2 Corinthians 11:26 In journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the heathen… Paul was a traveller. His journeyings by sea and land formed an important part of the educating influences that formed his Christian life. Notice — I. THE MENTAL STIMULUS GAINED. Monotonous toil wears us out. It is good to get out of ruts, to look on new objects, to talk about new subjects, to freshen up our spirits. It is good to get out of one's home, store, city, out of one's country even, and see new heavens and a new earth, though for a little while. The rust and the dust of routine life are removed. This mental stimulus of travel is threefold. It is awakened by anticipation, it is intensified by actual enjoyment, and it continues in the joy of reminiscence. II. THE ACTUAL PRESENCE AND GUIDANCE OF GOD IS MORE IMPRESSIVELY FELT "IN JOURNEYINGS OFT." It has been truly said that the spectre of uncertainty haunts the cabin of every departing ship. So of all vehicles and modes of travel. Their history has its tragedies, and the beginning of any journey should elicit the prayer, "If Thy presence go not with me, carry me not up hence." Sweetly to the believer comes the answer, "I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land, for I will not leave thee." Is thy journey by the sea? The sea is His. Passing through the waters, He will be with thee. So in malarious districts or in heated climes the same shelter is guaranteed. Not only in peril, but in perplexity, do we prove the truth of these pledges. "He leadeth me" when in doubt as to what is best to do, saying, "This is the way, walk in it." We enter a foreign city alone, and unacquainted with the language. Such exigencies of travel are educating. An uplift is gained by the trustful soul that is never lost (Job 31:32). III. THE FELLOWSHIP OF SAINTS IS REALISED ABROAD AS IT CAN NEVER BE IN THE FAMILIAR INTERCOURSE OF HOME. How Paul's heart did leap within him at Appii Forum! Ten miles farther on, another group, at Three Taverns, welcome him. IV. ABSENCE ENDEARS THE LOCALITIES, FRIENDSHIPS, PRIVILEGES, AND EMPLOYMENTS OF HOME. V. OUR JOURNEYINGS REMIND US THAT LIFE ITSELF IS A JOURNEY, to be pursued with thoughtfulness, with reference to life's great ends and our eternal home. (E. P. Thwing, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; |
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