Sweet Fruit

What is more blessed than an ear at leisure from self and its surroundings waiting on the word of Jesus? Then one sits down under His shadow with great delight, and His fruit is sweet to the taste (Sol. 2:3, 4). Is not this the house of wine where He delights to entertain His own, during the weary hours of this night which is soon to end? It is surprising how little any of us knows what real solitude with God is. How is it possible to grow in personal acquaintance with Christ if the solitude of His company is not sought after and cultivated by His saints? I do not undervalue the outward means of instruction and soul refreshment which abound on every hand, but personal communion with Him must have the preeminence.
Consider the history of Elijah. Remarkable servant of God though he was, it is clear that his life inwardly was not sustained in proportion to his outward testimony. With him the fire, wind and earthquake were everything, and when outward testimony excited the malignity of the enemy, as is usual, his faith was not equal to the pressure. But notice the tender way of Jehovah with His poor servant.
First: He is called to go and stand before the Lord, proving that solitude is useless unless it is with God. We may be as isolated as he was, under a juniper tree or in a cave (1 Kings 19:4, 9), but that is only the solitude of disappointed nature. There is neither liberty, nor rest, nor listening in that. Oh no, it must be with God. "Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord.”
Second: The demands of nature must not be yielded to. This is typified by the prophet's fasting forty days and forty nights. His provisions were from Jehovah's hand—even a "cake baked" and "a cruse of water." These were supplies outside of nature, in the strength of which all nature's claims could be set aside.
Third: The consequence of the first two actions is that the prophet listens. He hears "a still small voice," and thus receives communications and commissions which previously would have been unintelligible to him.
We find our pattern of hearing and following in John 10. "My sheep hear My voice... and they follow Me." John 10:27. The Shepherd's voice is heard and known by the sheep, so they follow Him who goes before. In the passage we see the blessed Lord scorned and reproached, leaving the ancient fold of Judaism and going before His sheep. He is the security to all His own. His departure was the way and the authority for the sheep to follow Him, come what might, their hiding-place from danger, and their safe conduct for the way. Their security is knowing His voice, and they follow as they know it.
Has your heart found One whom you now follow? Is He your one object day by day? It is blessed to be allowed to serve, but many a one who is not following serves in this day. Oh, for more distinct going forth from all around to follow a rejected Lord and Master, and to esteem it our holiest joy to tread the path He has walked in. It may be rough, but it has been trodden by Him who has left His own mark upon every rose and every thorn.