Set Up Waymarks # 1

Set Up Waymarks # 1

Life, in God's word, is frequently compared to a journey, and the experience of the believer to that of a traveler. Israel's journey from Egypt to Canaan, and the journey of the Jews from Babylon to Mount Zion;, alike set forth our journey from earth to Heaven. In the prospect of the return from captivity, Jeremiah gave the people many important instructions, and valuable directions. Among others he said, "Set up waymarks." (Jere. 31:21).

There were no good public roads, no guide-posts, and therefore those who went first, taking guides with them, were to mark out the roads for the benefit of others. Something like this we should also do. Here is,

AN IMITATION. A journey from Babylon the land of captivity, the enemy's country, to them an iron furnace. Such is the world to us. A measure of freedom we enjoy - but while in this vile body, with the law in the members; while in this world, with so many evils around you - we shall never know what perfect freedom is.

It is an enemy's country.

satan is its god.

Sin is its element.

Enmity to God is its characteristic.

Opposition to God is shown by it.

It is an iron furnace.

Here we are being tried.

Here we are being purified. Like metal in the smelting furnace, where it is separated from the dross, and made fit for use; so are we in this world, and therefore we must expect fiery trials, fierce temptations, and many troubles.

It is a journey to mount Zion, the city of God, the home of the saints, and the land of liberty and plenty. Such will Heaven be to us. It is a city which God has built, in which the glory of His wisdom, the vastness of His wealth, and the wonders of His grace - are fully displayed.

To this city, the eye of the Patriarch was directed; for this the prophets longed, and to this the glorious army of martyrs was conveyed. Its walls are jasper, its foundation all manner of precious stones, its gates pearl, and the presence of God and the Lamb are the light of it.

Well may it be called the home of the saints. There all the family will be gathered. There all our desires will be satisfied. There all our prayers will be answered.

It is our Father's house, and our holy, happy home. It is a land of plenty, we shall know no lack, nor will our desires remain ungratified.

It is the land of liberty, there will be no toil there, no crosses or burdens to carry there, no foes within nor without to face there, no yoke to wear, no conflicts to endure there.

O glorious city of our God! Was Mount Zion said to be beautiful for situation? Was it called the joy of the whole earth? What will the heavenly Jerusalem be? O that these eyes may see it, and see it soon! O that this heart may enjoy it, and enjoy it forever!

The DIRECTION. "Set up waymarks." Collect materials and use them, mark out the road for the good of others. Make observations as you pass along the road, as to its nature, requirements, and peculiarities.

Use memorandums, note down from time to time, your answers to prayer, deliverances from danger, and contests with foes.

Fix particular times to review the past, register the state of things at present, and draw profitable conclusions from the Lord's dealings with you. Set up your Ebenezers, your stones of help, where the Lord has appeared for you, made your way plain before you, and manifested His loving-kindness to you.

~James Smith~

(continued with # 2)