James Nisbet Commentary - Acts 9:16 - 9:16

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James Nisbet Commentary - Acts 9:16 - 9:16


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THE DISCIPLINE OF LIFE

‘For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My name’s sake.’

Act_9:16

God is revealing to Ananias His purposes concerning Saul, whom He had just called to his apostleship. He says that he is ‘to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.’ And we are looking—after those words—to hear what great things he shall do in this mission, when lo! God changes it altogether, and does not say at all what His chosen servant shall do, but adds, ‘for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My name’s sake.’

St. Paul’s sufferings appear to have begun at the time, when he began also to be a Christian; and if you watch it your own observation of life will often show you the same fact.

I. What is the solution of all this?—Rather, what is the solution of the fact, that a father does not correct a stranger’s child, but his own? What is the solution of the fact that when the gardener goes into his garden he does not put his pruning-knife to the dead branch, but to the living and fruitful one? What is the solution of the fact that you do not put a stone into your crucible, but the silver and the golden ore? And the more that father loves his child, the more does he lay out his severest regime to correct his faults, and to bring forth his powers. And the more promising is the branch, the more does the dresser prune it, and the deeper does he cut it. And the more precious is the metal, the hotter is the refiner’s fire—the fining-pot for silver, and the furnace for gold.

II. Therefore the discipline of life is chiefly in the Church.—Do not misunderstand it; do not stumble at it. From the moment that you give yourself to God, you are ‘out at school’ in this world, to prepare for your true home. The discipline is strict, but for a very little time; severe, but for a sufficient end. It will very soon be over, and you will go back to your Father’s home. For observe that word ‘must’—‘how great things he must suffer for My name’s sake.’ The disciple of the ‘Man of Sorrows’ must be as his Master.

III. But be your trials what they may—the little daily droppings, or the mighty water floods—there is one thought which endears, ennobles, sweetens all—the name of Jesus is in them. You are responsible if it is not. You may place it there, alike the lighter and the heavier grief, you may, by the spirit you throw into it, connect and identify it with Christ. You may take it from Christ, and bear it in Christ, and go through it with Christ, and come out of it to Christ. And what is too great to bear, or do, if you can indeed add—‘for Thy name’s sake’?