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Wilt Thou Step In Between The Cup And The Lip? In Psalm 110:7, we read of the Lord Jesus - "He shall drink of the brook in the way..." The "brook" that is referred to here is the Brook Cedron and the "way" was the Messiah's way to Glory and our salvation. This brook was considered a black brook either because it was located in a dark valley or because the water was tainted with the dirt of the city. On the way to our redemption, the Lord Jesus walked through the darkest of valleys - the way of suffering - and drank of the "brook" blackened by the sins of men. Perhaps today you find yourself drinking from the same brook of suffering. If so, this message is for you. Throughout the Scriptures, we find verses dealing with the "cup." What exactly is this "cup"? ~ In Psalm 16:5, we read - "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot." Here, the Lord is considered as a "lot" or portion for His people. This portion is pictured as a "cup" from which they drink a drink which refreshes, cheers, and sustains them as well as brings comfort, happiness, and great satisfaction to their souls. ~ In Psalm 11:6, we read, concerning the wicked - "Upon the wicked He shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup." In this particular verse, the "cup" represents the inheritance allotted to and appointed by the Almighty for the "wicked." We see a picture here of the Lord holding out a cup for them to drink from which is filled with a deadly mixture. It contains "snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest" - several judgments which would fall upon them suddenly and unawares and in such fury as a "horrible tempest." It includes God trapping and seizing upon them as a hunter does a wild beast; an inextinguishable fire; a desolation - representative of His wrath - which would sweep them away as a mighty wind, bringing great destruction along its path. The Lord holds out this "cup"- a "cup" filled with terrors, trembling, and the abundance of suffering and misery - for the wicked to drink. This is their portion in this life. ~ In Matthew 20:22, we read - "But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of..." This Scripture applies to every believer. It refers to the custom of the Master of a feast to extend a "cup" to his guests. In this case, God is extending the same "cup" to all Christians that He extended to His very dear Son - the "cup" of deep suffering. If they accept it, they will be required to drink of many afflictions for the cause of Christ. It will be a bitter cup. But the blessed consolation is that it will only be a "cup" rather than a river, sea, or ocean. It will be short in duration and the end of suffering will surely be reached just as one is able to see the bottom of the cup after drinking its contents. In John 18:11, we read these words of Jesus - "Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me; shall I not drink it?" As already inferred, the "cup" is a token which signifies our portion in this life. As we can see from this particular Scripture, our lot as individual Christians comes from Father God. He places it into our hands. It could include times of prosperity, or it could include times of great suffering for the cause of Christ. But, no matter what it represents, are we willing to receive from the hand of our Father the "cup" which He deems fit for us at this hour? Can we readily accept it, knowing that He knows what is best for us and would never do us any wrong? Perhaps at this moment in time, you find yourself in the struggle of your life, crying out to God, saying - Matthew 26:39 - "...O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me..." There is an allusion here to a practice where criminals, about to drink of the same cup , would all stand in a row. The Judge, willing to show Favor to a certain one, would cause the cup to pass by him and be extended to the next criminal. Is this where you find yourself today? Are you drinking of the "cup" of sorrow, anguish, confusion, great troubles, difficulties, and sufferings? Is your soul, in bitter anguish, crying out - "Oh Father! Please, please bring this suffering and these troubles to an end..."? God, in His lovingkindness and tender mercies, may do just that! In His Divine Favor, He may have this "cup" pass from you. However, for reasons unknown to us, He may also have you continue through your time of difficulty until the end. Can you accept this decision on the Father's part? Can you trust Him to know what is Best for you at this time? In Matthew 26:42, we read the words of the Lord Jesus - "...O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it..." Just as the Son of God had to drink of the bitter "cup" of suffering and death in order to bring life to others, even so you may be required to drink of the "cup" of suffering and "death to self" in order that you may bring forth much fruit for the Glory of God. Matthew 26:39 says - "...O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt." Matthew 26:42 adds - "...O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done." O Child of God, can you graciously receive the "cup" which the Father is placing in your hands today by saying - "...nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt...Thy will be done"? The "cup" that He has for you may be a lot or portion of great prosperity at this time. Or it may be one filled with suffering, great misunderstandings, rejection, sorrow, anguish, pain, and loss. No matter what - be sure not to "step between the cup and the lip." Readily and graciously receive and drink of it today. Trust your Heavenly Father. The lot of suffering will have its end, and out of it will spring forth Resurrection Life, Supernatural Power, and an Anointing that you have never known before. Never Forget - Father knows Best! May God Bless His Word. Connie http://www.walkingintruth.org Connie Giordano P. O. Box 383016 Duncanville, TX. 75138-3016 Copyright 2003 by Connie Giordano |
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September12, 2003 - Sand Dollar: The Sparrow at Starbucks >> |
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