When Thou Hearest the Sound of a Going in the Tops of the Mulberry Trees
During times of spiritual revival, Christians should be doubly prayerful, earnest, and prompt in their actions, seeking God's help to be more holy in their conversation and more constant in prayer.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of prayerfulness among the members of Christ's Church, especially during times when God seems to favor them, likening these moments to 'the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees.' He encourages believers to be doubly earnest in prayer and action during these seasons, as they experience a unique closeness to God and the joy of the Holy Spirit. Spurgeon urges Christians to rid themselves of evil habits and to prepare for the outpouring of God's Spirit, reminding them that while they can set their sails, it is God who must provide the wind. He calls for a commitment to be more constant in prayer and holy in conduct as they draw nearer to Christ. Ultimately, he highlights the need for readiness to seize the opportunities that God presents.
Text
The members of Christ's Church should be very prayerful, always seeking the unction of the Holy One to rest upon their hearts, that the kingdom of Christ may come, and that His "will be done on earth, even as it is in heaven;" but there are times when God seems especially to favour Zion, such seasons ought to be to them like "the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees." We ought then to be doubly prayerful, doubly earnest, wrestling more at the throne than we have been wont to do. Action should then be prompt and vigorous. The tide is flowing--now let us pull manfully for the shore. O for Pentecostal outpourings and Pentecostal labours. Christian, in yourself there are times "when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees." You have a peculiar power in prayer; the Spirit of God gives you joy and gladness; the Scripture is open to you; the promises are applied; you walk in the light of God's countenance; you have peculiar freedom and liberty in devotion, and more closeness of communion with Christ than was your wont. Now, at such joyous periods when you hear the "sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees," is the time to bestir yourself; now is the time to get rid of any evil habit, while God the Spirit helpeth your infirmities. Spread your sail; but remember what you sometimes sing--
"I can only spread the sail; Thou! Thou! must breathe the auspicious gale."
Only be sure you have the sail up. Do not miss the gale for want of preparation for it. Seek help of God, that you may be more earnest in duty when made more strong in faith; that you may be more constant in prayer when you have more liberty at the throne; that you may be more holy in your conversation whilst you live more closely with Christ.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- Characteristics of times of spiritual revival
- The call to action during times of spiritual revival
- Bestir yourself and get rid of evil habits
- Seek God's help to be more earnest in duty and constant in prayer
- Live more closely with Christ and be more holy in your conversation
Key Quotes
“O for Pentecostal outpourings and Pentecostal labours.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“I can only spread the sail; Thou! Thou! must breathe the auspicious gale.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Spread your sail; but remember what you sometimes sing--” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should be more prayerful and earnest during times of spiritual revival.
- We should seek God's help to be more holy in our conversation and more constant in prayer.
- We should make sure we have our 'sail up' to receive the 'gale' of God's power and guidance.