Luke 9:13

NO POWER IN OURSELVES

‘Give ye them to eat.’

Luke 9:13

There is an important principle underlying these words. It is that men are often put under obligation to do that for which they have, in themselves, no present ability.

I. Human strength.—It is the nature of human strength and bodily fortitude to have an elastic measure, and to be so let forth or extended as to meet the exigencies that arise. Within certain limits, for man is limited in everything, the body gets the strength it wants in the exercise for which it is wanted. God may fitly call a given man to a course of life which requires much robustness and a high power of physical endurance, on the ground that when he is fully embarked on his calling, the robustness will come, or will be developed in it and by means of it, though previously it seemed not to exist.

II. Intellectual force.—This, too, has the same elastic quality, and measures itself in the same way, by the exigencies we are called to meet. Task it, and for that very reason it grows efficient. Plunge it into darkness, and it makes a sphere of light. It discovers its own force by the exertion of force, measures its capacity by the difficulties it has endured, its appetite for labour by the labour it has endured. All great commanders, statesmen, lawgivers, scholars, preachers, have found the powers unfolded in their calling, and by it, which were necessary for it.

III. Moral power.—The same also is true, quite as remarkably, of what we sometimes call moral power. By this we mean the power of a life and a character, the power of good and great purposes, that power which comes at length to reside in a man distinguished in some course of estimable or great conduct. No other power of man compares with this, and there is no individual who may not be measurably invested with it. Integrity, purity, goodness, success of any kind, in the humblest persons or in the lowest walks of duty, begin to invest them finally with a character, and create a certain sense of momentum in them. Other men expect them to get on because they are getting on, and bring them a repute that sets them forward, give them a salute that means—success. This kind of power is neither a natural gift nor, properly, an acquisition; but it comes in upon one and settles on him like a crown of glory, while discharging with fidelity his duties to God and man.

Illustrations

(1) ‘Who is that gracious Teacher who had compassion on this starving multitude in the wilderness and said to His disciples, “Give ye them to eat”? It is Jesus Himself, ever pitiful, ever kind, ever ready to show mercy, even to the unthankful and the evil. And He is not altered. He is just the same to-day as He was eighteen hundred years ago. High in heaven at the right hand of God He looks down on the vast multitude of starving sinners who cover the face of the earth. He still pities them, still cares for them, still feels for their helplessness and need. And He still says to His believing followers, “Behold this multitude, give ye them to eat.” ’

(2)‘But all things He forsook, to give Himself

To ministry among the poor and sad, wherever need

Was bitterest, and the heart was pierced the most;

Wherever want most sad, and pain most sore,

Through the dark hours His steadfast watchings wore,

The touches of His tenderness were spent;

Till from the saved, the succoured, the consoled,

One voice of blessing clung around His name.’