The Daily Word of Righteousness

The Work of Restoration, #67

And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. (Hebrews 11:36-38)

The Scriptures primarily are prophecies and exhortations concerning the bringing of righteousness into the earth through Christ. The account reveals that God's saints and prophets have suffered bloody persecutions as they have obeyed the Lord.

Notice the next verse.

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, . . . . (Hebrews 11:39)

Faith is being taught today as a means of acquiring material possessions. Can you imagine that? How easily the elect are deceived.

But the cross is being returned to the true Bride of the Lamb. The cross is our glory. We have no other glory. The work of restoration will proceed as we are willing to take up our cross and follow Jesus.

The cross is an offense to the Jews. The cross of Christ is foolishness to the wise of this world. But to us who are saved the cross of Christ is the wisdom of God and the power of God.

Let us cease from the modern cross-less gospel, which is under a curse because it is "another gospel." Let us return to "the sepulchers of David." Let us return to the way of reproach, of persecution, of suffering for Jesus' sake. That was the way of the saints of the Old Testament. That is the way of the saints of the New Testament.

In returning and rest we will be saved. We will find rest by the quiet pools of David. Christ, the Son of David, will lead us beside quiet waters. He will make us lie down in green pastures. Our soul will be restored as He leads us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. In the arms of Jesus we will find enough courage, peace, and power to overcome the world, the devil, the lusts of our flesh, and our soulish self-seeking.

The cross is God's way. We are brought down to weakness and nothingness. Then the Glory of God rises on us and the desires of our heart are realized.

To be continued.