April 8

Monday after First Sunday in Lent

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. S. Matthew 4:1.

THEN — again look forward. Then — when He was to enter on His work, His public ministry. Thus look to be assailed when thou art to engage in any special service. Each according to his place will find this: when he is upon some purpose of honouring God in any particular undertaking or course, and is nearest the performance, then shall the strength of hell be mustered up against him. Now, knowing it to be thus, this ought rather to embolden than discourage us in any such way. This expert enemy knows his interest well, and does not thus bestir himself lightly, but feels that his kingdom is in danger, and that he shall certainly be a loser. Now, as this is incident to every Christian, and particularly, according to the eminency of their service, to ministers of Jesus Christ, they should reinforce themselves in Him; should follow Him on, and apply and employ Him for the victory.

The foe is strong, his venomed rage I dread, Yet, O my God, do Thou his wrath restrain; Shield me in battle, soothe my aching head In the sharp hour of pain.

But more than this, O give me toiling faith, Large-hearted love, and zeal unto the death; Let me not live in vain!

Restore to me the freshness of my youth, And give me back my soul's keen edge again; Ah, let my spring return! bright hope and truth, Shall I not you regain? No wasted life, my God, shall mine now be, Hours, days, and years filled up with toil for Thee, I shall not live in vain!