Now the Hand of the Lord Was Upon Me in the Evening
The sermon emphasizes the need to feel the hand of the Lord in one's life, whether it be in judgment or strengthening, and how this can be experienced through divine communion and the power of God's hand.
C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the multifaceted ways the hand of the Lord can be felt in our lives, particularly during times of affliction and spiritual dryness. He emphasizes the importance of submitting to God's chastening while also yearning for the uplifting presence of the Lord that brings joy and spiritual renewal. Spurgeon expresses a deep desire for divine communion, recognizing his own weaknesses and the need for God's healing touch to restore his faith and devotion. He encourages believers to seek the Lord's hand, which can transform their hearts and minds, and to remember the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt plea to experience God's presence and strength in their lives.
Text
In the way of judgment this may be the case, and, if so, be it mine to consider the reason of such a visitation, and bear the rod and Him that hath appointed it. I am not the only one who is chastened in the night season; let me cheerfully submit to the affliction, and carefully endeavour to be profited thereby. But the hand of the Lord may also be felt in another manner, strengthening the soul and lifting the spirit upward towards eternal things. O that I may in this sense feel the Lord dealing with me!
A sense of the divine presence and indwelling bears the soul towards heaven as upon the wings of eagles. At such times we are full to the brim with spiritual joy, and forget the cares and sorrows of earth; the invisible is near, and the visible loses its power over us; servant-body waits at the foot of the hill, and the master-spirit worships upon the summit in the presence of the Lord. O that a hallowed season of divine communion may be vouchsafed to me this evening! The Lord knows that I need it very greatly.
My graces languish, my corruptions rage, my faith is weak, my devotion is cold; all these are reasons why His healing hand should be laid upon me. His hand can cool the heat of my burning brow, and stay the tumult of my palpitating heart. That glorious right hand which moulded the world can new-create my mind; the unwearied hand which bears the earth's huge pillars up can sustain my spirit; the loving hand which incloses all the saints can cherish me; and the mighty hand which breaketh in pieces the enemy can subdue my sins.
Why should I not feel that hand touching me this evening? Come, my soul, address thy God with the potent plea, that Jesu's hands were pierced for thy redemption, and thou shalt surely feel that same hand upon thee which once touched Daniel and set him upon his knees that he might see visions of God.
Sermon Outline
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The Hand of the Lord in Judgment
- Considering the reason for affliction
- Bearing the rod and Him that appointed it
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The Hand of the Lord in Strengthening
- Feeling the Lord's presence and indwelling
- Being lifted towards eternal things
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The Need for Divine Communion
- Languishing graces and raging corruptions
- Weak faith and cold devotion
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The Power of God's Hand
- Cooling the heat of the soul
- Sustaining the spirit and cherishing the saint
Key Quotes
“A sense of the divine presence and indwelling bears the soul towards heaven as upon the wings of eagles.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“His hand can cool the heat of my burning brow, and stay the tumult of my palpitating heart.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Come, my soul, address thy God with the potent plea, that Jesu's hands were pierced for thy redemption, and thou shalt surely feel that same hand upon thee which once touched Daniel and set him upon his knees that he might see visions of God.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should seek to feel the hand of the Lord in our lives, whether it be in judgment or strengthening, and endeavour to be profited by it.
- We can experience the power of God's hand by addressing Him with the plea of Jesus' pierced hands and seeking to feel His presence and power.
- We should not be afraid to submit to affliction and seek to feel the Lord's presence and power in our lives.