The Signs of the Times, vol. 27

May 15, 1901

“Comfort from Hard Sayings” The Signs of the Times, 27, 20.

E. J. Waggoner

“I will hear what God the Lord will speak; for He will speak peace unto His people.” SITI May 15, 1901, page 306.1

This is a universal truth, and worthy of all acceptation. God never speaks a word that is not laden with peace for all who will listen to it. In “every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” there is life. Therefore “blessed is the people that know the joyful sound.” SITI May 15, 1901, page 306.2

If we would but take this truth to our hearts, and keep it always in mind, it would smooth many a difficult passage. Instead of feeling that we have been rebuffed by some dark saying, we should consider it diligently to see what new phase of comfort it has for us. SITI May 15, 1901, page 306.3

When the Lord said to Jacob, “Let Me go, for the day breaketh,” what a loss the patriarch would have sustained if he had said disconsolately, “It is no use; I can’t get any satisfaction,” and had let go. When the Lord said, “Let go,” he held on the more firmly, and received more than he had asked for, or thought of getting. SITI May 15, 1901, page 306.4

But how could Jacob have the face or the heart to continue his hold on the Lord after such a peremptory, almost curt, command to let go? Because he was quick enough to perceive in it the promise of all that he desired. Consider the case for a moment. Jacob had wrestled all night with one whom he supposed was an enemy. As the day began to break, his antagonist touched his thigh, and it was immediately out of joint. By that Jacob knew that he had not been wrestling with a man, but with God in human form. He could not for a moment longer suppose that human power could avail anything, even if he had been able to stand so as to exert it any longer. SITI May 15, 1901, page 306.5

He could do nothing but cling to the Lord for support. But he knew that the One who with a touch of His finger could dislocate his thigh could sever his arm-clasp if he chose. But He did not choose. God can not deny Himself, and He is all love and compassion; therefore He can not turn away from any one who trusts Him. So Jacob saw in the words of the mighty God, “Let Me go,” the assurance that as long as he held on the Lord could not turn away from him. Jacob had the matter all in his own hands, and he improved the opportunity. SITI May 15, 1901, page 306.6

When Moses was pleading for Israel after their great sin at Sinai, God said, “Let Me alone, that My wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them.” Exodus 32:10. But Moses was far from being discouraged by this seemingly stern command. He saw in the words the proof that God could not be angry with the sinful people as long as one pleaded in their behalf, even tho they themselves were not seeking His favor; so the petition was pressed with boldness, and the people were spared. SITI May 15, 1901, page 306.7

Think of Abraham pleading with God for Sodom. Not a request but was granted. At first Abraham asked only that the city might be saved if fifty righteous persons were found in it. To this the Lord readily agreed. Then, waxing bolder, Abraham reduced the number to forty-five, then to forty, to thirty, to twenty, and at last to ten, and at each successive step the Lord agreed to save the city if so many righteous persons were found in it. Then having come down to ten, Abraham left off interceding. He doubtless had in view the size of Lot’s family, his married daughters and their husbands, and supposed that his last request would suffice to save the city. From all that is given, there is no reason to suppose that God would have refused if Abraham had asked that the city be saved if five righteous persons were found in it, or if he had asked for the sake of Lot alone. But the point is that the mercy of God endures forever, and that He never has the heart to refuse any petition that is made in the boldness of faith. SITI May 15, 1901, page 306.8

If when God says, “Let Me alone,” there is such strong consolation, and such assurance that we shall receive all our heart’s desire, what confidence may we not have when He calls us to come to Him, and tells us to put Him in remembrance, and “give Him no rest”! Then “wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord.” E. J. WAGGONER. SITI May 15, 1901, page 306.9