The scorn of an ungodly world is one of the afflictions

Posted : 3 Apr, 2013 02:22 AM

Psalm 119:51 The proud have had me greatly in derision; yet have I not declined from Your law.





The scorn of an ungodly world is one of the afflictions, which

realize to us the comfort of the word. And this is a trial, from

which no exemption is to be expected-"All that will live godly in

Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." Not even David-though

a king-a man of wisdom and prudence, and therefore not

likely to give unnecessary offence; and whose character and

rank might be expected to command respect-not even was he

shielded from the derision of the proud on account of the

profession and service of his God. Thus it ever was and ever

will be. Faith in the doctrine of Christ, and conformity to the

strict commandments of the gospel, must expose us to the

taunts of the unbeliever and the worldling. Yet, where the

heart is right with God, the derision of the proud, instead of

forcing us to decline from the law of God, will strengthen our

adherence to it. David answered the bitter derision of Michal

with a stronger resolution to abide by his God-"I will yet be

more vile than thus." He counted it his glory, his duty, his joy.

None, however, but a believer knows what it is to bear this

cross: and none but a real believer can bear it. It is one of the

touchstones of sincerity, the application of which has often

been the means of "separating the precious from the vile,"

and has unmasked the self-confident professor to his own

confusion. Oh! how many make a fair profession, and appear

"good soldiers of Jesus Christ," until the hour of danger proves them deserters, and they reap only the fruits of their

self-confidence in their own confusion!

It is, therefore, of great importance to those who are just

setting out in the warfare, to be well armed with the word of

God. It kept David steadfast amid the derision of the proud;

and it will keep young Christians from being frightened or

overcome by the sneer of an ungodly world. But that it may

"dwell in us richly in all wisdom," and be suited to our own

case, it will be well, under circumstances of reproach, to

acquaint ourselves with the supporting promises and

encouragements to suffer for righteousness' sake. Above all,

the contemplation of the great sufferer Himself-meeting this

poignant trial in meekness, compassion, and prayer,-will

exhibit "a refuge from the storm, and a shadow from the heat,

when the blast of the terrible ones is as the storm against the

wall." The mere professor knows not this refuge; he

possesses not this armor; so that when "affliction or

persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately he is

offended."

Christian! be satisfied with the approbation of your God. Has

He not adopted you into His family, stamped you with His

image, assured you by His Spirit, sealed you for His kingdom?

And is not this "honor that comes from God only" enough-far

more than enough-to counterbalance the derision of the

proud? Think of the day, when "the rebuke of the people shall

be taken away from off all the earth," when "he will confess

their name before His Father, and before His angels," when

"the saints shall judge the world," when "the upright shall have

dominion over them in the morning." Can we be Christians, if

this sure prospect does not infinitely more than compensate

for all "the hard speeches, which ungodly sinners have

spoken against us?" Thus-blessed be God-the weapons of our warfare are drawn

from the Divine armory; and therefore depending on the

grace, and following the example, of Jesus, we suffer, as the

way to victory-the road to an everlasting crown.



by

Charles Bridges

Post Reply