Reader, are you taught of God?
(James Smith, "Manna in the Wilderness" 1863)
"I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you — and leads you along the paths you should follow." Isaiah 48:17
God teaches all of His people the true nature, and awful consequences of sin — and instructs them "to flee from the wrath to come." His teaching makes them wise unto salvation — and holy in heart and life. Under His instructions, they . . .
withdraw from the world,
enjoy private devotion,
unite with the saints, and
abound in every good work.
"Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him?" Job 36:22. The truth which he unfolds to the understanding — He impresses upon the heart. His scholars learn to imitate Him.
Untaught by Him, we are . . .
vain, ignorant, and wicked;
estranged from God, and
hastening to eternal perdition!
To His divine teaching — we owe all that we know of self, sin, salvation, and eternal felicity.
He teaches freely and variously — but always effectually.
His children cry, "Teach me to do Your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing!" Psalm 143:10. He graciously answers, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go! I will guide you with My eye." Psalm 32:8
Reader, are you taught of God? Has he taught you . . .
to hate sin — and flee from it,
to know Christ — and love Him,
to discover the beauty of holiness — and pant to possess it?
"Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior!" Psalm 25:4-5