"Like A Weaned Child"

by Jones, A. H. | Category: General | Nov 1966

(Psalm 131.2)

Sin expresses itself in various forms, yet all these find their root in the assertion of another will against the divine will. Scripture reveals that there are degrees of sin with proportionate consequences. The Lord Jesus Christ said that in the day of judgement it would be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for Chorazin and Bethsaida. The inhabitants of the latter might have blushed at the heinous sins of the inhabitants of the former, and might have considered themselves far superior to them. Yet the Lord showed that Chorazin and Bethsaida were more guilty, for in spite of all the wondrous works He did, they asserted their will against the will of God expressed by the Son of God.

Children of God should ever be careful about the matter of choosing their own will in preference to the will of God. If we set our will as paramount in any sphere of life and give the will of God a second place, then we sin. It is easy to say or sing "Thy will be done"; we may even do this when the indications are that we are determined to fulfil our own will. Let us linger in thought in Gethsemane and contemplate the Lord in prayer, submitting His will to His Father's will. This will have a refining effect upon our souls.

In Psalm 131 the psalmist sets before us the truth of this matter. The first verse expresses the humility of his mind. He appreciated the extent of his ability, but he saw the danger of an exalted mind. He was content with the place God had given him, knowing that God has fitted him for this.

God gives to a man his measure of ability, and accordingly provides a sphere of responsibility. This was clearly demonstrated by the Lord in the parables of the pounds and the talents. In Luke 19 each servant was given a pound. All had equal opportunity. On the other hand, in Matthew 25, each had a varying amount according to his ability. We do well to appreciate that we all have opportunity for service even though we have varying degrees of ability. We should develop our ability to the full. The most able man has his limitations, and we should seek grace from God to appreciate the extent of our ability and be content with it. Sad it is if we are found like the servant with limited ability who hid his pound in the earth. On the other hand, it is sad when a man has an exalted opinion of himself. No man should think more highly of himself than he ought to think; he should think soberly. Appreciating the measure of ability with which the Lord has blessed him, he should be content, and, using that ability to the full, seek to glorify the Lord.

Man's intellect is a marvellous thing. He has used this blessing the Lord has given him to learn much of the world and the universe. Yet men have their limitations. Alas that many do not appreciate this; they form theories that are wide of the mark, and often deny the plain statements of the Word of God and of the Son of God. Let us beware of falling into such error. God chooses to make His will known to faith.

The Lord Jesus said to His Father, "Thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes" (Matthew 11.25). Let the children of God use their intellects in the fear of the Lord and not exercise themselves in things too wonderful for them, while seeking to glorify God by their natural as well as their spiritual ability.

The way to reach this state is to control the exercise of the mind. If we do not we shall become vainly puffed up by our fleshly mind (Colossians 2.18) and be found walking in the vanity of our mind. If, on the other hand, we love the Lord our God with all our mind (or intellect), every thought will be brought into subjection, "into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians

10.5). The thoughts of the mind will be in keeping with the exhortation of Paul in Philippians 4.8, and we shall be pondering things that are lovely and of good report.

In the second verse of Psalm 131 the psalmist says he has stilled and quieted his soul. He has that "calm and settled peace that nothing can destroy". We are told in Scripture that "godliness with contentment is great gain". In spite of much affluence today men are very discontented. Let us not be fashioned according to the course of this world. The cloud of discontent will prevent the Sun of Righteousness from shining upon us. The quieted soul is a contented soul.

The thought is echoed again in the style characteristic of the Psalms in the phrase, "My soul is with me like a weaned child". One of the first battles in life with self-will takes place at the weaning of a child. Once the will is broken, the child knows peace in submission. For many days the child may have asserted its will against the will of the parent, but now the matter is settled, the child's will has yielded. To add to the fragrance of the thought we have the further remark - "like a weaned child with his mother". What a delightful picture of resignation and peace! When we reach this stage in regard to the will of God, then we can look forward to the fullness of divine blessing. The Lord Jesus said, "I seek not Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me," and again, "I do always those things that please My Father." Let us seek to follow Him in this.

The practical application of these matters involves life in all its aspects. The will of God should be paramount in every sphere of life, in things spiritual and in things temporal. The will of God should be sought in our personal affairs. Business and domestic matters should all be brought into line with the will of God. We should bring all these things before the Lord in prayer that He might show us His will. How precious is the word, "Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things". Let us not hesitate then to seek divine guidance in matters small and great in the temporal realm.

Likewise in the spiritual realm, we need to yield all to the will of God, remembering that "to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams". It is sad when we are found seeking our own will in regard to matters of the worship and service of God. Our will might lead us to much sacrifice, but what profit will it be if we are ignoring the will of God? The will of God is fully revealed in the word of God, and we do well if we heed its guidance and serve our God according to His will. Sad it will be if ultimately it is revealed that our energies have been spent in that which is contrary to the will of God and instead of pleasing our God we are found sinning against Him. Let us think on these things.

The last verse of the Psalm points us to the hope of Israel. He whose soul is thus stilled and quieted can indeed set his hope in God.

Jones, A. H. | Nov 1966
General