All around him the apostle beheld witnesses to the Flood that had deluged the earth because the inhabitants ventured to transgress the law of God.The rocks thrown up from the great deep and from the earth by the breaking forth of the waters, brought vividly to his mind the terrors of that awful outpouring of God's wrath.In the voice of many waters--deep calling unto deep--the prophet heard the voice of the Creator.The sea, lashed to fury by the merciless winds, represented to him the wrath of an offended God.The mighty waves, in their terrible commotion, restrained within limits appointed by an invisible hand, spoke of the control of an infinite Power.
And in contrast he realized the weakness and folly of mortals, who, though but worms of the dust, glory in their supposed wisdom and strength, and set their hearts against the Ruler of the universe, as if God were altogether such a one as themselves.By the rocks he was reminded of Christ, the Rock of his strength, in whose shelter he could hide without fear.From the exiled apostle on rocky Patmos there went up the most ardent longing of soul after God, the most fervent prayers.
The history of John affords a striking illustration of the way in which God can use aged workers.When John was exiled to the Isle of Patmos, there were many who thought him to be past service, an old and broken reed, ready to fall at any time.But the Lord saw fit to use him still.Though banished from the scenes of his former labor, he did not cease to bear witness to the truth.Even in Patmos he made friends and converts.His was a message of joy, proclaiming a risen Saviour who on high was interceding for His people until He should return to take them to Himself.And it was after John had grown old in the service of his Lord that he received more communications from heaven than he had received during all the former years of his life.
The most tender regard should be cherished for those whose life interest has been bound up with the work of God.These aged workers have stood faithful amid storm and trial.They may have infirmities, but they still possess talents that qualify them to stand in their place in God's cause.Though worn, and unable to bear the heavier burdens that younger men can and should carry, the counsel they can give is of the highest value.
They may have made mistakes, but from their failures they have learned to avoid errors and dangers, and are they not therefore competent to give wise counsel? They have borne test and trial, and though they have lost some of their vigor, the Lord does not lay them aside.He gives them special grace and wisdom.
Those who have served their Master when the work went hard, who endured poverty and remained faithful when there were few to stand for truth, are to be honored and respected.The Lord desires the younger laborers to gain wisdom, strength, and maturity by association with these faithful men.Let the younger men realize that in having such workers among them they are highly favored.Let them give them an honored place in their councils.
As those who have spent their lives in the service of Christ draw near to the close of their earthly ministry, they will be impressed by the Holy Spirit to recount the experiences they have had in connection with the work of God.The record of His wonderful dealings with His people, of His great goodness in delivering them from trial, should be repeated to those newly come to the faith.God desires the old and tried laborers to stand in their place, doing their part to save men and women from being swept downward by the mighty current of evil, He desires them to keep the armor on till He bids them lay it down.
