He is no patcher

I like to see the work of my hands be built up and prosper. My guess is that all of us like to see our work built upon, not torn down.

William Tyndale’s words this morning reminded me that God doesn’t want to build on another man’s foundation. God’s building process first razes all, then builds block by block.

If God promise riches, the way thereto is poverty. Whom he loveth he chasteneth, whom he exalteth, he casteth down, whom he saveth he damneth first, he bringeth no man to heaven except he send him to hell first. If he promise life he slayeth it first, when he buildeth, he casteth all down first. He is no patcher, he cannot build on another man’s foundation.

He will not work until all be past remedy and brought  unto such a case, that men may see how that his hand, his power, his mercy, his goodness and truth hath wrought all together. He will let no man be partaker with him of his praise and glory. [Tyndale, The Obedience of a Christian Man, p. 6. Quoted in Filling Up the Afflictions of Christ, http://www.crosswalk.com/books/11606829/page12/]

He is no patcher, he cannot build on another man’s foundation [not even mine!].

He will let no man be partaker with him of his praise and glory [not even me!].