“Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires,” [Isa 24:15 KVJ] and so we must for we are to manifest His glory in all aspects of our life, spiritual, natural and civil including suffering; no portion or part is to be excluded — the whole man for the whole Lord. Especially as our text infers in the fires and what fires we have; no one is exempt. Fire is a figurative biblical symbol for trials and tribulations, and so is water on occasion. “We went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place” [Ps 66:12] and “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” [Isa 43:2]. There is no doubt we will pass through, but there is always the other side. The New Testament echoes similarly: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;” [1 Pet 4:12]. As the ancient sage speaks: “For affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble spring from the ground; yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward” [Job 5:6-7].
As Christians we are guaranteed suffering: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all” [Ps 34:19]; and why should we find this strange, is it because we expect heaven’s favourite to be the inheritor of untold and manifold blessings? It seems logical that the Father’s love would bestow upon Him all mercies, yet he suffered more than us all. “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation . . .” [Heb 5:8-9]. Thus there must be conformity between the head and the members – “And He is the head of the body, the church,” [Col 1:18] as he is so are we, we cannot be partial and choose the best bits! Life in the spirit in its entirety is our blessing! God does not expect us to be more than, but like our master in all things. We cannot exceed Him but we must follow Him. He was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” [Ia. 53:3] and perhaps there is a lesson there?
“For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives” [Heb 12:6] especially Joseph; consider therefore these divine words — “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” [Rev 3:19],
this is not suitable language in the modern church where any cleric would hesitate to rebuke anyone over anything lest they leave the sanctuary. They are not in submission to delegated legal authority and are also flippant with the judge of all the earth. They harden themselves by infidel reasoning and stoical apathy. The only course is to cry to the one who “givsongs in the night,” [Job 35:10]. Thus, “I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God
of my salvation; my God will hear me.” [Micah 7:7] and exclaim further, “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I” [Ps 61:2].
Thus it is our duty to “show forth Your [His] praise” [Psa. 79:13] and if we don’t the very stones would cry out [Luke 19:40]. As sheep of His pasture we are identified, branded and also inspired to be like the shepherd. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light;” [1 Pet 2:9]. We show forth His praise by our language and life, and we exhibit this when we confirm His will that nothing comes to pass by chance. Irrespective of what happens, whether pleasant or painful, God is in it. And he said: “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” [Job 1:21], we are full tilt in gratitude when we acknowledge this overriding purpose of God.
We should also realise that “The LORD is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works.” [Ps 145:17]. Because of this divine rectitude we should be careful not to indulge our criticism of Him and ensure no blame is placed on his shoulders; that he is free from censure. As his children we have been punished far less than our sins deserve, so we can voice with David “I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me” [Ps 119:75]. The Lord is just in His sovereignty towards us. He shows His love by pruning us into fruitfulness; the tree he does not want he does not touch, the pruning shears and sharp spade informs us we are loved beyond measure.
