Blessing in the City
A blessing in the city removes the edge of difficulty and finds pleasure in our duties and strength in their demands, keeping us good and honest.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of heeding the voice of the Lord in the bustling environment of the city, where challenges and temptations abound. He reassures that divine blessing can transform the weariness of city life into a source of strength and joy, allowing individuals to remain good and honest amidst the chaos. Spurgeon encourages believers to embrace their roles in the city, recognizing the opportunities for service and usefulness that arise in such a vibrant setting. He concludes by reminding the congregation that obedience to God's commands leads to blessings and rewards.
Text
If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, blessed shalt thou be in the city. (Deuteronomy 28:2-3)
The city is full of care, and he who has to go there from day to day finds it to be a place of great wear and tear. It is full of noise, and stir, and bustle, and sore travail; many are its temptations, losses, and worries. But to go there with the divine blessing takes off the edge of its difficulty; to remain there with that blessing is to find pleasure in its duties and strength equal to its demands.
A blessing in the city may not make us great, but it will keep us good; it may not make us rich, but it will preserve us honest. Whether we are porters, or clerks, or managers, or merchants, or magistrates, the city will afford us opportunities for usefulness. It is good fishing where there are shoals of fish, and it is hopeful to work for our Lord amid the thronging crowds. We might prefer the quiet of a country life; but if called to town, we may certainly prefer it because there is room for our energies.
Today let us expect good things because of this promise, and let our care be to have an open ear to the voice of the Lord and a ready hand to execute His bidding. Obedience brings the blessing. "In keeping his commandments there is great reward."
Sermon Outline
- The Difficulty of the City
- The Blessing in the City
- The Effects of the Blessing
- The Opportunities in the City
- Usefulness in various roles
- Hopeful work for the Lord in crowds
Key Quotes
“A blessing in the city may not make us great, but it will keep us good; it may not make us rich, but it will preserve us honest.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Obedience brings the blessing.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“In keeping his commandments there is great reward.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Let us expect good things because of God's promise and have an open ear to His voice.
- We should strive to have a ready hand to execute God's bidding and obey His commandments.
- Obedience to God's commandments brings great reward and a blessing in our lives.