- Jan 1, 2024
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This first part is a short devotional written by Andrew Bonar (younger brother of Horatius Bonar), shortly after the death of Robert Murray McCheyne,
"I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me" (2 Kings 2:9).
0 that his mantle would fall upon me! Evil days are begun. He was so reverent toward God, so full also in desire toward Him, whether in family prayer or at common ordinary meetings. He seemed never unprepared. His lamp was always burning, and his loins always girt. I never knew it otherwise, even when we were journeying in Palestine. Lord, grant me henceforth more holiness; may I work among my people with the deepest solemnity. Whether they feel God present or not, may I teach them I feel He is there. I have had joy also in this season through the sight of a living Saviour with whom I shall soon be, but especially in feeling how sweet it is to be near God, and drawn off from earth; the thought too of Christ coming again, it may be very soon. This terrible blow may be the answer to my prayers for holiness, for I used to pray that even if very awful, it were better that God should take the way that would make me holier, although I should suffer. [This was written shortly after the death of McCheyne.]"
I have prayed such things, as Elisha prayed for a double portion of Elijah's spirit when Elijah was about to depart. It was an awesome thing that Elisha witnessed, and was blessed to be there, for he did receive the double portion as requested.
I must confess, I do not know exactly how this works, or if the anointing of one man of God is transferred to another. I have asked for the "spirit" that was in Jonathan Edwards, and Whitefield, and Spurgeon, and A.W. Tozer, and the Zeal of a George Fox, and Billy Sunday. I know, that's a hugely, humongous, and large thing to ask!
Now, I know all these preachers ministered before thousands at a time, or at least several hundred, and I have never spoken before more than 100 people. But it's not the numbers they preached too that I find important; rather, it is the message they preached, and the lives they lived. I'd also like to be able to claim the prayer life of an E.M Bounds, or McCheyne, and to live out that little command in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing." Yet how oft am I distracted by wandering thoughts. It's annoying. I pray that my prayer life becomes better, even if I am praying throughout the day.
But of the utmost importance is as Andrew Bonar desired to be made holier, and to walk in that intimate fellowship with Jesus in a consistent manner. These are true prayers of mine, and all cares of this world must be secondary to all of this.
"I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me" (2 Kings 2:9).
0 that his mantle would fall upon me! Evil days are begun. He was so reverent toward God, so full also in desire toward Him, whether in family prayer or at common ordinary meetings. He seemed never unprepared. His lamp was always burning, and his loins always girt. I never knew it otherwise, even when we were journeying in Palestine. Lord, grant me henceforth more holiness; may I work among my people with the deepest solemnity. Whether they feel God present or not, may I teach them I feel He is there. I have had joy also in this season through the sight of a living Saviour with whom I shall soon be, but especially in feeling how sweet it is to be near God, and drawn off from earth; the thought too of Christ coming again, it may be very soon. This terrible blow may be the answer to my prayers for holiness, for I used to pray that even if very awful, it were better that God should take the way that would make me holier, although I should suffer. [This was written shortly after the death of McCheyne.]"
I have prayed such things, as Elisha prayed for a double portion of Elijah's spirit when Elijah was about to depart. It was an awesome thing that Elisha witnessed, and was blessed to be there, for he did receive the double portion as requested.
I must confess, I do not know exactly how this works, or if the anointing of one man of God is transferred to another. I have asked for the "spirit" that was in Jonathan Edwards, and Whitefield, and Spurgeon, and A.W. Tozer, and the Zeal of a George Fox, and Billy Sunday. I know, that's a hugely, humongous, and large thing to ask!
Now, I know all these preachers ministered before thousands at a time, or at least several hundred, and I have never spoken before more than 100 people. But it's not the numbers they preached too that I find important; rather, it is the message they preached, and the lives they lived. I'd also like to be able to claim the prayer life of an E.M Bounds, or McCheyne, and to live out that little command in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing." Yet how oft am I distracted by wandering thoughts. It's annoying. I pray that my prayer life becomes better, even if I am praying throughout the day.
But of the utmost importance is as Andrew Bonar desired to be made holier, and to walk in that intimate fellowship with Jesus in a consistent manner. These are true prayers of mine, and all cares of this world must be secondary to all of this.