The Jewels in the Cup
THERE was a fine touch of poetry as well as of Christian philosophy in the cheerful words of a young servant of Christ who was near his last hour. “When I have the most pain in my body,” said he, “I have the most peace in my soul, I do not doubt but that there is love in the bottom of the cup, though it is terribly bitter in the mouth.” It was at the bottom of the cup that God had placed the precious blessing; and it was needful that he drink the whole bitter draught in order to reach it.
“The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it 1” This was the submissive utterance of the Man of Sorrows in Gethsemane. Thousands of his followers have faltered out the same words through their tears, when a heart-breaking trial was trying their faith to the utmost. But the “sweet breath of Jesus has been on the cup,” and made it more palatable. And the lips that tasted the draught of sorrow have uttered such prayers as they had not made, and could not make in seasons of prosperity.
The richest jewels of grace often lie at the bottom of sorrow’s cup. Jesus could not push from Him the bitter agony of Calvary: redemption was at the bottom of that cup. He could not save Himself and yet save a guilty world of sinners. Either He must drink the cup of suffering, or we must drink “the wine of the wrath of God.”
Looking down into the draught of soitow which God mingles often for His children, what precious jewels glisten in the depths! Promises are there, sparkling like pearls. “As thy day so shall thy strength be.” “Whom I love, I chasten.” “My grace is sufficient for thee.” What afflicted child of God would fling from him a cup which contains such priceless gifts as these?
Graces sparkle too in the goblet of grief which Divine love mingles for those who are to become more “perfect through suffering.” How lustrous shines the grace of Patience! I used to go occasionally, and read the Bible to an invalid who had been tortured for forty years with excruciating pains; and her sweet words of submission were the commentary. I used to go home ashamed of my own impatience under paltry vexations. She never asked God to take her cup of suffering from her: in it were her jewels, — patience, meekness, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Experience of the love of Jesus is another of the pearls dropped into the draught which is mingled for his chosen ones. Christ has his choice ones. Dr. Arnot says that the true meaning of the text “many are called, but few are chosen,” is this, — “many are called to be Christians, but only a few are choice.” Only a portion of all the flock are “called and choice and faithful.” This is certainly a truth, — whether it be the true meaning of the Bible text or not.
These choice Christians are often chosen for affliction, and become more choice, and excellent through the regimen of severe trial. There is an experience of the love of Jesus vphich they gain in their hours of bereavement, or poverty, or hardships, which they never could have acquired in any other way. The “love in the bottom of the cup” was only to be reached by drinking the sorrows which held the jewel. The sclTbol of suffering graduates rare scholars. To the disciples in that school it is often given to “know the love of Jesus which passeth knowledge.” Suffering Christian! be not in haste to quit thy Master’s school; thou art fitting for the Migh School of Heaven. Push not away peevishly thy cup of sorrow; for the sparkling diamond of Christ’s love for thee is in the draught he gives thee to drink.