That is a precious caution, "Judge not according to the appearance." John 7:24. The apostle Paul reproves saints, "Do ye look on things after the outward appearance?" 2 Cor. 10:7. Through this, saints in all ages have puzzled their minds, distressed their souls, and have been tempted to hard thoughts of their God They have not "judged righteous judgment," in respect to carnal men and the dispensations of God's providence to them. So we see Job greatly exercised, Job 21:7, and Asaph, in this Psalm. But, after the cloud of carnal reasoning and unbelief passed over their minds, the sun of glory and truth shone again with splendor upon them: then faith put forth its lively exercises and sweet appropriations of God. "O my God and Saviour, I see thy ways to man are just! Righteous art thou, O Lord. Thou art my God, I will love thee. Thou shalt guide me by thy counsel."
As the Lord is often said to make a covenant with his people, when only renewing his old covenant of grace and love in Christ Jesus; so faith frequently makes a fresh choice of, claim to, and glory in the Lord Jesus. "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure," saith the Lord. Isaiah 4,6:10. Amen, saith the believing heart. By thy word and Spirit guide me continually. I cannot guide myself. Jesus, be thou my guide, my companion, and my familiar friend.
Blessed christian! though in Paul's case, (Acts 27:20) when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days–when no small tempest is upon thee, and all hope of being saved seems taken away; yet Jesus is at the helm. Thy vessel shall ride out every storm. He will guide thee safe to the haven of glory.
Some seem so taken up with prying into the secret purposes and inscrutable depths of God's decrees, that they take no heed to their steps; but are like the philosopher who was so intent' in observing the starry heavens, that, being careless of his walk, he fell into a ditch. Not God's secret purposes, but his revealed truths, are the object of our faith; "his word is a light to our feet." By that he counsels and directs us. His gracious Spirit leas and guides us in the paths of peace and holiness. Regenerate souls love God's word, the way of holiness, and long for glory. In this the children of God are manifest God will receive all such to glory. "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God Romans 8:14.
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