Successive steps heavenward.
I. THE FIRST IS SEEKING THE LORD.
1. We are slow enough to do this. We will try. as did the writer of Ecclesiastes, almost everything ere we turn to the Lord.
2. But the Lord desires that we should. Hence the plain declarations of his Word. Also the orderings of his providence. God will not let us have rest outside of himself. He is ever stirring up our nest. Thus he would compel us to own our need of him.
3. And there is the Holy Spirit's convicting work. And when that is done, it leads to this first blessed step heavenward—seeking the Lord.
II. SEEKING HIS STRENGTH. For though it be difficult to persuade men to take the first step, it is yet more difficult to keep them trusting in and faithful to the Lord. The real test is whether we abide in Christ. And we shall not unless we seek God's strength. All the batteries of hell will be turned against us to destroy our soul life, and we shall indeed need to be strengthened "with all might by God's Spirit in our inner man." That strength will come to us as we are:
1. Diligent in prayer.
2. Faithful in confession of Christ.
3. Feeding upon the Divine Word.
4. Trying to save others.
5. Keeping on believing.
III. SEEKING HIS FACE EVERMORE.
1. This tells of the joy of the Lord which comes to us when his face shines upon us. Let us be children of the light; keep on the sunny side of the way. Let there be joy in our service, not mere duty, doing which gets to be very dull work after a while. The elder son in the parable (Luke 15:1-32.) was a mere duty doer, and he had no joy in his service, and therefore had no welcome for his poor prodigal younger brother.
2. If we would serve God effectually, pray for "the joy of God's salvation." (Psalms 51:1-19.) Then shall we teach transgressors, and get them converted to God.
3. All this is possible. We may have much of heaven before we get there.—S.C.