His Eyes Were Enlightened
The sermon emphasizes the importance of turning to God's Word in all circumstances, even in times of success or exhaustion, to receive nourishment and guidance.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of the Word of God in the life of a believer, using the story of Jonathan who, amidst the chaos of battle, found strength and enlightenment from tasting honey. He draws a parallel between the sweetness of honey and the nourishing power of Scripture, suggesting that even a small intake can provide significant refreshment and clarity. Meyer warns against complacency after success, urging believers to continually seek nourishment from God's Word, regardless of their circumstances. The sermon highlights that true spiritual vitality comes from a consistent engagement with Scripture, which is essential for both victory and defeat.
Text
His eyes were enlightened. 1 Sam. xiv. 27.
THE Philistines were in full flight. The Israelites followed hard at their heels through the wood. It was there that the honey dropped in rich abundance on the ground, and there Jonathan tasted a little, dipping the end of his rod into it. It made all the difference to him, warding off the excessive exhaustion which paralysed the rest of the army.
The Word of God is sweeter than the honeycomb. ‑‑ Luscious to the sanctified taste; enlightening to the dimming eyes; strength‑giving to the weary. It drops in abundance to the ground, as though inviting the hand of the Christian warrior or wayfarer to take it freely. If there is no taste for the written Word, it may be assumed that the living Word has not been enthroned in the heart; for where He reigns supreme, there is a longing for the food which alone can fit us for the Christian life.
Where we cannot take much, let us take some. ‑‑ There was not time for Jonathan to sit down and take his fill. He could only catch up some as he hastily passed through the forest‑glade; but that little made all the difference to him. So, in the early morning, or at mid‑day, if we cannot fill our hearts with Scripture, we may catch up a morsel, which will minister untold refreshment, and clear our spiritual vision.
We specially need to do this when flushed with success. ‑‑ Too often, when we have had success in the battles of the Lord ‑‑ a good time in preaching or teaching ‑‑ we are apt to congratulate ourselves, and suppose that we can live on the emotions excited. But, probably, there is no time when we need more absolutely to turn to the Word of God. In victory, as in defeat, we must be fed and nourished.
Sermon Outline
- The Power of God's Word
- The Importance of Taking Time for God's Word
- The Need to Turn to God's Word in All Circumstances
- In victory as in defeat
- We must be fed and nourished by God's Word
- Inviting the hand of the Christian warrior or wayfarer to take it freely
Key Quotes
“The Word of God is sweeter than the honeycomb.” — F.B. Meyer
“Where He reigns supreme, there is a longing for the food which alone can fit us for the Christian life.” — F.B. Meyer
“If there is no taste for the written Word, it may be assumed that the living Word has not been enthroned in the heart;” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Take time to read and reflect on God's Word, even if it's just a small amount.
- In times of success, don't become complacent and forget to rely on God's Word for guidance.
- Catch up a morsel of God's Word whenever you can, to receive refreshment and clarity in your spiritual vision.