There is wisdom and mercy in bringing this burden to the throne of grace, for the proverb is true that when people do not accept divine guidance they run wild, but whoever obeys the law is joyful. You have done well to pray that the former landlord may submit himself to God, for the only radical and efficient cure for the great evil of iniquity is for the sinner to come back to God.
Bear this in mind, that the house in which we dwell in this life has God for its Landlord, and we are only tenants. Every man holds his lease from the Royal Owner, and he must give an account for how he has kept the house. A just tenant desires to restore to his Landlord his property unhurt, and to live as an occupier under such a good Master should live. When a man forgets this and lives as though he were his own master, he runs the mad career of sin and becomes wild and disrespectful toward his fellows. Pray then that this man may be brought to see that he is but a tenant, that his time is short, and that he must set his house in order before the Lord.
We will join you in praying in the Holy Spirit for him. Such prayer is humble, for the Holy Spirit never puffs us up with pride, and it pleads not upon our own excellence but begs for grace and mercy upon the ground of the name of Jesus. There is a name with God for pardoning iniquity, and depths of mercy still reserved even for those who have caused much trouble. Let us ask that the Lord would draw near to this man, that he might draw near to God, that his heart might be stirred to sorrow for sin and to joyful obedience.
And while we pray, let us also set a watch. As Nehemiah prayed and set a watch against the malice of enemies, so we must guard with jealous care our own souls and our testimony, and go on with our work for God, committing those who do wrong to Him to set them right. Do not treat the mercy seat as a place for light words, but be businesslike in prayer, asking plainly for what is needed, and then look for the answer. Our God sees fit to reserve the answer for a season for the trial of our faith, but the petition is heard and labeled for us in the treasury above, and in His time He will put it into our hand.
Let us pray together in Jesus name.
O Lord our God, Thou great Landlord of all, we plead Thy mercy through the blood of Jesus Christ, through whom alone salvation is found. Look upon this man who has run wild and has caused trouble, and grant him divine guidance. Subdue his heart, turn him from his disrespectful ways, and bring him to submit to Thy gracious rule. Draw him near to Thyself, that he may know Thy pardoning mercy and walk in joyful obedience to Thy law. Grant also to Thy servant who has prayed, patience in waiting, steadfastness in watching and praying, and the joy that belongs to those who obey Thee. Keep all from evil, and let Thy will be done. We ask this not for our own worthiness, but for Thy name's sake. Amen.
