To be forewarned–is to be forearmed! Our divine Lord here assures His disciples that they will be tried, and teaches them that they must not expect a very smooth path.
The road to the kingdom, will always be more or less a rough road. Almost every day something or other will happen to . . .
try our tempers,
exercise our graces,
or distress our minds.
At times, we shall have many trials and sorrows:
Within–a violent conflict between the flesh and the spirit.
Without–vexations, disappointments, heavy losses, or rugged crosses.
In the body–weakness and pain.
In the soul–temptation and a thousand fears.
In the church–much to depress, discourage, and cast us down.
In the world–enough to make us weep day and night.
If it were not for . . .
the comforts of the Holy Spirit,
the fullness of the Lord Jesus,
the throne of grace, and
the prospect of perfect peace and rest in our Father’s house
–we would be of all men, the most miserable.
But as it is, we make some progress on the rough road. Though we may often sigh–we also raise a song, and rejoice in the persuasion that all will end well. When we reach the kingdom–all trials and sorrows will cease–and all will be holy and peaceful forever.
Heavenly Father, take me to Your house–where there are no more foes, no more fears, no more privations; and, best of all, where there is no more sin or temptation!–James Smith
