“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).
Here is a promise for all God’s servants, for we all pass through times when the work seems unusually difficult, when health is perhaps below par, and when personal burdens weigh heavily upon us. It is recorded that David, in the heat of battle, waxed faint; and so it may be written of every servant of the Lord.
THE PROGRAM
We are reminded here of our program, a program of” … well doing … “, in marked contrast to the sin, strife, and selfishness in the world around us. Look at the opening verses of this chapter. The apostle is speaking of the exercise of spiritual ministries, the easing of other people’s burdens, and the communication of God’s Word – in short, the tasks to which we are still called, whether in the homeland or out on the field.
The Gospel has ever been concerned with ” … well doing … ” the lifting of the mind, the healing of the body, and the setting free of the spirit. It has found men brutal and ignorant and made them thoughtful and kind; it has lifted womanhood from degradation and oppression and sought out little children who were neglected and illtreated. Tyrants have read their condemnation in its challenge, while mankind’s greatest benefactors have been stirred to action by its precepts. Such remains our world-encompassing Christian program today.
THE PERIL
But we are also warned of our peril, “…let us not be weary … ” C. H. Spurgeon wrote to his students: “Fits of depression come over most of us … The strong are not always vigorous, the wise not always ready, the brave not always courageous, the joyous not always happy. There may be here and there men of iron, to whom wear and tear work no perceptible detriment, but surely the rust frets even these; and as for ordinary men, the Lord knows, and makes them to know, that they are but dust.”
Often today the enemy is not hostility, but sheer weariness. We see such little results, and echo the faithless word of Elisha’s servant, ” … Alas, my master! how shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:15). But Noah preached for years without a convert; Amaziah was preferred by the crowd to Amos; even our Lord’s early enthusiasts melted away. Hence, Paul’s constant and vigorous exhortations to continue, to strive, and to persevere.
THE PROMISE
In this simple, yet stimulating verse, we are given the promise, ” … in due season we shall reap … ” Of course, ” … they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kings 6:16). The mountains around us are still filled with horses and chariots of fire. Calvary in the eyes of men was a pathetic failure, but millions worldwide now know it to have been the supreme victory of God. The failure of any Christ exalting and Christ directed enterprise is an impossibility. He has pledged His Word that a spiritual harvest is certain.
To our tasks then, with fresh confidence and fresh devotion! Let the message which proclaims His great salvation be speeded forth on its all-conquering way. Jesus shall reign!