Evangelicals Now
<< September 1998 >>

Living in God's Presence - the present tenses of the Christian life

Living in God's Presence:
The Present Tenses of the Christian Life
By F.B. Meyer
Gwasg Bryntirion Press. 144 pages
ISBN 1 85049 134 8

In this book, F.B. Meyer (1847-1929) presents devotional thoughts based loosely on 18 New Testament verses. According to the cover blurb, the book 'will help many believers to practise the presence of God in their lives day by day'.
The following sentence, from the chapter headed 'My peace I give' (John 14.27), will illustrate both style and content: 'Any stone flung by a chance passer-by may break the crystal clearness of the lake of peace, and send disturbing ripples across it, unless we have learn to trust in the perpetual presence of him who can make and keep 'a great calm' within the soul.'
There is much here to challenge and inspire. However, Meyer's somewhat superficial and at times idiosyncratic treatment of Scripture, together with his habit of taking texts out of context, mean that he is not always a reliable guide. Are the Gospels really 'specimens of the life that (Jesus) is ever living'? This view leads Meyer to suggest that Jesus is still today washing his disciples' feet. He is on firmer ground when he says: 'What Jesus wants is not gold or silver vessels, but clean ones.'
The book is marred by some dubious interpretations. For instance, Romans 8.14 is used to support a mystical view of guidance; and Meyer's understanding of Romans 8.28 is that it is the prerogative of those who love to look behind the phenomena of daily life and see into the methods and purposes of God.
An unusual book. It is often spiritually uplifting, but it needs to be read with discernment.

Derek Bigg