1904, page 164.8

Nothing is too hard for God, who made heaven and earth. “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” “It is he that hath made us,” and he will not forsake the works of his hands. Then, “Come let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” MEDM May 1904, page 164.9