September 4

“But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the Lord their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by, battle, by horses, nor by horsemen” — Hosea i. 7.

RECIOIJS word! Jehovah himself will deliver his people in the greatness of his mercy, but he will not do it by the ordinary means. Men are slow to render to God the glory due unto his name. If they go to battle with sword and bow, and win the victory, they ought to praise their God; yet they do not, but begin to magnify their own right arm, and glory in their horses and horsemen. For this reason our Jehovah often determines to save his people without second means, that all the honour may be to himself alone.

Look, then, my heart, to the Lord alone, and not to man. Expect to see God all the more clearly when there is no one else to look to. If I have no friend, no adviser, no one at my back, let me be none the less confident if I can feel that the Lord himself is on my side; yea, let me be glad if he gives victory without battle, as the text seems to imply. Why do I ask for horses and horsemen if Jehovah himself has mercy upon me, and lifts up his arm for my defence? Why need I bow or sword if God will save? Let me trust, and not be afraid, from this day forth and for evermore. Amen.