BITS and PIECES
A random collection of news and views compiled by Frank McClelland for the Toronto Free Presbyterian Church.
238th Edition – April 13, 2025
SOWING AND REAPING
“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, binging his sheaves with him”
[Psalm 126:6]
In a very special sense these words have their ultimate meaning and fulfilment in the Saviour Himself. Think carefully about this statement and you will see Christ as the one who goes forth weeping and as the one who comes again with rejoicing. From that perspective, both advents of our Lord are in view in this text.
At His first advent Christ went forth weeping, as the Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, bearing the precious seed of the full revelation of God in His own person and work. That first going forth culminated in His death and burial, when He, the “corn of wheat” [John 12:24], fell into the ground and died. Yet how essential that humiliation was, for out of it He “bringeth forth much fruit” {John 15:5].
That fruit of His sorrowful first coming will only be seen in all its fulness at His second coming. Listen to these glorious words in the final part of today’s text – “He . . . shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing His sheaves with Him.” There is absolutely no doubt that Christ will come again. He will appear the second time but not in humiliation. His appearance will be the scene of greatest rejoicing ever known as He comes in all His splendour and glory.
But He will not be alone. He will bring “His sheaves with Him.” The full harvest will be gathered; not one sheaf will be missing. With this understanding of the text, great encouragement is gleaned for those who still go forth with “precious seed.”
Our labour in sowing the seed of the Gospel is often beset with many tears, yet we must faithfully follow the Master along the furrow. But catch the note of victory, for the harvest will be given. The Gospel husbandman with rejoicing will see the precious fruit gathered. [Rev. John Greer].
THE TEST
Prove all things by the Word of God – all ministers, all teaching, all preaching, all doctrines, all sermons, all writings, all opinions, all practices – prove all by the Word of God.
Measure all by the measure of the Bible. Weigh all by the balance of the Bible. Test all in the crucible of the Bible.
That which can abide the fire of the Bible receive, hold, believe, and obey. That which cannot abide the fire of the Bible, reject, refuse, repudiate, and cast away [Author Unknown].
WORDS OF WISDOM
Thank you, Lord, for little things that often come our way –
The things we take for granted but don’t mention when we pray –
The unexpected courtesy, the thoughtful, kindly deed –
The hand reached out to help us in the time of sudden need –
Oh, make us aware, dear Lord, of little daily graces
That come to us with “sweet surprise” from never-dreamed of places.
[From my late sister Rosemary’s Bible]
THE STRENGTHENING HAND
“I was strengthened, as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me”. [Ezra 7:28].
That hand is strengthening thee for a work for which by nature thou art unequal, but to which thou hast been evidently called.
Go forward; it holds, guides, empowers thee, and none, man or devil, can pluck you out of the Father’s hand. [Dr. F. B. Meyer].
THE VALUE OF QUIETNESS
“Study to be quiet” [I Thessalonians. 4:11]
The Scriptures set great value upon quietness. This essential quietness is not dependent upon circumstances, nor is it affected by them.
Lasting strength is not acquired in the busy haunts of man; solitude is the mother country of the strong, and the secrets of heaven are imparted to those who patiently and expectantly wait on the Lord for them. [R. J. Smithson].
Biblical quietness refers primarily to a quiet heart – a restful silence of soul. Often a noisy mouth comes from a noisy heart.
