Guidance and Glory

T. Spurgeon.

Psalm 73:24

You shall guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

I. GUIDANCE HERE.

1. He confesses his need of guidance, It is a grand thing if God compels us to seek direction.

2. He professes confidence in God.

3. He announces his belief in God's willingness to lead him. This is not included in the other; it is a distinct step. Are you sure that God will guide you? You may be sure, for He who wings an angel guides the sparrow; He who tells the number of the stars heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.

4. He declares himself willing to be led.

II. GLORY HEREAFTER.

1. We are just as sure that it is to be revealed as we are that guidance is ours moment by moment. The glory seems more wonderful than the guidance, but it is not really so The flower is more beautiful than the bud, yet the flower was in the bud, and glory is but grace developed and revealed. The glory to which we are to be received is part and parcel of the guidance which we daily enjoy.

2. The only uncertainty is as to the time, and I think we ought to bless God that there cannot be full knowledge in this respect. It is enough that we know that He will receive us to glory afterward. Blessed word, "afterward"! — after the pain, after the struggle, after the toil, after the cross, after the temptations, after the work is done, that is when He will receive us. Do not ask to know more than that.

3. Did you notice that the arrival is called a reception? "And afterward receive me to glory." Thank God for this! There is a welcome awaiting us there. I have known what it is, occasionally, to arrive unexpectedly in a strange place. The vessel draws up to the wharf, there is a crowd of folks to meet their friends, and one looks anxiously for a familiar face, but no, the message had miscarried, or there was some mistake about the time and there is nobody to extend a welcome. Oh, you do not run any such risk as regards heaven.

4. And what is there beyond the reception? Just this — glory! I was wondering what was the Scrip. rural use of this term glory. I find that in the Word of God it stands for riches, authority, sumptuous buildings and garments, and in some instances for hosts of warriors. Well, all these things are yonder in illimitable degree.

(T. Spurgeon.)