Meditate Upon These Things (I Tim. iv. 15)
The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die; and their departure was taken as misery; and their going away from us, for utter destruction; but they are in peace, and though in the sight of men they suffered torments, their hope is full of immortality. Afflicted in few things, in many they shall be well rewarded; because God hath tried them, and found them worthy of Himself.
As gold in the furnace He hath proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust He hath received them, and in time there shall be respect had to them. They shall judge nations and rule over people, and the Lord shall reign forever. They that trust in Him shall understand the truth; and they that are faithful in love shall rest in Him; for grace and peace are to His elect. For he that rejecteth wisdom and discipline are unhappy; and their works unprofitable. For the fruit of good labors is glorious, and the root of wisdom never faileth.
The just man, if he be prevented with death, shall be at rest. For venerable old age is not that of long time, nor counted by the number of years; but the understanding of man is gray hairs, and a spotless life is old age. He pleased God and was beloved, and living among sinners He was translated. He was taken away lest wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. For the bewitching of vanity obscureth good things, and the wandering of concupiscence overturneth the innocent mind. Being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a long time. For his soul pleased God; therefore He hastened to bring him out of the midst of iniquities; but the people see this, and understand not, nor lay up such things in their hearts; that the grace of God and His mercy is with His saints, and that He hath respect to His chosen.
But the just that are dead condemneth the wicked that are living, and youth soon ended, the long life of the unjust. For they shall see the end of the wise man, and shall not understand what God hath designed for him and why the Lord hath set him in safety. They shall see him and despise him; but the Lord shall laugh them to scorn. Then shall the just stand with great constancy against those that have afflicted them, and taken away their labors. These seeking it shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the suddenness of their salvation, saying with in themselves repenting, and groaning for anguish of spirit: - These are they whom we had some time in derision, and for a parable of reproach. We fools esteemed their life madness, and their end without honor. Behold how they are numbered among the children of God, and their lot is among the saints. -(Wis)
As gold in the furnace He hath proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust He hath received them, and in time there shall be respect had to them. They shall judge nations and rule over people, and the Lord shall reign forever. They that trust in Him shall understand the truth; and they that are faithful in love shall rest in Him; for grace and peace are to His elect. For he that rejecteth wisdom and discipline are unhappy; and their works unprofitable. For the fruit of good labors is glorious, and the root of wisdom never faileth.
The just man, if he be prevented with death, shall be at rest. For venerable old age is not that of long time, nor counted by the number of years; but the understanding of man is gray hairs, and a spotless life is old age. He pleased God and was beloved, and living among sinners He was translated. He was taken away lest wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. For the bewitching of vanity obscureth good things, and the wandering of concupiscence overturneth the innocent mind. Being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a long time. For his soul pleased God; therefore He hastened to bring him out of the midst of iniquities; but the people see this, and understand not, nor lay up such things in their hearts; that the grace of God and His mercy is with His saints, and that He hath respect to His chosen.
But the just that are dead condemneth the wicked that are living, and youth soon ended, the long life of the unjust. For they shall see the end of the wise man, and shall not understand what God hath designed for him and why the Lord hath set him in safety. They shall see him and despise him; but the Lord shall laugh them to scorn. Then shall the just stand with great constancy against those that have afflicted them, and taken away their labors. These seeking it shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the suddenness of their salvation, saying with in themselves repenting, and groaning for anguish of spirit: - These are they whom we had some time in derision, and for a parable of reproach. We fools esteemed their life madness, and their end without honor. Behold how they are numbered among the children of God, and their lot is among the saints. -(Wis)
posted by G. Michaels at 12:47:00 PM
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