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READ:

1 Peter 5:10b

^10b After that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

EXHORTATION:

Earlier, Peter has said in this verse that God of all grace has called us unto eternal glory by Christ Jesus. But the path through which our gracious God leads us to His eternal glory is strewn with suffering. As we journey through this world, we must be prepared to bear sufferings which we will encounter from time to time. It may appear strange that our gracious God would permit us to be afflicted. However, let us acknowledge that for the present, it is our lot to suffer according to His gracious plan for us.

We may not all experience similar sufferings, but none of us shall be wholly free from them. Jesus said in John 16:33, “In the world ye shall have tribulation”. Our sufferings may be inward or they may come from without. But as Peter has stated, it shall only be for “a while”. The word “while” can mean “for a short or brief time”. In view of the eternal glory that we shall soon inherit, Peter considers our earthly sufferings as just for a little while. This statement by Peter is very much in line with the apostle Paul’s declaration: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Our sufferings are short in the light of eternity; they are light when compared with the exceeding and eternal weight of glory. The contrast between the brevity of our earthly sufferings and the perpetuity of our glory cannot be more pronounced. For the moment, the suffering seems severe; but it is both little and brief, compared to the glory of eternity.

Whatever we may have to suffer, be it an assault on our character or possession or body, let us fix our thoughts increasingly on the eternal glory that we shall soon inherit. Assuredly, our sufferings of this present time will not last forever. Moreover, the God of all grace will sustain and nurture us through our affliction. Peter tells us that He will make us “perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle” us. Our suffering does not contradict the grace of our God. Whether our suffering be a chastisement or trial of faith, His grace will use it as a means for perfecting, establishing, strengthening and settling us. Whatever be our ordeals, we are not going to get worse and worse in our faith, conduct or service. The God of all grace will ensure that we are being equipped, strengthened and established in faith, hope and holiness as a people of eternal glory. So, let us also pray that in our suffering, the Lord will perfect His good work in us.

Sermon Text: Psalm 107:33–43
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 11th May 2025

(Report by Pr Jeremiah Sim)

It was a sacred and joyous occasion for the Seniors’ Ministry to come together to reminisce and reflect on 20 years of God’s abundant richness and blessings upon this ministry. Our hearts are filled with praise as we echo the words of the psalmist in Psalm 111:1-4, “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.”

We are truly grateful to the Lord for enabling us to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry with a retreat held at Gurney Bay Hotel, Penang, Malaysia (9th-12th April 2025). It was solely by God’s unfailing grace, mercy, and aid that every aspect of the event – from the meticulous planning to the demanding logistics – came together smoothly. We truly wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Lord for the brethren who enthusiastically served faithfully and joyfully, labouring in love and unity to ensure the seamless execution of this memorable 20th Seniors’ Ministry Anniversary Thanksgiving.

Upon our arrival at the Gurney Bay Hotel, there were mirthful delight and joyful excitement as we gazed upon the splendid view of the serene sea and coastline, which are wondrous manifestations of God’s marvellous creation (cf. Genesis 1:10). After a hearty dinner, our first meeting began at 8:15pm, with heartfelt praise and worship led by our song leader. Pr Samson then delivered the first exhortation, from Colossians 3:15-17, on the theme: “Be Ye Thankful”.

Over the course of the retreat, Pr Samson preached five encouraging and comforting messages, as follows:

The Reason for Being Thankful to the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)

• A Thankful Heart is a Peaceful Heart (Colossians 3:15)
• A Thankful Heart is Ruled by the Word of God (Colossians 3:16)
• A Thankful Heart Proclaims the Word of God (Colossians 3:16)
• A Command to Be Thankful in All Things (Colossians 3:17)

In addition, we were edified by the sharing of God’s Word by Eld Mah, Eld Ng, Pr Jeremiah, and Pr Daniel, through four morning devotion messages, and a night prayer meeting. 

We give all glory to God for the rich spiritual lessons learned during this retreat. It was truly a fruitful time of reflection, thanksgiving, and growth for our seniors. Throughout the four days, many had put their faith into action—encouraging one another in the Lord, and showing care and kindness, especially to those who were less mobile. We praise God for His divine protection throughout our travels and the entire retreat. As the psalmist declares in Psalm 107:1, so too we pray, “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” 

To God be all the glory! 

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Testimonies from the Seniors’ Ministry Retreat

Dns Diana Chan

Thank God for a blessed GSM 20th Anniversary Retreat in Penang. I am thankful to Eld Mah and the team for their labour of love in organising the retreat for our seniors. In the morning of day one, we were encouraged by Eld Mah’s sharing of Pastor Koshy’s well wishes and prayer for us. Praise God also for church brethren’s prayers and love gifts for the retreat, as well as a blessed time of learning God’s Word and fellowship with retreat participants (not to mention the enjoyment of local delights in Penang). 

I thank God for the exhortation of God’s Word on the theme, “Be Ye Thankful”, preached by Pr Samson, and the devotions by Eld Mah, Eld Ng, Pr Daniel, and Pr Jeremiah (not forgetting the interpretation by Pr Daniel). Praise God too for the singing of hymns and spiritual songs (both in English and Mandarin), from pre-recorded piano instrumentals. 

Among many valuable lessons, I learned that it is the duty of believers to give thanks to God. The duty is not enforced. It is our required role. Realising that we were once wicked and doomed for judgment, but now are justified and saved for the eternal glory of God, we ought to thank God for the sacrifice of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who died to redeem us from our sins. Our thanksgiving is rendered only unto God, the most High.

Our attitude in thanking God should be of a joyful and grateful spirit, like the thankful leper, thanking God for what He has done for us. A thankful heart is a peaceful heart. So, “let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Colossians 3:15). A thankful heart is also one that is ruled by the Word of God. We are to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16). Furthermore, a thankful heart is one which is filled, controlled and ruled by the Holy Spirit. A person dominated by the Holy Spirit will honour God. 

May I give thanks and pray without ceasing (Acts 12:5), make a joyful noise unto the LORD, serve Him with gladness (Psalm 100:1-2), offer unto God thanksgiving, and call upon Him in times of trouble. All praise be unto God!

Carrie Lee

I thank God for enabling my husband, Raymond, and me to attend the recent Gethsemane Seniors’ Retreat in Penang. Thank God for the faithful exposition of His Word by Pr Samson. Thank God too for the morning devotions by the preachers and elders. I thank God for all who have laboured tirelessly for this retreat, be it in logistics, refreshments or other areas. Thank God for the sweet fellowship among like-minded brethren. May God help me to always remember to come before Him with much thanksgiving for what Christ has done at the cross. Help me to be thankful, Lord!

Wong Ah Yee

I learned much from the messages during the retreat for four days (9th-12th April 2025). God has helped me during the trip to Penang. I returned back home safely on Sunday, 13th April. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to go for the trip. I have to thank God for everything. I am very happy to go for the trip. If there is another chance to go for another Bible retreat, I would like to go again.

Margaret Poon

I praise and thank God for the opportunity to attend GSM’s 20th Anniversary Retreat in Penang, together with my mother (whom many of you call Auntie Rose). Thank God for the caring elders and other brethren, who are constantly on the lookout for the well-being of my aged mum, as well as other elderly members. I would like to express my gratitude to God for their kindness and support. 

May the Lord bless the brethren who had laboured and served joyfully in various capacities for the retreat. Indeed, the retreat’s committee and group ICs went above and beyond to provide excellent support, assisting with web check in, hotel logistics, serving in tea breaks, etc, providing a blessed experience.

 The messages on “Be Ye Thankful” emphasise the importance of acknowledging God’s blessings in our lives. Indeed, “whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). 

May the Lord continue to preserve us in our daily walk with Him, with grateful hearts through actions as well as words.

Cheng Han

Thank God for the organising committee of this year’s GSM Retreat, during which I learned many precious lessons from God’s Word through Pr Samson’s 5 messages. 

One lesson that struck me was how the Lord Jesus told the woman who had committed adultery, to “go and sin no more”. We were taught that we ought to thank God for our salvation. When our sins are forgiven, we have peace with God. We must then continue to embrace God’s law and live holy lives.

When we are thankful, we must tell others about the goodness of God. When we count our blessings, our hearts are full of joy. We encourage, edify and love one another, as we do all things heartily as unto the Lord. To do the work of God, we need to heed His Word, study His Word, hold forth the Word of life, and declare the whole counsel of God. I am thankful for Pr Samson, Pr Jeremiah, Pr Daniel, Eld Ng, and Eld Mah for their love for God.

Mary Goh

Recollecting God’s blessings and giving thanks for all His benefits are reflections of our humble desire and gratitude to honour and praise God (Psalm 100:1-5).

On the morning of 25th March, 2025, I slipped on a mango skin at the curb of the road. I lost my balance and fell by the roadside, resulting in the hurting of my left thigh all the way to the ankle. The pain was excruciating. I thank God that, by His mercy, the X-ray taken showed only a slight fracture of about half an inch away from the joint. I had to wear a cast under the doctor’s advice. By His grace, the cast was removed before the GSM 20th Anniversary Retreat, which enabled me to attend the retreat in Penang (9th-12th April 2025). I am truly thankful to God! In addition, I wish to thank Him for another of His blessing, in that as I walked the pain also subsided slightly. All praise be to the Lord (cf. John 15:7)!

The preaching of God’s Word during the retreat gave me times of reflection on God’s abundant mercies and the many blessings He has bestowed upon me, individually and as a fellowship of believers. As a follower of Christ, I have to thank God in whatever things I do (Col 3:17), and for whatever things that happen in life. God is to be honoured and praised in the lives of His people (1 Thess 5:18).

Daniel Svasti

We are thankful to God for Pr Samson’s teaching us through the 5 retreat messages, beginning with the sad but true reality that people are not naturally thankful. We were taught that we can only have peace with God when we are reconciled through His Son, and that “In every thing give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Reinforcing the messages were the daily devotions. Pr Jeremiah reminded us that as the sheep of His pasture (Psalm 100:3), we are to ponder and thank God for His Son, and for the privilege to listen to His Word. Eld Ng taught us to be grateful, just like the only leper (among the ten healed) who returned to thank our Saviour (Luke 17:11-19), and to thank and praise our Lord in times of affliction (Job 2:10). Pr Daniel not only translated every message and devotion during the retreat, but also gave the third devotion in English and translated it into Mandarin. He taught that in times of trouble, we must pray without ceasing (Acts 12:1-5). Eld Mah brought us the final devotion, leaving us with much thought from Psalm 50:14-15, where we learnt of the believer’s duties and God’s assurance. 

We thank Eld Mah for coming up with the Retreat Handbook and WhatsApp messages, to keep us all organised. We thank Pastor Koshy for his foreword (drawn from Psalm 71:17-18), which exhorted us that even when we are old and grey-haired, our Lord will not forsake us until we have shown God’s strength unto this generation.

Stella Svasti

Thanks to God for sustaining the Seniors’ Ministry for 20 years, and for giving Daniel and me this opportunity to attend the Thanksgiving Retreat in Penang. This blessed spiritual event is based on the theme, ‘Be Ye Thankful’, as well as the well-loved, heartwarming hymn, ‘Thanks to God’. 

It was a special joy to hear Pr Samson expounding the 5 theme messages taken from Col 3:15-17. May we let the Word of God manifest daily in our lives, that the new man in us be thankful in all circumstances, knowing that such thankfulness will bring forth peace with God and fruitfulness. We are to let God’s Word govern our hearts, so that we may love to proclaim the Word. We were further blessed by daily devotions from Pr Jeremiah, Pr Daniel, Eld Ng and Eld Mah.

We have so much to be thankful to the Lord for – His grace, mercies, goodness and daily provisions. The retreat helped us to appreciate the heavy responsibilities and challenges the organising committee had undertaken, so as to meet the participants’ physical and spiritual needs. O Lord, may You give me a thankful heart at all times!

Aileen Yan 

A command to “Be Thankful in All Things” is the theme for the messages of the Seniors’ Ministry 20th Anniversary Retreat, held in Penang (9th-12th April 2025). I thank God for enabling me to attend this retreat, together with 48 participants, to receive great blessings to learn from His precious Word.

Thank God for blessing us through Pr Samson’s sermons from Colossians 3:15-17, as well as through the devotions shared by Eld Mah, Eld Ng, Pr Jeremiah and Pr Daniel.

Lastly, I thank God for blessing us with very warm fellowship and willingness in extending care for one another. Praise the Lord for blessing all participants with good health and safety in travels. All glory be to God for granting all of us a very blessed 20th Anniversary Retreat.

Benjamin Chong

I thank God for enabling me to attend the 20th Seniors’ Ministry Anniversary Retreat at Penang. The messages preached by Pr Samson on the theme, “Be Ye Thankful”, are a timely reminder that “whatsoever ye do in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col 3:17). 

Against the severity of our lost condition, God’s goodness is manifested in the context of the salvation that Jesus has achieved eternally, which secures for us the peace from then on. This peace is constantly being built up through obedience, spiritual discipline, and with thankful hearts. Obedience calls us to have commitment to our duties of proclaiming God’s truth and love through our words and actions, which in turn will multiply thankful hearts within and around us.

It is a joyful encouragement to know that “thankfulness” can be achieved in all situations (Rom 8:28). It is not founded upon baseless worldly hopes, but fully grounded on God’s truth and character.

Ara Ballega

I praise the Lord for His abundant grace and provision in granting me the blessed opportunity to take part in the GSM 20th Anniversary Retreat. Truly, He orchestrated all things perfectly, and my heart overflows with thankfulness for His faithfulness (cf. Colossians 3:15). As I reflect on the Lord’s manifold blessings during the retreat, I’m thankful for the privilege of serving and growing together in Christ. I like to share some key takeaways, as follows:

Joyful and faithful service – I am deeply grateful for the dedicated efforts in the preparations, implementations / execution of the entire programme, including the preaching of God’s Word during the morning devotions (by Eld Mah, Eld Ng, Pr Jeremiah and Pr Daniel).

Nourishment of God’s Word – the exhortation of God’s Word by Pr. Samson on the theme, “Be Ye Thankful” (Colossians 3:15-17), which deepened my understanding of gratitude in Christ.

Spiritual blessings – The retreat was a time of feasting upon the wonderful truths of Scripture, strengthening our faith and drawing us closer to the Lord.

Sweet fellowship among the saints – God’s love was beautifully evident through the mutual care, encouragement, and prayers shared among brethren, a true testimony of His presence in our midst.

God’s provision – The Lord graciously provided a conducive venue, as well as nourishing meals and safety throughout our travels, ensuring our comfort and well-being.

Miriam Wong

I thank God for the preaching of God’s Word, and the fellowship, as well as the labour of love shown by all the brethren in Christ who toiled hard for this retreat. Thank God also for the readily available Grab service to bring us around the place. 

I see God’s goodness upon my father and my mother’s lives through Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry. I am most humbled by their being alive, and that God is working in them still. Though it is heartbreaking that my mother could not join us in the retreat, I must learn to submit to God’s will in our lives.

READ:

1 Peter 5:10a

^10a But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus.

EXHORTATION:

It is with great fondness we remember that our God is “God of all grace”. This designation of God denotes more than just God being gracious by His nature. It also depicts Him as the reservoir, source, and supply of grace in all its manifestations. In Him is the fullness of grace. To all who come to His throne of grace by faith in Christ Jesus – who is His gracious provision for their salvation – He will make available the exceeding riches of His grace.

It is by His grace that we are saved (Ephesians 2:5). We are justified freely by His grace (Romans 3:4; Titus 3:7). He grants us forgiveness of our sins according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7). The apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” So like Paul, each of us can say, “by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Our gracious God will continue to impart all needful grace to us, day by day.

Because of the abundance of His grace, our text says that God “hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus”. The word “called” indicates that God has invited us to what He has prepared for us. It is God’s effective work in our heart to convict us to go to Him by Jesus Christ for salvation and all His blessings. The Westminster Shorter Catechism explains the calling of God thus: “Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the gospel.”

Peter here says that by Jesus Christ, God has called us to “his eternal glory”. Peter has used the word “glory” in this epistle several times to refer to our future realities in heaven. Peter refers to this glory as the “glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1:7). Later in chapter 4, verse 13, he says that “when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” This wonderful truth – that God of all grace has called us by Christ Jesus to eternal glory – assures us that our salvation is secured and sure forever! All those who are called unto salvation shall be glorified.

READ:

Ephesians 4:27

²⁷ Neither give place to the devil.

EXHORTATION:

The devil always attempts to influence and control Christians. He wants us to rebel against our Saviour and His people. So he strives to overpower and use us for his evil purposes. He is a wily character. If he could, he would use us to bring dishonour and shame to the Lord’s name and to disrupt the peace and effectiveness of the church.

He always looks for opportunities that he can take advantage of. He first studies our infirmities, temperaments, desires, ambitions, propensities, etc.; he then plans his move to assault us. He is a determined enemy. He is resolved to ruin our testimony and stop us from serving our Lord. If the devil gains the upper hand, he will ruin our spiritual pursuits, relationships and testimony. Let us not doubt his resoluteness to destroy us.

The devil has been a deceiver, and is still the same today. If anything, he is more dreaded than before. He will try to dupe us to gain access to ensnare us. He knows how to make the best of his opportunities. Though the devil is not omnipresent, he carries out his evil works through his many agents and tricks. If he gets one foothold, he would try to push his way in. If we allow one sin, no matter how small we may think it is, it will keep up the devil’s interest. One sin makes room for more temptations of sin from the devil. Richard Baxter, a Puritan preacher, said, “One sin inclineth the mind to more. If one thief be in the house, he will let in the rest, because they have the same disposition and design.”

We can be sure that the devil never means good, but always evil. The more we yield to Satan’s temptations, the stronger will be his influence, and the greater will be his control of our hearts. Therefore, we should always be vigilant to deny him any opportunity. We must strain every nerve to resist him. The apostle James exhorted us, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). If we are always careful to submit to God, the devil will find no room in our lives to exploit us.

Let us not feel obliged to yield to his ploys. Let us remember that he will use all his agents and devices against us. Be resolved to fight a good fight of faith against the devil and all his agents. We must know that we can conquer, if we will, through Christ. Let us vigilantly and prayerfully live our lives to deny the devil – our chief adversary – any advantage over us.

READ:

1 Peter 5:8

⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

EXHORTATION:

Sobriety and vigilance are crucial to living a victorious Christian life. The Greek word for “sober” (nēphō) means being temperate or abstinent, especially in respect to wine. It is an antonym for the state of mind caused by drunkenness and is used more broadly to refer to spiritual and moral sobriety, a clear-thinking and self-controlled mental state that is free from confusion and unbridled passions. The Greek word for “vigilance” (grēgoreō) refers to alertness and watchfulness. When used together, these words exhort Christians to live with self-control and constant awareness against snares and temptations of sin.

At no time should we be heedless or unguarded. Our minds must always stand on guard against the most minute and unobservable encroachment of sin. Even that which appears to be harmless can lead us to great spiritual and moral perils. Not surprisingly, it has been said that “the enemy that is least feared is usually the soonest felt.”

How often we have heard Christian men regretfully say, “Oh, I fell in an unguarded moment; the temptation came so suddenly!” But why were they off their guard? Is it not because they had lived carelessly and wantonly? We must not indiscriminately accept every invitation given to us. We must carefully analyse every overture made to us, whether it would undermine our commitment to our Saviour and Lord.

Our vigilance must be comprehensive. Let none be too cocksure that he will not be overtaken by certain kinds of temptation. While we resist one form of evil, let us not forget that there are other subtle temptations in the world. While we watch against external forces that are bent on destroying our walk with God, let us also be on guard against internal passions that are equally perilous. If we are not vigilant, though we may watch against fleshly lusts, we may still give room (knowingly or unwittingly) in our hearts for pride, self-righteousness, and the like.

All such allurements of sin originate in our chief adversary, Satan. He is like a mighty, ferocious lion at our door, waiting to pounce on us and devour us. Let us not carelessly open the door of our heart. Satan, like a lion, would pounce on his prey, unseen and unsuspected. He is not only powerful and ferocious, he is also very crafty. So, be on your guard!

READ:

James 4:16

¹⁶ But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

EXHORTATION:

Certain kinds of rejoicing are sinful. James here particularly warns us against rejoicing in our boastings. Being happy and confident about tomorrow is a common desire of man. Whenever man feels good about his future, he tends to rejoice and even boast about it. Man rejoices to brag about his success. Such rejoicing, says the apostle James, is evil. It is foolish and hurtful.

The root problem of such rejoicing is pride. Boasting about one’s own plan, ability and confidence is not only a vain thing, but also an abominable and blasphemous act that steals the glory of God who graciously provides man with health, opportunity and success. Only God knows everything about tomorrow, and is therefore in control of tomorrow. When a man is inflated with self-confidence, he openly sets himself as superior to God. Such rejoicing that disregards God and His will is foul and disgraceful behaviour.

If one rejoices in his own vain confidence, he will become presumptuous about tomorrow. James has already warned against such arrogant boasting. He said, “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that” (James 4:13-15).

Rejoicing in one’s self will also deprive one of faith in and submission to the Lord. So, everyone is exhorted: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Selfbelief leads a man to walk irreverently and contemptuously. Such a person will disregard the Lord’s purposes and precepts, and will act in self-conceit.

Truly, Scripture continually warns us against delighting in our own abilities. Consider these divine warnings against vain confidence in oneself. Jeremiah 9:23 declares, “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches”. In Proverbs 3:7, we are cautioned: “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” So, let us take heed and refrain from all forms of self-glorying.

READ:

James 4:10

¹⁰ Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

EXHORTATION:

The call to humble ourselves follows James’ admonition in the previous verse to mourn and weep before the Lord for our sins. “Be afflicted,” James 4:9 says, “and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.” When we stand in the presence of the Lord, let us humbly acknowledge our unworthiness to come before Him because of our many sins. Let us humbly admit that we have no merit of our own to be granted access to His holy presence. Our sins are odious in His sight. We have defied His righteousness and aggravated His just wrath by committing them against Him. We need to admit, like David, “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight” (Psalm 51:4). When a person is truly awakened to a sense of his guilt and danger, he needs to beg for God’s mercy and forgiveness to turn away His wrath and deliver him from the guilt of his sin. He must pray like the prodigal son who, in returning to the father, said, “I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee” (Luke 15:18). Therefore, let us plead for the Lord’s pardon, because our sins are against Him who alone can pardon us. Let us humble ourselves before Him, confess our sins and seek His forgiveness.

To humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord means to recognise our spiritual poverty, as well as to acknowledge our desperate need of God’s help and to submit to do all His commands. This humility is beautifully exemplified in the tax collector of Jesus’ parable, who acknowledged that he was a sinner and unreservedly called out to God for mercy. Jesus said in response, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:14).

Humility is the only appropriate and acceptable attitude we can have before the Lord. This truth is taught throughout Scripture. James mentioned earlier in verse 6 – “Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” God will utterly reject the proud, but will lift up the lowly. When we exalt ourselves by relying on and relishing in our own abilities, status, or wealth, God will condemn us. But He will bestow His grace, forgiveness, redemption and glory upon all those who come with humility. He will lift up their sad and troubled souls and grant them joy, peace and His glorious presence.

READ:

James 4:8b

^8b Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

EXHORTATION:

Have you noticed that here James calls his readers “sinners” and “double minded”? Who are they?

Among those who are gathered in the churches of Jesus Christ, there are those who continue to entangle themselves with sin. Sinners are those who transgress the righteous laws of God, and conduct themselves in a manner that is displeasing to God. The word “double minded” refers to those who are fickle-minded and unstable in their faith and devotion to God. The double-minded are those who vacillate between God and the world. Here James calls them all to repentance.

He tells them to “cleanse your hands” and “purify your hearts”. Both “cleanse ”and “purify” are verbs that refer to ceremonial cleansing, a figure that spoke eloquently to Jewish as well as Gentile converts. Those words remind them of the need to put away their sins before they approach God, who is pure and holy. The words “hands” and “hearts” point them to their actions and affections. It is an indispensable requisite that we cease from our sinful actions and passions when we draw nigh unto God.

So David said, “I will wash mine hands in innocency; so will I compass thine altar, O LORD” (Psalm 26:6). The apostle Paul directs us in 1 Timothy 2:8, “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” We must cease from everything unjust or cruel, and be free from the defilement of sin. He who serves the Lord cannot be a servant of sin. The worshippers of God must be purehearted, i.e. sincere and single-minded to please God. They must cease from everything worldly, carnal and displeasing to God.

It is hypocrisy to come to God with hands and hearts that are impure. Jesus cited Isaiah in Matthew 15:8-9, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me”. In Matthew 23, Jesus repeatedly condemned the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders. He did not mince His words: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” He then rebuked them sharply, “Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also” (Matthew 23:26). Let us serve Him in sincerity and holiness.

READ:

James 4:8a

^8a Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.

EXHORTATION:

The duty required of us here primarily entails our returning to God from our wandering away from Him. In Zechariah 1:3, the Lord declared unto Israel, “Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.” Again, the Lord said in Malachi 3:7, “Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.”

He calls us to draw near to Him. Though He knows that we have turned away from Him, how lovingly and tenderly He calls us to stay near Him! Oh, the graciousness of this invitation! He is calling us to return to Him from our backsliding, cold indifference and meaningless formalism. He counsels us to live in His presence with ardent prayers and cheerful devotedness to Him, for “glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place” (1 Chronicles 16:27).

We must draw nigh to God with a firm resolution to seek Him. We must draw nigh unto Him with sincerity of heart to serve Him. We must desire close communion with our God that we may grow in our faith and knowledge of His goodness and His perfect will. We must stand by Him in obedience to do all His good pleasure.

If there is no close communion between God and you, it is your fault and not His. He is calling you to draw nigh unto Him. “Come,” He says. So, as Hebrews 10:22 says, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”

God gives you great encouragement to draw near unto Him, by assuring you that “he will draw nigh to you”. You are not asked to draw near to a God who is disinterested in you. He is most willing to have you and hold you close to Him. He will make you know His presence, His grace and His greatness. Turn to Him; He will meet you there. Call on Him in repentance and faith; He will answer you. He promises you that He will draw nigh unto you. If you seek Him, He will be found of you. As Hosea 6:1-2 says, “Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.” So, arise and return to the loving presence of your God. Say now, like the prodigal son, “I will arise and go to my father” (Luke 15:18).