Jeremiah 12:5 If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? and if in the land of peace… The Christian life is an exercise; necessarily a trial of strength and scene of discipline. But in the order of nature and providence there is a wise gradation, a benevolent introduction from the lesser to the greater ills of life. Steadfastness, patience, cheerful confidence in the smaller and less dangerous conflicts of life, will discipline and adapt us to bear the fiery assaults of the enemy. I. ORDINARY LIFE, COMMON EVERYDAY LIFE, IS THE "RUNNING WITH THE FOOTMEN," IS "THE LAND OF PEACE, WHERE WE ARE SECURE." It tries our temper, our patience, our principles. It puts us to the proof whether we honour God most and best. Look where you will, be what you may, life is a trial. Riches, learning, piety, nothing can ward off trouble. It is a condition, not an accident of humanity. II. THERE IS A BENEVOLENT PREPARATION AND EDUCATION FOR GREATER AND MORE DISTRESSING CONFLICTS BY ACCUSTOMING US TO THOSE WHICH ARE COMMON. The unerring eye sees the cup, the strong fatherly hand measures the draught. But we must bear in mind, when we have to tread the winepress alone, that God has a purpose in every vexation of daily life, in every cross, in every baffled enterprise, in every silent tear; and that that purpose is to prepare us by steadfastness in what is little and easy to bear, for confidence in Him under greater perils, in troubles which are hard to bear. The light in the darkness of today's disappointment is designed to make us hold fast the lamp against the hour of that "darkness which may be felt." Let no one think these lessons of daily life unimportant. "He that despiseth little things shall perish by little and little." We must learn the secret of strength while running with the footmen. III. IN THIS DIVINE REMONSTRANCE IT IS DISTINCTLY IMPLIED THAT WE SHALL BE CALLED TO CONTEND WITH THE HORSEMEN. The future is dark with shadows, but the Lord's words will hold good of us all. Prepared or unprepared we must meet the storm, and if a little rain frighten us, how shall we meet it? Our sins, our weaknesses, our temptations, the virulence of the enemy, all render the coming struggles inevitable. Whatever you have gone through in this way is but a preparation for the hour of darkness; you will be called to contend with an enemy stronger than yourself, as a horseman is stronger than a footman; and you will be trodden down unless you are clothed with the strength of Him who is able to make you confident, "though a host should encamp against you." (B. Kent.) Parallel Verses KJV: If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan? |
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