My Utmost for His Highest - April 19th - Is It Not in the Least Likely?

Now the news came to Joab, for Joab had followed Adonijah, although he had not followed Absalom. And Joab fled to the tent of the Lord and took hold of the horns of the altar. - I Kings 2:28

    Joab stood the big test, he remained absolutely loyal and true to David and did not turn after the fascinating and ambitious Absalom, but yet towards the end of his life he turned after the craven Adonijah. Always remain alert of he fact that where one man has gone back is exactly where anyone may go back (see 1 Cor. 10:11-13). You have gone through the big crisis, now be alert over the least things; take in calculation the "retired sphere of the leasts."

    We are apt to say--"It is not in the least likely that having been through the supreme crisis, I shall turn now to the things of the world." Do not forecast where the temptation will come, it is the least likely thing that is the peril. In the aftermath of a great spiritual transaction the "retired sphere of the leasts" begins to tell; it is not dominant, but remember it is there, and if you are not warned, it will trip you up. You have remained true to God under great and intense trials, now beware of the undercurrent. Do not be morbidly introspective, looking forward with dread, but keep alert; keep your member bright before God. Unguarded strength is double weakness because that is where the "retired sphere of the leasts" saps. The Bible characters fell on their strong points, never on their weak ones.

    "Kept by the power of God (I Peter 1:5)"--that is the only safety.

From Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" - Classic Edition

- Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition. 

My thoughts

He talked of being ready always to hear His voice -- in the previous devotional, and now today we need to be alert to temptation. Temptations often hit us in the little areas, and then they become big. Beware. Yet, do not examine yourself, as if you are looking for it. Be careful examining the sin too much. I've seen this. At times it leads me into allowing the sin into my life. 

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Jordan Wesley Birthday 1996