0 My Dove, That Art in the Clefts of the Ro
To ascend to higher altitudes in life, we must find the secret places of the stairs and mount higher, step by step, with occasional resting places.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the comfort and security found in Christ, likening believers to doves resting in the cleft of the rock, which symbolizes Jesus' riven side. He encourages a life of spiritual ascent, where believers must seek the 'secret places of the stairs' to rise above worldly concerns and grow closer to God. This journey is often unnoticed until challenges reveal the strength of one's faith. Simpson reminds us that true elevation in life comes from a humble spirit and a hidden life in Christ, where we are kept from disobedience and sin. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper relationship with God that leads to spiritual maturity and stability.
Text
The dove is in the cleft of the rock-the riven side of our Lord. There is comfort and security there. It is also in the secret places of the stairs. It loves to build its nest in the high towers to which men mount by winding stairs for hundreds of feet above the ground. What a glorious vision is there obtained of the surrounding scenery. It is a picture of ascending life. To reach our highest altitudes we must find the secret places of the stairs. That is the only way to rise above the natural plane. Our lives should be ones of quiet mounting with occasional resting places; but we should be mounting higher, step by step. Not everyone finds this way of secret ascent. It is only for God's chosen. The world may think we are going down.
We may not have as much public work to do as formerly.
Blessed are the poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3). It is a secret, hidden life. We may be hardly aware that we are growing, until one day a test comes and we find we are established. Have you arrived at the place where Christ is keeping you from willful disobedience? Does the consciousness of sin make you shudder? Are you lifted above the world?
Sermon Outline
- The Dove's Abode
- The Secret Places of the Stairs
- The Hidden Life
- Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
- Secret, Hidden Life
- Established in Christ
Key Quotes
“Blessed are the poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3).” — A.B. Simpson
“Our lives should be ones of quiet mounting with occasional resting places; but we should be mounting higher, step by step.” — A.B. Simpson
“It is a secret, hidden life.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should strive for a life of quiet mounting with occasional resting places, but always seeking to ascend higher.
- The secret to ascending life is to find the secret places of the stairs and mount higher, step by step.
- We must be willing to live a hidden, secret life, trusting in God's plan for our lives.