Gospel Studies
WITH JESUS AT BETHLEHEM.
The story of the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem is an old and familiar one. Yet we can never say the last word on it. The birth of our Lord Jesus into the world was unique in the history of the race. We begin our existence at our birth; He lived from all Eternity-before the worlds were He was. He was the God-Man. Not God indwelling a man; not a man deified; but God and man, combining in one Personality those two natures. He had a human mother, but not a human father. He was conceived of the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary.
Study the genealogical tables in the Gospels. A Mohammedan in Southern India was first drawn to faith in Jesus Christ by reading the genealogy in Matthew. Such a procession, he thought, must lead up to a mighty name; and he approached with reverence the story of the Nativity.
What is the genealogical list in Matthew, but the proof of the Messiah’s connection with Abraham and David, showing Him to be the true and final successor to the Throne of the Davidic kingdom. The late David Baron pointed out that "This is an indisputable fact, that the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the last in Jewish history whose descent from the Royal line can now be established by sufficiently authentic proof." At the destruction of the second Temple, all the national genealogical records perished; and, apart from a few worthless traditions, there is nothing that any Jew now on the face of the earth can appeal to to prove even from which tribe, not to say from which family he springs. There is neither a tribe of Judah, nor a separate Davidic family now existing, and yet the true King of Israel must prove himself a son of David. The only genealogical records preserved are those proving our Lord and Saviour’s descent from David, and they are preserved in the New Testament.
It seems quite clear that the Lord Jesus was born in His ancestral home. This Inn was known in the days of Jeremiah as the Inn of Chimham (see R.V., margin). Chimham was Barzillai’s son (Jer_41:17), whom David honoured for his father’s sake (see 2Sa_19:37-40), and, as suggested by the late Dr. Schofield of London, gave him his ancestral home near Bethlehem (the house of Boaz and Ruth), who, on his death, made it an Inn. To give a Khan or Inn to a town then was equivalent to giving a park or a hospital now.
I. The Toilers Seeking Jesus (Luke 2). The shepherds represent the working class-the toilers. See how our Lord honours the lowly and the humble. A lowly maid was selected to be the mother of Jesus; the lowly town of Bethlehem was selected to be the place of His birth; and working men were honoured by receiving first the glad and joyous news.
1. They were in the Dark, and so are we, if we have not yet taken the all-important step to Christ. Not material darkness, as was theirs, but spiritual darkness, the darkness of sin and doubt.
2. They Got into the Light, a light from above that fell upon them, and so may we, and we most certainly will if we come to the One who has proclaimed Himself to be the Light of the World. It was a glorious light that shone about them.
3. They were Full of Fear, for light from Heaven always produces fear in the heart of the unconverted. Fear in the heart is one proof that light from Heaven has been given, and is the result of guilt of sin.
4. They Heard the Gospel, and the Gospel was preached by angels, a rare privilege for them. The angel declared Good Tidings, for unto "you is born… a Saviour." Not "unto us"-for there is no Saviour for the fallen angels.
5. They Obeyed the Gospel, for they determined to see for themselves, and the Gospel is to be obeyed as well as to be believed.
6. They Found the Saviour, as all earnest and genuine seekers do.
7. They Rejoiced Greatly, as all they who find the Saviour do, and they glorified God.
II. The Thinkers Seeking Jesus (Mat_2:2). The fact that not only representative toilers sought Jesus, but representative thinkers did likewise is impressive. The greatest thinkers the world has ever seen have been humble followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible is a Book of Wisdom, and points out the true source of all wisdom. Ponder over this statement: "The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." There we find how we may become wise men and women.
Note a few facts about these wise men showing their wisdom.
1. They were in a Far Country, and so are we, if we have not yet come to Him. They must have been in a far country, for they came from the East.
2. They Saw God’s Messenger, and just where they were, too, and that was a sign of real wisdom. There are some folk who see nothing, going through the world with either eyes closed or unobservant. "We have seen His star in the east." Some, like the man with the muck rake do not see because they do not look up. Remembering Balaam’s prophecy (Num_24:17), they took great heed, recognising in the Star God’s messenger. The Holy Spirit is God’s Star to-day, and He is ever seeking to draw the attention of sinners to the Lord Jesus. He is seeking to draw us to the only One who can do helpless sinners good.
3. They Started Forth to Find and Worship Jesus. Some see, yet never come. The purpose of the star was not to amuse, but to lead. They had a long journey to make, but we have not far to go to see and find the Saviour. We find not a weak babe, but a strong One mighty to save.
4. They Seem to have Made a Mistake, taking their eyes off the star and leaning too much on their own reasoning. Surely, thought they, that the Great One would be born in the capital; so they took their eyes off the star, following human reasoning, and came to Jerusalem. See the disastrous results that followed-the massacre of the innocents at Bethlehem. Far better to keep our eyes on the Heavenly messenger, and to be guided by the Lord.
5. Ah, soon they Found Jesus, as all real seekers do, and what satisfaction that find brought to their hearts and lives.
6. Then they Worshipped, presenting their costly gifts, as all should act who are the found ones of the Lord. Yet, alas, so many take all the Lord Jesus has to give, but forget to give as a thankoffering, first themselves, then to consecrate all they have to the One who has done so much for them.
COME.
One of the sweetest words in the Bible. "O words of words the sweetest." The first "Come" in the Bible is one of salvation (Gen_7:1. Note "Come," not "Go!" A proof the Lord Himself was in the Ark), as is also the last (Rev_22:17).
I. What Must we Come For?
1. Rest-"Come, and I will give you rest," Mat_11:28
2. Knowledge-"Come and see," Joh_1:39
3. Satisfaction-"Come unto Me and drink," Joh_7:37
4. Discipleship-"Come and follow Me," Mar_10:21
5. Victory-"Come, put your feet upon the necks," Jos_10:24
6. Fellowship-"Come and dine," Joh_21:12
7. Refreshment-"Come and rest a while," Mar_6:31
8. Inheritance-"Come and inherit," Mat_25:34
II. How Must We Come? We must come just as we are, without any attempt to make ourselves presentable, for the very good reason that we are too far gone, and only He can do anything with us, and then He will make us new creatures-a new creation-in Jesus Christ.
"Just as I am, without one plea.
But that Thy Blood was shed for me.
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee;
Oh, Lamb of God, I come!"
III. When Must We Come? "One hour before you die?" said some one. Well, when will that be? You cannot say, so you had better come now. In fact, those are the instructions: "Come now," found over and over again in the dear old Book.
WITH JESUS AT THE RIVER JORDAN.
The Significance of Christ’s Baptism.
"Thus it becometh us" (Mat_3:15).
Introduction.
"Becoming." That is a word often on our lips and in our thoughts. It is one of the tests of life. It decides matters concerning behaviour and dress.
The answer to "Does it become me?" decides choice of material and style of dress, and, "It is most unbecoming of you" settles for us language and conduct.
The Lord Jesus makes this the one reason why John should baptise Him. And we, too, are included, for He said, "Thus it becometh us," not me.
400 Years’ Silence. For four hundred years prophecy had been silent. At last the silence was broken, and a voice was heard in the land speaking like those of old. It was the voice of one who was clad in the hairy cloak and leather girdle of the old prophets.
Rough Speech. "And," as old Bishop Hall put it, "his raiment was rough, so was his tongue; and if his food was wild honey, his speech was stinging locusts."
"Who" (Mat_3:7). This phrase arrested our attention a while ago. As there was absence of any marks of true penitence, John asked under whose preaching they had been moved to ask repentance.
Character of his Preaching.
1. Spoke Plainly about Sin.
a. Taught absolute need of repentance.
b. Repentance must be proved by works.
c. Warned men not to rest on outward privileges.
2. Spoke Plainly about the Lord Jesus.
a. That He was mightier than he
b. He was only slave. Jesus was the King.
c. He baptised only with water, whereas the Lord would baptise with the Spirit.
3. Spoke Plainly of Holy Spirit.
a. Such a thing as baptism of Spirit.
b. Special offer of Lord Jesus to baptise thus in Spirit.
4. Spoke Plainly about Awful Danger of Impenitent.
a. Told them there was a wrath to come.
b. He preached of the unquenchable fire.
5. Spoke Plainly about the Safety of Believers. He taught there was a "garner" for all who were Christ’s wheat.
John’s Reluctance.
1. Had John ever seen the Lord? We know not.
2. He felt abashed at His presence. He noted in His face a majesty, purity, and peace, making him feel his unworthiness.
Why Did the Lord Jesus Seek Baptism?
1. It is a difficult question.
2. John’s baptism was of repentance-but He was spotless!
3. One explanation is that, at this age, Levites were bathed and anointed and admitted to service.
4. We want to give four reasons why it was becoming of our Saviour to be baptised.
I. Serious Interest. It betokened a serious interest in this national religious movement, and surely that was becoming. "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee."
In Carpenter’s Shop. Whilst the Lord was working in the Nazareth workshop, news reached His village of the appearance of John, and the multitudes from all parts flocked to hear him. It was the beginning of a national religious movement. He showed sufficient interest to travel 24 miles to hear John.
Indifference.
1. We do not doubt that there were thousands who showed not the least interest in this movement.
2. It is so to-day-and that fact is a puzzle to us.
3. Surely a movement that has existed so long and has wrought such marvellous changes is worthy of a little serious interest.
Unbecoming. We would say to the thousands who have not the slightest interest in the Christian religion that, to say the least, such an attitude is most unbecoming.
Becoming Serious. It was not uncommon years ago to call conversion "becoming serious." And judging from the faces of some of its professors, it appeared to be a very serious matter indeed. It ought to be "becoming joyful." Yes, but you must become serious before becoming joyful. In one sense all unsaved are often sad enough.
II. Humility. His coming to be baptised of John was a proof and fruit of humility, and surely humility is becoming. "Then cometh Jesus to be baptised of him."
Usual. When a King is to be baptised a minister is sent for. But He did not stand on His dignity and send for John. He came. Usually when a King is to be baptised, a prelate or pontiff must officiate-some high dignitary at any rate. But He came to be baptised of this lowly prophet-preacher.
Humility. Humility of heart and mind will betray itself. And humility is most becoming of us.
III. Identification. It was an act of identification with His people, and surely that was most becoming of Him.
Why? It is a sinners’ ordinance-but He was no sinner!
Lost His Character.
1. Have you ever thought of this, that our Lord lost His character by this act?
2. Only sinners came to the waters of baptism.
3. Note:
a. He was numbered with the transgressors by His baptism.
b. It was an act by which He consented to take His place among sinners.
c. It was an act of identification with the people.
d. It was, in figure, what He would actually do for them by and bye-die.
IV. Submission. It was His submission and obedience to a Divinely appointed ordinance, and surely that act was most becoming. His first public act is one of obedience to the Voice of God as in the rite of baptism.
Don’t Go Too Far. There is a danger of some of us making too little because others make too much of ordinances.
Only Two Sacraments. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Our Duty. Our becoming duty is to observe them.
V. Glorious Result.
1. Opened Heaven. This suggests, or rather, proves, the perfection of the thirty years He had lived at Nazareth.
2. Holy Spirit. First time Trinity clearly made known.
3. Voice. Proclaiming His love to His Son.
WITH JESUS IN THE WILDERNESS.
The Temptation (Mar_1:12-13).
Introduction.
Rutherford. Old Samuel Rutherford, who knew the heart of man as few do, wrote in one of his letters: "If we knew ourselves well, to want temptation is the greatest temptation of all."
General.
1. Temptation is probably the most familiar experience of the Christian.
2. If we call the Christian life a life of joy and peace many will tell you they do not know it as such.
3. But speak of it as a life of temptation, and every regenerate soul will readily admit that such is the case.
Comfort. Seeing the experience of temptation is universal, how blessed it is to learn that:
1. He was tempted in all points like as we are.
2. That "He suffered, being tempted"-and to be tempted really meant suffering to Him as it does us.
3. That, seeing "He suffered, being tempted. He is able to succour them that are tempted.
Not Sin.
1. It is well for us to note the distinction between sin and temptation.
2. It is not a sin to be tempted.
3. Sin lies in parleying and playing with temptation (as a cat plays with a mouse).
Count it Joy.
1. James says, "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations."
2. Nothing to be doleful about.
With Jesus.
1. We are to accompany the Lord Jesus into the wilderness.
2. We have frequently to go into the wilderness to be tempted of the Devil, but we are safe if with Him.
3. And His presence makes the wilderness and the solitary place become glad, and the desert blossom as the rose.
Deep and Mysterious.
1. It is well to note the deep significance of the conflict.
2. Jesus was there in the wilderness as our representative.
3. Milton finishes his "Paradise Regained" at this point.
4. The first Adam stood as the head of the race and falling, dragged the race down with him. The last Adam stood as the Head of the new race, and, being victorious, lifted that race with Him, or made the lifting possible.
Points of Difference.
1. The Devil challenged the first Adam, the last Adam challenged the Devil.
2. The Devil ruined the first Adam, the second Adam spoiled the Devil.
3. The first conflict took place in a Paradise, the second in a Wilderness.
After Baptism.
1. The three Evangelists all state that the conflict followed immediately after the season of blessing after baptism.
2. Learn:
a. No spiritual privileges saves us from fiery trials.
b. The hour of blessing is often the hour of peril.
I. The Peril of Materialism. The first temptation-Stones into bread.
1. Its Application to Jesus.
a. It was a Blow to His Sonship. "If." Satan likes to throw the "if" of doubt into our mind respecting our sonship.
b. It was a Blow at His Life of Dependence.
(1) It was a temptation to self-reliance.
(2) Temptation to abandon the life of dependence the Father required of Him.
c. It was a Blow at His Life of Dependent Service. It was a temptation to use the power to work miracles for an inferior purpose. Jesus always refused to work miracles to please the vulgar curiosity of the people.
d. It was a Temptation to Think of the bodies of the People before or even instead of the Souls. The peril of modern social movements is just this-as all keen observers can see. This age thinks more of boots or clogs for bare feet, dinners for empty stomachs, weeks at seaside, than salvation of soul. Let that come first, and all the rest can follow.
e. It was a Temptation to Materialism.
2. Its Application to Us. This temptation comes to us in various forms.
a. The temptation to place body and its needs first (Devil’s order is "Bread, trust, worship." God, "Trust, worship, bread"), then soul.
b. To satisfy a legitimate craving of the body in an illegitimate way.
c. What I need bother my head about is bread for the body, and never trouble about the soul.
Here Adam and Eve Fell.
1. But Jesus conquered.
2. He conquered by the Word.
Mark’s Account.
1. How much Mark compresses into small space.
2. He is a master in the art of concentration and condensing.
3. Learn-
a. The driving as well as wooing power of the Spirit.
b. The forty days were all days of temptation.
c. Probably the foe was invisible during the forty days and temptations were within.
d. It was at the end of forty days that Satan came boldly out in visible form, and presented temptation without.
e. Wild beasts were there, and were with Him. These creatures recognised His authority and lost their ferocity- a picture of the Millennial Day, when the lion and the lamb shall lie down together.
f. The angels ministered unto Him. He who would not tempt God by working miracles at the Devil’s bidding to procure bread, or by throwing Himself down, to see if angels should come and bear Him up from harm, now sees angels come and bring Him bread in the desert.
II. The Peril of Sensationalism. The Second Temptation-Leap from Pinnacle of the Temple.
Subtlety.
1. You trust in God? Very well, prove your trust by throwing yourself down from the pinnacle of the Temple.
2. You quote Scripture. I will also give you one to show that God will keep you.
Analysis.
1. It does appear that such an act would have been an act of faith.
2. But on closer examination we think you will see it would have been a clear proof of lack of trust.
3. It would have been an experiment.
"When we doubt a person we make experiments to discover how far they are to be trusted."
Application to Jesus.
1. It was the popular belief that their Messiah would appear suddenly, and in some marvellous way, as, for instance, a leap from the Temple roof into the midst of the crowd below.
2. It was a temptation to gratify the vulgar desire for wonders.
3. It was a temptation to dazzle the people.
4. To appeal to the senses by, in our day, awesome buildings, ritual, music.
Application to Us.
1. This temptation comes to us when he tries to show us we must show our trust by doing something extraordinary.
2. No; we must show our trust by doing the ordinary things of life in an extraordinary way.
III. The Worship of Satan. The Third Temptation-Worship Satan. There must be no compromise with evil.
Quick Panorama.
1. Luk_4:5 tells us Christ saw the vision in a moment of time.
2. He gave the Lord a quick panoramic view of the kingdoms of the world.
Observe.
1. Satan claims some right to the kingdoms of the world, and our Lord acknowledged that claim by later calling him Prince of this World.
2. In Psa_2:8-9, God expects Jesus to ask of Him the world. But the temptation here was to ask of the Devil. In view of Psa_2:8, how impressive is Satan’s temptation.
Application to Jesus. It was temptation:
1. To secure the Kingdom without the Cross.
2. To take a short and easy way to possession.
3. To take the help of the Devil. Application to Us.
This temptation comes to us when we are tempted to live without the Cross.
Secret of Victory.
1. Be born of the Spirit. Well begun is half done.
2. Be filled with the Spirit. This is our privilege.
3. Be assured of your Sonship. Never doubt your standing in Christ.
4. Be acquainted with the Word.
WITH JESUS AT A MARRIAGE.
The Marriage at Cana.
"Thou hast kept the good wine until now" (Joh_2:10).
Introduction.
Lamp in a Sepulchre. Someone has spoken of religion as a "lamp burning dimly in a sepulchre." It sounds poetical, and has an element of truth in it. If it is a lamp in a sepulchre, it burns brightly, not dimly. But the thought behind the sentence is utterly wrong, viz., that we only need the Saviour in our times of sorrow, and as a preparation for the future. Many, alas, act on that thought, and never think of the Lord until face to face with death or sorrow.
Times of Gladness. The subject before us dispels that thought. Here we find the Lord present at a marriage feast. He took a journey of 43 miles (from Bethabara to Cana) to attend. After all, experience teaches us that it is times of gladness which especially need such a sanctifying presence. Then, it is mean to expect the Lord to share with us life’s sorrows, and be debarred from its joys.
Jesus not Out of Place at a Marriage. And don’t for a moment think He was out of place. You are out of place anywhere if He is not with you. He had no monkish idea of the unholiness of marriage. Marriage is a solemn and Divine institution. And the presence of Jesus proclaims its sanctity.
Jesus was there. Probably the first Christian wedding the world has seen. How we linger over Mar_1:2. If the Lord Jesus was present at your marriage you will never write as one did: "Oh! how many torments lie in the small circle of a wedding ring." It is a Christless wedding that leads to such a woeful testimony.
Shortage. An illustration of the failure of all this world’s joys. Shortage, yes, even with Jesus present. Probably He and His disciples were the cause of the supplies running out, more coming to the feast than they had made provision for. But the difficulty was soon mastered. All will be well if He is there.
Mary’s Thoughtfulness. It is a simple and homely act of forethought to save her neighbours from shame and confusion. She might have taken no notice, or said, "It is no business of mine," or gloried in the bad management of the parties.
Why Turn to Jesus? Why did Mary turn and tell Jesus of the need? It was her regular habit to do this. She had ever been accustomed to turn to Him in all her difficulties, and certainly she never consulted Him in vain.
Gospel According to the Blessed Virgin. Said a friend to a Romanist: "Have you ever heard of the Gospel of the Blessed Virgin?" And it is: "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it."
Servants’ Obedience. Fail not to notice the ready obedience of the servants. And their faith, too. Each held about 20 gallons-hence 120 gallons in all.
Ruler’s Testimony.
1st. That this was a sober party, for they could distinguish between the two kinds of wine.
2nd.
a. It was a high commendation of His work.
b. But this is invariably His rule of working.
c. The world gives its best first, and then it is not lasting, for "earth’s pleasures come in cups, not in fountains," and the supply is limited and soon exhausted.
d. Not so Christ. With Him it is always getting better.
I. In Creation the Best came Last.
1. What a sad condition we see in the beginning! Read again Genesis 1.
2. The first step to improvement was calling forth of light.
3. That is to say, a fuller revelation of the ruin.
4. Note the successive stages.
5. At last man, the crowning work of Creation, appears.
6. The best came last.
II. In Revelation the Best came Last.
1. Through sin came revelation of Gospel truth, yet in stages.
2. How dim, how obscure, how incomplete, for generations.
3. But it was the dawn. Gradually the sun rises higher and higher, until the full blaze and glory of God was seen in the face of Jesus Christ. The best then came, and it was the last.
III. In Christ’s Life the Best comes Last.
1. "Man of Sorrows," "acquainted with grief."
2. Misunderstood by His own-hated by many.
3. The Cross with all its agony and shame.
4. But there came the Resurrection and the Ascension.
5. Best has still to come, when He comes for His own, and ushers in the Golden Age.
IV. In your Life, oh Worldling, the Best May Come Last.
1. What you may be tasting of life might seem all right.
2. But it is proof you haven’t tasted Christ’s wine.
3. These both thought theirs best until they tasted Christ’s.
4. Then, what an awful outlook you have-Hell gaping wide to receive you.
5. Oh, worldling, thou art receiving the good things now, and thy evil things will come last.
6. It can be different, and it will be if you turn to Him.
V. In Christian Experience the Best ought to come Last.
1. The bitterness of repentance is followed by sweetness of forgiveness.
2. The sadness of conviction is followed by gladness of conversion.
3. And it ought to be ever improving.
4. Sad to say, in many experiences it is not so.
5. "Oh that I was as in days past," they exclaim.
6. Where is the blessedness I knew when first I saw the Lord?
7. But this should not be. Get low before Him and He will put things right.
VI. In our Christian Life the Best will come Last.
1. Cross-bearing is followed by Crown-wearing.
2. Disowned by the world, we shall be owned by the Lord before the assembled hosts of the Universe.
3. For our present weary pilgrimage will come eternal settlement in the promised land.
WITH JESUS AT DIVINE SERVICE.
Jesus in the Synagogue.
"He came to Nazareth where He had been brought up, and, as. His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day" (Luk_4:16).
Introduction.
A Hard Church to Join.
1. A negro had applied repeatedly for membership to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Burlington, United States.
2. Bishop Hall was not satisfied that the negro’s state of soul justified admission, so he kept delaying the matter.
3. At last he advised the applicant to pray that his spiritual condition might improve.
4. After doing so, he made a new application. The Bishop said to him: "Well, Erastus, have you prayed as I told you to?" "Yes, indeedy suh; I done prayed an’ I done told de Lawd I wants to jine St. Paul’s Church, an’ de Lawd He says to me: ‘Good luck, Rastus; I been trying to jine dat Church fo’ twenty years mahse’f.’ There is something more than humour, it seems to us, in this anecdote. It will bear thinking over.
Outside Many Churches.
1. That reply reminds us of the possibility of the Lord Jesus being outside the Churches.
2. That is the teaching of Rev_3:20. "Behold I stand," etc.
3. And consequently there is lifelessness and barrenness.
4. There are some places of worship where all there is of the presence of God is what you take yourself.
Problems that Arise Thereon.
1. And that fact raises many problems.
2. What must I do when I go away on holiday, or remove, and cannot find a congregation or minister that come up to my ideal?
3. Our subject will be a help to us in the solving of this problem.
Sometimes we Can go to Synagogue to Find Him.
1. That was not so in case of crowd in John 6.
2. After miracle of feeding 5000, etc., Jesus and disciples crossed the lake.
3. People hunted and at last found Jesus.
4. It would seem by Joh_6:25 they found Him on seashore.
5. But by Joh_6:59 we find they found Him and heard His discourse on Bread of Life in the Synagogue.
6. Do we not sometimes lose the Lord Jesus, or the consciousness of His presence, like Joseph and Mary, in the crowd (Luk_2:44).
7. Thank God, like them, we may find Him in the sanctuary (Luk_2:46).
How Blessed to Take Him with Us. Ah, there is sure to be blessing then. This is the ideal.
The Synagogue is an Interesting Subject.
1. Much might be said of it.
2. Its origin is lost in antiquity.
3. It came into common use in time of Babylonian Captivity.
4. Reading of the Scriptures a very important part of its worship.
5. Here is the significance of this study: "It was from the Synagogue, and not the Temple, that the early Christian Church took her constitution, and in the main, her forms of worship. The Anglo-Catholic Revival seeks to take from the Temple."
I. Our Lord had a Regular Habit of Going to the Synagogue on the Sabbath Day.
As His Custom Was.
1. This does not refer to a habit cultivated since He entered upon His public ministry.
2. But it was His invariable custom from infancy.
Good Habits.
1. It is important to form good habits.
2. They play an important part in our lives.
How He Viewed.
1. Perhaps he first viewed the Synagogue behind the trellis division in the gallery with His mother.
2. Then by and bye with Joseph in the men’s part.
II. This was His Habit when Away from Home as well as when at Home.
1. It is well to emphasize this point.
2. Before the statement in Joh_6:16 you have Joh_6:15.
3. Many will, of course, attend the Synagogue in their native place.
4. But how different when they go farther afield, where they are not known.
III. He did not Attend simply Because He had been Asked to do Something.
1. He simply attended as an ordinary inhabitant of Nazareth.
2. It seems quite clear He had never taught-hence their astonishment at the wisdom betrayed by His discourse: "They were astonished, and said, Whence hath this Man this wisdom" (Mat_13:54).
3. Perhaps He had been Reader at times, but never expounder.
IV. He Attended Regularly though He Knew Far More than man could ever Teach Him.
1. This thought is worth careful pondering.
2. We fancy we ought not to attend a place of worship unless we are sure we shall learn something, and hear something fresh.
3. That was not so with the Lord Jesus.
4. In Him were hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
V. He Attended Regularly although He Knew there were Hypocrites and Self-seekers also Attending.
1. Undoubtedly He had met with such in His Synagogue worship.
2. Read Mat_6:12; Mat_6:5; and Mat_23:6.
3. How He hated all such hypocrisy! How it must have grieved Him!
4. Yet He was regular in His attendance notwithstanding.
VI. Whenever He Attended Something Happened (Luk_4:16).
1. We Accompany Him to Nazareth Synagogue and Behold Anger Aroused.
a. If the first effect of His preaching at Nazareth was astonishment, the second was anger.
b. Anger because:
(1) The thoughts of their hearts had been laid bare.
(2) The truth had been proclaimed.
(3) They had been rebuked.
c. Nothing unusual even to-day, for things like this happen.
d. How many have gone out of Assembly, Church, or Hall in anger because they have been found out by the Word of God applied by the Spirit of God?
2. With Him to a Synagogue in Capernaum to Behold the Casting Out of an Unclean Spirit (Luk_4:33).
a. An astonishing fact-one such in a house of prayer!
b. Presence of purity made impurity squirm.
c. And loudly protest.
d. He was teaching, and people in astonishment were listening.
e. When the quietness of the place is disturbed by the awful cries of this demon-possessed man.
f. Note, the calmness and quietness and perfect ease of our Lord. g. And unclean spirits still obey Him.
3. With Him to a Galilee Synagogue to Behold the Healing of Withered Arm (Luk_6:6-11).
a. It was his right hand-only Luke tells us this.
b. Note:
(1) Bade him step forward right in the midst.
(2) Stretch forth in faith.
(3) Type of good people not converted-only conscious of something lacking, something short, not of vileness, nor of moral leprosy.
4. With Jesus to an Unknown Synagogue, probably in Galilee, to Behold the Healing of the Crooked Woman (Luk_13:10).
a. It was a trouble of long standing (18 years).
b. It was a degrading trouble (could not look up).
c. Jesus
(1) Saw her. (2) Laid hands on her. (3) Cured her.
d. Had she not gone there that day she may never have met Him again.
Conclusion.
1. We may have representations of all these cases in any Church or Assembly.
2. Some who may have a consciousness of vileness.
3. Others only conscious of shortcoming or crookedness.
4. But they are where the Lord can meet them.
5. Let Him heal.
WITH JESUS AT THE SEASIDE.
After a Fishing Experience.
"Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord"
(Luk_5:8)
Introduction.
Seasonable.
1. We have here quite a holiday subject.
2. We are to accompany our Lord to the seaside.
3. To the piece of water fourteen miles long, and nine wide, known by three names: Lake of Gennesaret, Sea of Tiberius, Sea of Galilee.
Pressed upon Him.
1. One morning our Lord was walking on the seashore.
2. The people saw Him, and rushed together in crowds to hear Him.
3. "Pressed upon Him to hear the Word of God," not word of man.
4. What an inspiring sight is it to see men eager to listen to the Word of Life!
5. And what is more, they were not disappointed, for the R.V. says: "As the people pressed upon Him and heard."
The Fishermen were Washing their Nets.
1. Too engrossed with their work to notice the Lord, or
2. Too busy to spare time to listen to the Lord. They were disappointed men, and disappointment sometimes makes hearts leaden.
3. How many treat Divine things like that.
4. We wonder if our Lord had not a double purpose in entering into Simon’s boat-not merely to use it for a pulpit, but to get Simon’s attention?
5. Simon granted our Lord’s request, and thrust out a little.
6. And now was compelled to listen.
Why He Takes us from our Nets.
1. That is why He sometimes has to take us from our nets.
2. We are prone to allow even legitimate things to monopolise too much of our attention.
3. We pray you, let Him have the pre-eminence in all things.
Recompense.
1. The Lord was determined that Simon should not be any the loser by lending his boat, and being taken from His work.
2. The Lord will not remain in debt to any.
3. He desires to recompense Simon for the loan of the boat.
Note the Order.
1. He entered first, thrust out a little, then launched into the deep.
2. We have in mind many who are unwilling to give up the world and its pleasures.
3. My friend, don’t bother about your unreadiness to do that, but invite Him on board your vessel-let that be your first concern.
4. The "thrusting out" followed, not preceded, His entrance. Get Him on board first.
5. Don’t forget that the launching out followed the thrusting out.
a. Don’t be content with the shallows.
b. Don’t have a shallow, but a deep experience in Divine things.
6. Note, great success in service followed the launching out (or deepening of spiritual life).
Imperfect Obedience.
1. Peter’s words sound all right.
2. But, on closer inspection, we note obedience was imperfect.
3. The Lord said nets, not net, plural, not singular.
Astonishing Success.
1. This was a miracle.
2. A great "catch of fish" at an occasional time is not miraculous.
3. But that this was a miracle appears from Peter’s words.
4. Effects:
(1) Astonishment to all.
(2) But spiritual crisis in the soul of Peter. It burst upon him who Jesus was-Lord God.
I. It was the Language of-Whom?-What?
Where was he?
1. At first sight, it is difficult to say-saved or no.
2. Not the first time he had come into contact with Jesus.
3. It was his brother Andrew who brought him to Jesus.
4. He had been following Jesus for a while.
5. But here he is back into the old ruts again.
6. There are thousands we are not sure of.
Dreadful Possibility.
1. It is an awful thought, that it is possible to see and hear the Lord, have Him pointed out as God’s Lamb, note His miraculous work, and yet be unsaved.
2. Many admire Him, but do not resign to Him themselves.
3. Friend, it is not admiration, but submission. He asks first of you.
We Think we Must put them Amongst the Lord’s Disciples.
1. It says they definitely believed on Him as result of miracle at Cana.
2. But, oh, the pity, that there should be the least room for doubt.
3. "This man put his hand to the plough and never looked back." So reads the epitaph on a tablet in Exeter Cathedral.
II. It was the Language of One Overwhelmed by the Consciousness of Sin and Unworthiness.
Disciple Before he Received Consciousness of Sin.
1. It is not a consciousness of sin that is essential.
2. But the recognition of the fact of sin.
3. We read that Sir A. Blackwood had no sense of sin until long after conversion.
How he Got this Revelation.
1. He had been gradually learning more of Jesus in the previous weeks or months.
2. Now it suddenly bursts upon him Who it is that sits beside him in his own boat.
3. This sense of unworthiness and self-loathing is ever the effect of the Divine power and presence.
Easier. It is easier to see sin in others than in ourselves.
III It was the Language of One who Mistook the Purpose of the Revelation.
Not Willing to Die.
1. It was generally understood among the Jews that he who had had a special manifestation of God would die.
2. This was based on, "No man can see My face and live."
3. Simon did not wish to die yet.
IV. It was the Language of Ignorance.
Humility.
1. It was the language of humility, yet of ignorance.
2. "A sinner such as I am is not fit company for Thee."
3. Peter shuddered at the thought of so much unworthiness being so near such purity and grandeur.
False Conception. What a mistake Peter made. Why, He came to company with sinners.
See what it Would have Meant.
1. Separation from the Sin-Bearer-from Lamb of God.
2. Separation from Emancipation-"If Son shall make you free."
3. Separation from the Baptiser with Holy Spirit.
4. Separation from the Model-the Examplar.
All of these had been known by Peter through John the Baptist.
V. It was a Request Mercifully Unheeded.
Granted Once. Others made same request, only for a different reason, and the request was granted (Luk_8:37).
VI. It was a Request that brings, "Fear Not."
Rotherham’s rendering is: "Do not fear, henceforth thou shalt be taking men that they may live."
Prosperity. They left all to follow Him, when their calling thus prospered.
Some in Charge. Mark says: "They left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after Him."
VII. A Warning: Those who say "Depart from me" shall have the Lord’s "Depart from Me" (Mat_7:23; Mat_25:41).
1. No earthly judge makes the criminal’s doom a matter of personal relationship to himself. Christ does.
2. "Depart from Me." In the final word lies the serious significance of the sentence.
3. Who is He from whom they are cast away?
a. The Lamb. My sin must be taken away by Him if I am to be rid of it. To depart from Him means to depart from all hope. Expelled from the presence of Him Who alone can remove it.
b. The Saviour. To depart from Him means no hope whatever.
WITH JESUS IN A STORM.
"Master, carest Thou not that we perish?"
(Mar_4:38; Mat_8:23; Luk_8:22-25).
Introduction. There is a story of a Christian Army. Officer at sea with his family in a storm. There was great terror amongst the passengers, but he was calm. His wife, in her consternation, chided him, saying that he ought to be concerned for her and her children, if not for himself, in such danger. He made no reply, but soon came to her with his sword drawn, and with a stern countenance pointed at her heart. She was not the least alarmed, but looked up into his face with a smile. "What," said he, "are you not afraid of a drawn sword at your breast?" "No," she replied, "not when I know it is in the hands of one that loves me." "And would you have me," he asked, "to be afraid of this tempest when I know it to be in the hand of my Heavenly Father, who loves me."
Two Lessons.
1. One lessen we are to learn from this Bible experience is that even in the wild tumults of nature we should be at peace, since our Saviour is Lord of nature.
2. And the other is that even in the fierce storms of life there should be a calm confidence in Him.
Day of Labour. This incident happened at the close of a day of great labour. Again He had preached from a boat as from a pulpit. Parables of Sower, etc., were uttered.
Without Preparation. He was weary and tired, and, as night drew near, He suggested crossing the lake. Probably He longed for rest and quietness, and could not otherwise escape the crowd. Without leaving the boat, and without any preparation, they started forth. (This is the meaning of "Took Him, even as He was.")
Subject to Squalls. The Sea of Galilee lies 600 feet below sea level, and, like all inland seas or lakes, is subject to violent hurricanes of wind, which at times sweep down from the hills with great velocity.
Unusual. This must have been a storm of unusual severity. For the disciples, who were well seasoned sailors, lost their nerve.
He Slept. But, while the wind howled, and waves leapt into the boat, Jesus was fast asleep. He slept because "His human nature was exhausted by His Godlike acts," and because His human life was real, and not merely played or acted. But why did He sleep? How could He sleep in such a storm? It was because He had such perfect trust in His Heavenly Father.
State of Panic.
1. These brave fishermen’s faith was paralysed by fear.
2. They held out as long as possible, and then awoke the Lord by a cry of rebuke.
3. Why conflicting reports?
Matt.: "Lord save us, we perish."
Mark: "Carest thou not?"
Luke:"Master, Master, we perish."
4. The truth is, all are correct.
5. The fact is, they all cried at once. All place on record what they heard, or saw, or said.
6. They were in a state of panic.
What Awoke Him. Observe, what the shriek of the storm could not do, the weak, frail cry of a human soul in distress achieved.
Two "Arose." And what was the result. "There arose a great storm." "And He arose"-never fail to connect both. If ever a storm arises, remember He will, too.
Spoke to them First. Here again there is an apparent discord. Matthew states He spoke to them before He commanded the storm to be still; Mark and Luke afterwards. We believe both are correct. He calmed their souls first, then nature.
Threatened.
1. The original expressions, so we are given to understand, are singularly forcible, and are most happily rendered by the French translation, which says, "He threatened the wind and the waves."
2. Just as a master who, waking up, finds his servants in uproar and confusion, and addresses them in menacing tone, Jesus, beholding the commotion in the elements, said to the winds, "Silence!" to the waves, "Keep still!" to all nature, "Be calm!"
The Impossible. "It is proverbial to express an attempt at impossibilities, by saying: You may as well speak to the winds." He did it. The wind is not accustomed to drop, in a moment, and when there is any approach to this, the sea is not instantly calm. Yet such was the power of Christ, and such the obedience of all nature to His Voice, that this was accomplished.
Fruitful in Lessons. This incident is fruitful in lessons. All of the utmost value.
I. They had Embarked with Christ.
Privileged. What a boon and privilege His presence was.
Have You? We are all sailing on the ocean of life, to the vast shores of Eternity. Is He on board your frail barque?
All Can Have Him Now. That was not so then. "There were also with Him other little ships"-only near Him, they had not Him on board. What became of them in the storm? We know not.
Get Him in Calm as these Disciples Did. Men sometimes laugh at religion while the sun is shining. But when the tempest comes they are glad of Him. Seek Him while the sun still shines. If the storm is raging, and you have not the Lord on board, let us assure you that He is within hailing distance.
II. His Presence on Board is no Guarantee of Perpetual Calm.
1. One might think it would be so, but it is not.
2. Surely His presence in our hearts rouses the Devil.
3. The reason why this was so fierce a storm was because, we suspect, the Devil was trying to get rid of the Lord Jesus.
4. But if His presence means now and then a storm, remember "He maketh the storm a calm."
5. One enjoys the calm all the more because of the previous storm.
III. The Arrival of the Storm does not Mean that He has Left Us.
1. We should not conclude Christ has left us because the elements roar, and the deep threatens to swallow us up.
2. Therefore, let us trust Him in the darkness.
IV. Do not Lose Faith and Patience if He Seems Calmly Indifferent.
Problem of the Ages. This is the problem of the ages-the Lord’s apparent indifference to our pain and suffering. Sometimes Christ seems unconcerned in the trouble of His people, and regardless of their prayers. "Awake, why sleepest Thou, O Lord? Arise, cast us not off for ever," is the exclamation in Psa_44:23.
Worse Off than Disciples. They could see Him, and get hold of Him. We seem sometimes to be forgotten, and we cannot get hold of Him, and He seems a long way off.
But He Does Care. One of these who cried: "Carest Thou not," years afterwards wrote: "He careth for you" (1Pe_5:7). Many of His silences we can now explain, and those still unsolved some day will be understood.
V. Remember, His Fortune is Bound up with Yours. If your ship sinks, He will go down with it.
WITH JESUS AT CAPERNAUM.
The Roman Officer and his Slave.
"Who was dear (precious, R.V.) to Him" (Luk_7:2).
Introduction. This is a charming incident in the life of our Lord. And it conveys an important lesson, especially as a study in contrast.
This was most unusual conduct on the part of a master. It is not often that a master will put himself to inconvenience these days for a sick servant, and was most unusual in those distant days. Then, they got all they could out of the servant, and when of no further use, cast them off as a piece of orange peel. Then remember that the master was a proud Roman officer.
Note the trouble he took for this poor sick slave. He first sent a deputation of Jewish Elders (Mar_1:3); he then sent some friends of his own (Mar_1:6); and, finally, he was so concerned that he came himself (study Mat_8:5-13). This last step was most certainly a wise thing for him to do. It certainly is good to get other people to go to God for us, but that is not sufficient unless we go to Him for ourselves.
Why did he do this?
1. Not from a mere sense of duty. For no one felt it to be their duty in those days. There was no public conscience on matters of this sort.
2. It was not out of fear for a Coroner’s Inquest, for there were none then, so cheap was human life.
3. It was love that moved him.
No Doubt about His Love. Why is there no doubt that the Roman officer loved his servant?
1. The way he acted emphatically proved this.
2. But the way he referred to his servant spoke volumes about his love. The beauty of the original is hidden in the A.V. The elders asked the Lord to heal the Centurion’s slave; but the friends of the Roman officer took a direct message, which by and bye he himself supported, calling the sick slave, "My child." He does not use the rough word which implies a bondslave, but a term of endearment. This is brought out in the various renderings. "My young man," is the Weymouth rendering; "My boy," is the R.V.; and "My child," is Bullinger’s rendering. This is delightful. Love betrays itself not only in conduct, but also in words, yea, in tone also.
A More Remarkable Fact. But there is a more remarkable fact still, and that is that God has, and does, put Himself about for us. More, He did not send a deputation, but came Himself. And He came to be a man and die. There is no doubt at all about His love- His works and His words all proclaim this. And God’s treatment of us in such a gracious manner is more remarkable. And for the following reasons:
I. This Servant was Deserving of such Attention. Whereas we are not. There is no doubt that the Centurion loved him because he was worthy of that love; yea, that he had merited that love. It is generally understood that he had, at the risk of his own life, saved the life of his master. No wonder then that he was loved, when his master owed life itself to his slave.
But what about ourselves? Have we done anything notable for God? Why, the very opposite. We are, by nature, "enemies of God by wicked works," as the Bible declares. Yet, though utterly undeserving, we are dear to Him.
II. He was his Master’s own Slave, whereas we Belong to Another. For the Centurion to put himself about concerning this servant really was not so very wonderful when considered from our standpoint, for was he not caring for his own property. Things are different with us, for we are the slaves of another, the enemy of God. Yet,"though the slave of another, God loves us.
III. He was Dying, whereas we are Dead. That makes a tremendous difference. Whilst there’s life, there’s hope, we say; in our case we are lifeless, so far as spiritual life is concerned.
IV. He was Helpless, and so are We. And, as in his case, Another is, and has, interested Himself in us. See what He has already done on our behalf-sent His Son to die for us; bestowed the Holy Ghost to convict, woo, and win us; and given us a wonderful Book for our guidance and learning.
Is He Dear to You? You are dear to Him! It was the sickness of this servant that brought his master into contact with the Lord on His behalf. Surely you won’t wait until sickness drives you to Him?
WITH JESUS AT JERICHO.
The Conversion of Zacchaeus.
"He looked up and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house" (Luk_19:1-10).
Introduction.
Most Unusual. That is to say, the Lord invited Himself. This was a most unusual thing for the Lord to do. In fact, this is the only instance on record when our Lord did do so. Therefore this incident stands unique in the sacred Records.
His Custom. With this exception, He only became a guest when invited. He even acted in this manner towards His disciples.
1. In the account of our Lord walking on the water (Mar_6:48). Mark states He,"would have passed by them."
2. And in the walk to Emmaus (Luk_24:28), Luke states that "He made as though He would have gone further."
Often a Guest. He had often gone before as a guest into houses. Into houses not only of His friends, but also of His secret foes-but always as an invited guest. Yes, even into the houses of His enemies.
Enemies. If you feel a bitter enmity in your heart toward Him-take encouragement. He will enter your heart as a guest, even though you hate Him. He will then turn the hatred out.
Acted as a King. If you ask the reason why, there are two answers. One we shall deal with presently, the other we state now. This conduct of our Lord harmonises with the events narrated in this chapter later. This chapter gives an account of the one occasion on which He allowed His Kingship to be publicly acknowledged. Usually He checked and forbade any such acclamations.
His Right. As a Royal Person He has a right to invite Himself. He has the right to command His subjects. That is what our own King does.
Clue to Former Study. Luke alone records this event. We said in another study that we knew not what length of time passed between the healing of the one blind man as He entered and the healing of the two as He left Jericho. But this gives us a pretty good idea. He must have stayed overnight with Zacchaeus.
Unique. So unusual an incident is worth our closest study. Why should Zacchaeus be selected? What was there about his character that justified this? He was once a pure, patriotic, Jewish boy. (Name reveals that he was a pure Jew).
I. The Descent of Zacchaeus.
1. Began with his Choice of Business.
a. I was going to say with his choice of residence.
b. For without doubt he lived in a place that had a bad name.
c. Probably he had been born there.
d. But, without doubt, his first step down was when he decided to become a tax-gatherer under the Roman Government.
e. Not that the business in itself was wrong.
f. Rates and taxes are respectable, legitimate, nuisances.
g. It was the method of gathering the Roman taxes which offered plentiful opportunities for robbery and extortion.
h. Of course it was possible to conduct such a business honestly. We fancy Matthew (once a publican, afterwards an Apostle) must have done so.
i. But to one of a weak nature like Zacchaeus such was next to impossible.
j. Some trades had far better be abandoned by some who wish to live the better life.
2. His Descent Increased Rapidly when he Suffered the Loss of Reputation.
a. We do not love tax gatherers even in this country, for none care to be compelled to give to Governments.
b. But in Judea, the tax gatherers were hated for an additional reason, that they had become the officials of a Heathen Power.
c. Note how they had christened him-"Guest with a sinner" (7).
d. Not that they did not admit themselves to be sinners (as in China).
3. His Descent became Swift when by Losing his Reputation he Lost Self-respect, and Consequently had no Character to Support.
a. Usually it is easy to degrade a person by reckoning them so.
b. The first step downward is to sink in the estimation of others.
c. The next step downward is to sink in a man’s own estimation.
d. As he had no character to support and live up to, he just let himself go.
4. At the Bottom.
a. There you see him at last right at the bottom.
b. With a load of guilt.
II. The Ascent of Zacchaeus. God must have been at work with him. The first evidence of his ascent is:
1. It Began with his Repentance and Restitution.
a. Mar_1:8 has been understood as his decision after our Lord’s entry into his house.
b. But please not the present tense-not "I will give," but "I give."
c. It was a policy he had been pursuing unknown to his enemies.
d. And he only declared it to justify our Lord before the eyes of them, not for any personal honour.
e. Think of it-this man, so condemned, had, all unknown to them, commenced to lead a better life.
f. Ah, many a person we sit in judgment upon is perhaps leading a better life than we ourselves are.
g. But we pray you to note, salvation did not come to him then.
h. Repentance and restitution did not save him.
i. Salvation only came when Christ came.
2. It Increased with his Refusal to Allow a Hindrance to Keep him from Jesus.
a. "Though Jesus did not follow after fame, fame followed after Him," wrote an old writer. Crowds followed.
b. No doubt curiosity led Zacchaeus to seek to see Jesus.
c. But there was heart hunger too.
d. There is always something to keep us from Him, some crowd of engagements, friends, pursuits.
e. Note:
(1) He pocketed his dignity.
(2) He did not mind being laughed at.
3. His Quick Response to Our Lord’s Royal Command.
a. How did our Lord know Zacchaeus was there in hiding?
b. How did our Lord know his name?
c. Only one answer is possible-He was, and is, Divine.
d. "To-day"-not to-morrow.
e. Perhaps it was the first time for years his name had been uttered in kindly accents.
f. He came down. There must be always a coming down ere He can abide in our hearts.
g. Oh, how few, comparatively speaking, give Christ the glad, unhesitating obedience of Zacchaeus.
4. His Glad and Joyous Reception of the Lord Jesus.
5. His Humble Acknowledgement of the Lordship of Christ.
a. "Stood."
b. The place of the humble slave.
c. His acknowledgment of Jesus’ lordly authority and dignity.
Application. This is a message to:
1. That one who, with a real heart hunger for better things,
2. And despised by others,
3. Is overburdened by a sense of unfitness and unworthiness.
4. "Oh! make haste!" cries the Lord.
WITH JESUS AT JERICHO.
"And he, casting away his garment, sprang up and came to Jesus" (Mar_10:46-52, R.V.).
Introduction. That was how blind Bartimaeus came to Jesus long ago, and that is what we desire all poor sinners would do. Coming to Him always means a "casting away." Some cast away before they come to Him, whilst others come, then cast away. The all-important matter is "Come!"
This is one of the most familiar Bible incidents. We have always admired the man who would not be silenced. But, familiar though it be, there are points about it all have not noticed.
Our Lord was on His last journey to Jerusalem before His death. That journey was more in the nature of a Triumphal Journey than others He had taken. Crowds accompanied Him. He seemed exceedingly popular. The shouting multitudes are escorting Him out of the city. They had just passed the gate, and are in the act of turning toward the mountain gorge through which runs the Jerusalem road, when, amidst the plaudits of the throng a cry of need is heard.
And what then? Could one cry of need be heard above the din? Certainly it was not a weak cry, for it could be literally rendered, "He screamed." But even then, what was the scream of but one amidst all that noisy Eastern crowd! Ah, the cry of wretchedness was far sweeter to Him than all their hollow Hallelujahs. It was heard, and it stopped the Lord in His progress.
Have you ever been puzzled about prayer, and wondered if one cry from you would be heard, and felt tempted to give way to doubt and despair? Ah, take heart from this true story. Just think of the multitudes now hymning His praises in the glory. What is one cry? Everything to Him. Cry, and you will be attended to.
It was wonderful that Joshua of old could command the sun, and it was stopped in its progress; but here is something more wonderful still-a poor blind beggar arresting the steps of Him who bade the sun to be, and Who keeps it whirling in its orbit. He got to the Lord Jesus; and so may every sinner if they will take the five steps this man took. They are five words we can take as key-words, and they are: "Heard," "Cry," "Came," "Received," "Followed."
I. He Heard of Blessing Granted to Others (Mat_20:30; Luk_18:35). Our Lord’s Name had become a household word in Palestine. He had been labouring there for three years or more. There is no doubt that this blind man had heard of Him. Without a doubt he had heard of the blessing received by the blind man on the other side of Jericho, but a wee while before. A discrepancy has been supposed in the three Gospels. Matthew says that two men cried "as they departed from Jericho." Luke says one man cried "as He came nigh to Jericho." Mark says one man "as He went out of Jericho." Those who believe we have here a discrepancy do so on the assumption that they all tell of one and the same event. But the Scriptures do not say that this is the case. Surely there were three men healed at different times.
We have here a most solemn and yet an encouraging fact. The unknown man Luke tells about who influenced Bartimaeus, and Bartimaeus influenced his unknown companion in sorrow, are facts that are impressive. Who knows but that the salvation of someone depends upon your stepping out, as in the case before us!
II. He Recognised the Lord Jesus as the Divine One. He must often have pondered over the person and work of Christ, and he felt that here was One who was more than merely human. Asking the reason of the commotion, they informed him that "Jesus of Nazareth" was passing by, when he called out, "Jesus, thou Son of David," not merely "Jesus of Nazareth." He recognised His Mes-siaship.
III. He Made the Best of his Opportunity. Note that the Lord Jesus never entered in person Jericho again, so that this was the blind man’s last chance, which he made good use of, thank God! Of course, now the Lord Jesus is present always everywhere, yet there are times when He seems to specially visit places and persons in salvation grace.
IV. He Did not Mind being Conspicuous. To come right out into the open means suffering to retiring dispositions, yet why should we not be bold in confessing our need of a Saviour. This blind man shouted to attract the attention of our Lord, never troubling about the attention he was drawing to himself.
V. He Refused to be Silenced. How changeable are folk, bidding us hold our tongue one minute, and then urging us to redoubled effort the next moment. But the more they tried to silence him the more he shouted.
VI. He Cast Aside every Hindrance. This happened to be the long Eastern cloak which hindered free movement. Observe, it was something useful and lawful, yet it hindered him coming. Whenever we think of coming to Him hindrances always crop up. These, by His grace we must lay aside, whether lawful or otherwise.
VII. He Received the Blessing. Observe, he was called whilst still in his blindness. His sight came after he came to Jesus and not before. He recognised sight as a gift to be received, and not as a reward to be merited or earned. He received his sight immediately. So will we.
VIII. He Followed, Glorifying God.
WITH JESUS AT THE LAST SUPPER.
"And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this and divide it among yourselves" (Luk_22:17).
Introduction.
Thankfulness. Lessing, considered by some as one of the great thinkers of the eighteenth century, once remarked: "A single thought of thankfulness to Heaven is the most perfect prayer."
Present Difficulty.
1. Observe, He not only took the cup, but then gave thanks, and gave to others.
2. The difficulty is to persuade us to take the cup; and then to secure our thanks, and finally to get us to hand it to others.
Lord’s Table Manners.
1. Here we incidentally get a glimpse at our Lord’s table manners.
2. The Jews generally partook of their meals in a serious and devout manner, after a solemn blessing and thanksgiving to God for His goodness.
3. To partake of food without offering thanks to God was considered sacrilege.
4. We can almost say with certainty the exact words our Lord uttered.
a. The usual grace said before partaking of bread was: "Blessed be Thou, our God, King of the Universe, who brought forth bread out of the earth."
b. And before partaking of the contents of the cup they said: "Blessed be our God, King of the Universe, the Creator of the fruit of the vine."
Origin of Grace Before Meat.
1. It is generally conceded that here we have the origin of our present custom of saying grace.
2. Do you say grace?
3. In homes where this duty is not practised, it is often the first confession of Christ by the new convert.
4. The bowing of the head, not in an ostentatious spirit, but in grateful and adoring thanks.
5. It is reported that a good King noticed that his courtiers never said grace, so he resolved upon giving them a lesson. He picked a beggar from the streets in his rags, and told him how to act. The King brought him to the Royal table. After feasting on all the good things provided, to the astonishment of the courtiers, he arose up, and went away without giving thanks to the King for his liberality. At the expression of anger at the man’s ingratitude, he reminded them how they had treated their Heavenly Father.
Before proceeding, whilst on the subject of grace before meat, let us make one or two remarks.
a. Don’t ask the Lord to make you thankful-what base ingratitude. Tell Him you are thankful.
b. Long graces are not advisable, for the dinner will get cold. An impressive grace we heard was just, "We thank Thee!"
c. Avoid saying grace in a mere formal fashion. Jesus would not repeat the usual Jewish grace in a mere formal fashion.
The Lord’s Habitual Practice.
1. But this action of our Divine Lord was His habitual practice.
2. Not only at the taking of the daily cups at the homely meals, but all the cups His Heavenly Father gave to Him.
3. There were four cups used at the Passover feast.
a. At the commencement.
b. During supper.
c. Cup of blessing (Mar_1:17).
d. At the singing of hymn (Mar_1:20).
4. There are three cups mentioned in Scripture. One the Lord drank. Two we can drink.
I. The Cup of Indignation and Wrath (Psa_75:8).
1. That is the cup referred to in this Psalm and Luk_22:42.
2. The cup our Lord dreaded was cup of indignation and wrath.
3. In the Father’s hand there was a cup-and the Saviour took it and drank it to the bitter dregs.
That cup was not one of physical, but spiritual suffering.
4. Dr. Pierson has told a touching story relating to the war between Russia and Circassia in the middle of the last century.
5. The prophet chief, almost adored by his followers, found that someone was exposing to the enemy his designs and plans, and he issued a decree that if the traitor was found out, one hundred lashes on the bare back should be administered.
6. A few days later it was discovered, to his astonishment, that the guilty party was his own mother.
7. He went into fasting and retirement for two days, and coming out pallid and ghastly, ordered his mother to be brought from the tent, and her back bared for the scourge. He stood by while one, two, three, four, five of those fearful lashes gashed her flesh, then he made the executioner to arrest his blows, bared his own back, and took the other ninety-five lashes on his own person, till the flesh hung in shreds.
8. And the effect it is said was electric. His followers were melted, and even his mother was utterly subdued, as she never would have been by force.
9. Jesus stood forth.
a. Bore all the stripes that were ours by right.
b. Drank this cup, we by legal right should take.
10. Let your prayer be:
"Oh, make me understand it.
Help me to take it in;
What it meant to Thee, the Holy One.
To bear away my sin."
11. But He drank the cup of wrath in order that another cup might be ours.
II. The Cup of Salvation (Psa_116:13).
1. Thinking of the Cross, my heart cries: "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?"
2. What can I do to show my gratitude?
a. Our first expression of gratitude ought to be to "take"
(1) For before you can begin to toil for Him you must trust Him.
(2) Before our Lord cried "Blessed," He said "Repent."
(3) "Take"-He offers it to you.
(4) It is a gift-we are to be His guests.
b. Your second expression of gratitude must be "divide" -i.e., hand story to others.
3. All you have to do is to take, give thanks-and give it to others after partaking of it yourself.
4. "How low down can I drink?" asked a poor little girl when handed a glass of hot milk. She belonged to a poor family, where such things had to be shared. She was astonished when informed she could drink it all.
5. Oh, drink deeply. Drink much of His Salvation. Drink, and drink again.
III. The Cup of Suffering (Mat_20:22-23).
1. It is good when mothers come to the Lord on behalf of their sons-as the mother of Zebedee’s children did.
2. "Ye shall indeed drink of the cup"-no escape from it.
3. The cup of suffering falls to the lot of all. Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward.
4. But the advantage of the Christian over the worldling is that he takes the cup out of a loving Father’s hand.
5. In the days of our childhood the bitter medicine went down the easier if the loving hand of our beloved father or mother handed it to us, rather than the hand of a stranger.
How do you Take the Cup of Suffering?
1. But how do you take it?
2. One we know was a long while ago called to pass through sorrow.
3. Whilst walking in a busy thoroughfare, and pondering over this text, like a flash the rebuke came: "You have taken the cup of suffering, but have never offered thanks."
4. Jesus did-He took the cup, and gave thanks.
5. There are cups of disappointment we have to drink.- Plans concerning your future service are overthrown. Plans concerning your children are upset. Plans concerning your position in life crumble to pieces.
6. What must we do under the circumstances? Take the cup and give thanks.
Let Us give Two Helps to Thankfulness.
1. Don’t Forget Past Mercies.
a. Look at life as Gladstone did.
b. When he was reminded of the pain he suffered during the last six months of his life, he said there were no reasons why he should forget that he had enjoyed twice 86 times six months of wonderful painlessness.
c. Generally we allow the little suffering to obliterate from our memories the years of painlessness.
d. In Stanley’s "Life of Arnold," we have a similar example. Taken suddenly ill, his son entered the room and sat down with his mother at the foot of the bed. Presently his father said in a low voice: "My son, thank God for me!" And as his son did not at once catch his meaning, he went on saying: "Thank God, Tom, for giving me this pain. I have suffered so little pain in my life, that I feel it is very good for me; now God has given it to me, and I do so thank Him for it."
2. Don’t Forget the Bitter Cup is Handed to you by the Pierced Hand. Seek for the grace of thankfulness, so that you may be able to say:
"My God, I thank Thee, Who hast made
The earth so bright.
So full of splendour and of joy
Beauty and light;
So many glorious things are here.
Noble and right.
"I thank Thee more that all my joy
Is touched with pain;
That shadows fall on brightest hours,
That thorns remain.
So that earth’s bliss may be my guide.
And not my chain.
"For Thou Who knowest, Lord, how soon
Our weak heart clings,
Hast given us joys, tender and true.
Yet all with wings;
So that we see, gleaming on high.
Diviner things."
WITH JESUS AT CALVARY.
The Seven Words from the Cross.
Introduction. How fitting it is for the Lord’s people to meditate on the seven last words of our Lord from the. Cross. Not His seven last words-His last word can never be spoken, for He is the Eternal One.
Out of the hundreds of people mentioned in the Bible, it has pleased the Lord to move the inspired writers to allude to the dying words of but some half-dozen, and then in the briefest possible manner. But there is one exception, and exceptions to general rules in the Bible arrest attention. That exception is the Lord Jesus. The chapters devoted to the account of Christ’s death are altogether out of proportion to those dedicated to the record of His life. This fact is impressive. We know the lesson-the work He came to do was to die for men. That is the Gospel: "Christ died for our sins."
The seven words from the Cross fall into two clear sections-the first three for others; the following four concerning Himself.
Suffering is a great test of character. What we really are is the more easily manifested through suffering. Observe that our Lord’s first thought was not for Himself, but for others; and you realise one of the great revelations of His suffering. As He had to suffer the most agonising of pains, He could have been excused if He had been absorbed in His own sufferings and pains; but no. He thought of others-others were His first concern.
I. Forgiveness. Christ’s first word from the Cross is the sinner’s first great need, viz., forgiveness: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luk_23:34).
"Then." When? Mark well that adverb. It was when, having nailed Him as vermin to the Cross of wood, and raising it, had allowed it to fall into the hole made for it with a dreadful and awful thud and jolt, that lacerated the newly made wounds-"then!" There was not a trace of resentment or bitterness. Prior to Him comforting His mother, before He gave thought to Himself or anything else, He prayed for His executioners, and the Jewish authorities who were behind the sentence.
"Father." What a tender word! But that tender and loving word was to be addressed to God no more till after the close of that awful three hours’ agony. God remained His Father, but He took the sinners’ place, and as the sinners’ substitute could not use that word. This is an important thought, and explains a great deal.
Advocate. The Lord Jesus was Sacrifice and Advocate all in one. An Advocate always seeks for extenuating points. The moment the sacred Blood began to flow the intercession for sinners began. Jesus pleads in extenuation, the guilty party’s ignorance.
Answer. This prayer was answered very speedily in the case of the dying thief; in the Centurion’s case; in the case of the people on the Day of Pentecost; and in every penitent sinner since, including you and me, dear reader.
Some Questions.
1. Have you been forgiven? Do not stay away from Him. Has this prayer been answered for you yet?
2. Have you forgiven? Has the Spirit of Jesus taken possession of you? We forgive, not to be forgiven, but because we are forgiven (Eph_4:32).
3. Let me ask myself three questions: 1st, Am 1 a forgiven sinner? 2nd, Am I a forgiven saint? 3rd, Am I a forgiven servant?
II. Future Life. Christ’s second word from the Cross settles the fear in most hearts concerning the future, and was spoken to the dying thief, viz., "To-day thou shalt be with Me in Paradise" (Luk_23:39-43). It is quite clear that at the first both thieves railed at Christ. To prove this, we have only to turn to Mat_27:44, and Mar_15:32. Why the change? Certainly due to the Holy Spirit. Yet the Holy Spirit usually works through others. Assuredly it was the wonderful spirit of forgiveness manifested by the Lord Jesus, and indeed His whole demeanour which influenced the thief.
The Evidences of Conversion are three:
1. His honest confession (Mar_1:41). The first step to God usually is the taking by the sinner of his proper place.
2. His frank declaration of our Lord’s Divinity and Kingship. Note: "Thy Kingdom."
3. His conviction that the soul after death still lives: "Remember me."
The Lord’s Swift Reply.
1. Overthrows the teaching concerning Purgatory. "To-day shalt thou be with Me in Paradise." No such place as Purgatory here. From earth to Paradise right away, direct.
2. Explains what Paradise is. The value of the promise is in two words, "With Me." To have entered Paradise alone, without a friend to introduce him, and to plead for him, stained as he was with guilt, would that have satisfied and comforted him? But "With Me"-ah, that made all the difference in the world!
3. Overthrows the "sleep" theory. Jesus meant not that his soul should be with Him in sleep. Surely His words mean the conscious presence of two personalities thoroughly awake. "To-day, etc.," would have been deceitful language unless it meant that the soul of the penitent thief should be conscious of the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Sleep is only used for the body.
Learn.
1. Here was salvation by faith only. He could not perform any works to save his soul, for he was nailed to the Cross.
2. A great deal of knowledge is not required to be saved.
3. There is a way to Heaven from the very gate of death.
4. The suddenness of conversion, and of spiritual change. In a moment.
5. Note also the swiftness of spiritual growth. Rapidly the dying thief got a grasp of Messianic truth, and other truth as revealed in his request.
6. There is hope for the worst of sinners.
"The dying thief rejoiced to see
That Fountain in his day,
And there may I, though vile as he.
Wash all my sins away."
7. Do not despise death-bed repentances-the Lord Jesus did not.
III. Home Circle. Christ’s third word on the Cross touches the home circle, the loved family, wherein He commits as a legacy to John His mother (see Joh_19:25-27). After the Incarnation and birth of the Saviour, the blessed mother of Jesus seems to retire behind the scenes. We hear very little about her. Her work in the world was to be the mother of His humanity. Not the Mother of God, as some erroneously declare.
Mary at the Cross.
1. Being His mother, she is there at His death. How mother-like!
2. She is there submissively and uncomplainingly.
3. She is not alone, for other two Marys are with her- the blessedness of companionship in sorrow.
The Sacredness of Family Relationships.
1. Here, in the hour of His greatest sorrow, He sanctifies the ties of home, the relationship of the hearth. Public servants should never forget private family claims.
2. Love needs only a hint. The disciple who understood Jesus, knew what our Lord’s short message meant, and fulfilled his charge by taking Mary to his own home.
3. Have you ever been impressed by the fact that nowhere in Scripture does the Lord Jesus ever call Mary, "Mother!" Of course she was His mother, but in view of Mariolatry, how impressive is this fact!
IV. Atonement. Christ’s fourth word reveals the awful price He had to pay to atone for our sin. The fourth word was the cry of the Forsaken One (see Mat_27:46). From noon till 3 p.m. there was darkness. What happened to our Lord Jesus during those three hours we know not. We must respect the silence of Scripture. The darkness was Nature’s sympathy with its Creator. Extraordinary light attended His birth; extraordinary darkness attended His death. At last the silence is broken by a cry. So there was not only the darkness of nature but there was darkness in the soul of our Saviour.
"My God." Only once did the Lord Jesus call upon His Father as God. And it was here. He appeals to God as the Creator, and that is the very lowest ground. Here in His agony He goes back to the language of His childhood, for He speaks in Syriac, His old vernacular. In the darkness He has not lost the consciousness or fact of Sonship, but the right, for the time being, on account of taking our place, so He does not use nor avail Himself here of the term Father.
His Only Question. You will notice this is a question, the only question ever uttered to the Father from those lips. And how startling to find that to that solitary question there was no reply.
Why that Cry?
1. Was it weakness? No. It could not be weakness, because later He cried with a loud voice. This proved He was not exhausted.
2. Was it imagination? Sometimes we think we are forsaken of God, for most have their times of deep depression. But of course we are mistaken, for He Himself has declared: "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Was He mistaken? Had He made a mistake? He never made a mistake in His life.
He was Forsaken because He was made Sin. "This really is a cry that no created intelligence can fathom. It is a cry out of deeper depths than the human soul has ever touched." It was really true. He was forsaken because we ought to have been; He was forsaken in order that that fate might never be ours.
Reflection. The Lord’s people sometimes have to walk or sit in darkness (read Mic_7:8). Remember even in the darkness we can still say, "My God." Jesus had no desire or intention to abandon the God who had forsaken Him.
V. Thirst. Christ’s fifth word from the Cross is the cry of His humanity, "I thirst" (Joh_19:28). This is the only word of the seven that brings home to us the real humanity of the Lord Jesus. He really became flesh. For a while His spirit was completely triumphant over His body; but presently His bruised body asserted itself, and physical anguish must find language. This is the shortest of the seven words.
Various Thirsts.
1. There is bodily thirst. This was the anguish of physical thirst in its most acute form.
2. There is thirst for God. "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee." His cry after God was an evidence of the possession of this soul-thirst.
3. There is thirst after the souls of men. "He thirsted to be thirsted after."
VI. Accomplishments. Christ’s sixth word was, "It is finished" (Joh_19:28-30). Rightly understood, this is a claim unique. It means much more than, "It is all over." Most men leave unfinished tasks. Jesus accomplished everything He set out to do.
"The finished work of Christ" was a phrase our fathers were very fond of. By this phrase they meant that God did not need to be propitiated, for Jesus had accomplished that great work.
Professor Clow gives four thoughts on this phrase. In it he saw:
1. A Sigh of Relief. What a relief it is when we have completed some arduous task. "There, that’s finished," we exclaim. This meant for the Saviour that His life of suffering and of loneliness was finished.
2. A Shout of Victory. Tennyson declared that "The most pathetic utterance in all history is that of Christ on the Cross, ‘It is finished!’" "Nevertheless," says his biographer, "He also recognised the note of triumph in ‘It is finished.’"
3. A Message to the Father. He was not ashamed to announce to His Father the completion of the work entrusted to Him. The work had been well and truly done.
4. A Proclamation to Men. What has this to do with me? The fact that someone else has completed a task may have little interest for me! But this has to do with me! The successful completion of His work is a matter of life and death to me.
What was Finished? The work of atonement!
VII. Rest. Christ’s seventh and last word on the Cross is a very precious one: "Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit" (Luk_23:46). These words were uttered in a loud voice, proving that Jesus did not die of weariness, that His life was not forced from Him.
Observe.
1. He died with Scripture on His lips. You will find these words in the Old Testament.
2. He again calls God by the endearing term, Father. The storm of God’s wrath beat fiercely upon that devoted head-but the storm has passed and the sunshine has come again.
3. Note, "Thy hands." Not the Devil’s. Some erroneously say that when He died Satan got hold of Him, and took Him to Hell. No; no; a thousand times, no! He was in the Father’s safe and loving keeping: "Thy hands."
William the Conqueror died exclaiming: "I commend my soul to Mary." But Lady Jane Gray, laying her head upon the fatal block, said: "Lord, into Thy hand I commend my spirit." She followed her Lord’s example.
Then we read that our Lord "Dismissed His spirit"- wonderful statement! This was an act of Deity. We can never dismiss our spirits. He did.
WITH CHRIST AT CALVARY.
In Darkness.
Sitting in Darkness, Luk_1:78-79
Hanging in Darkness, Mat_27:45-46
Called Out of Darkness, 1Pe_2:9
Turned from Darkness, Act_26:18
Four Scriptures which have a close connection with each other, as we shall see in the course of our meditation.
I. Sitting in Darkness (Luk_1:78-79). With glee some Bible critics have pointed out here a supposed inaccuracy. "See," say they, "how Zacharias, filled with the Holy Ghost, misquotes Scripture!" This they say on the supposition that he was quoting Isa_9:2. But Zacharias did not say so. He was so saturated with Scripture that, on examining his utterance, we find that he was quoting from Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Malachi. As a matter of fact there are in Isaiah two special Scriptures on darkness-1st, one on Walking in Darkness (Isa_9:2). But 29 years later, the prophet spake on Sitting in Darkness (Isa_42:7).
It is a picture of deterioration and degeneration, and in our Lord’s day it had come true. Once, though in darkness, they exercised an element of freedom and unsettlement and dissatisfaction, for they walked in darkness; now, in fast and fatal bondage, they sit in a dark and loathsome dungeon.
Allow this picture language to grip you. The late Dr. Jowett has so graphically drawn attention to it. "Sitting in darkness!" Try to realise it. You sit by the fireside on a winter’s night, with a bright fire making the room genial and warm. You sit on, until the fire burns low, and eventually dies out, and the warmth gives place to a searching chill. Then the lamp goes out, and darkness is added to coldness. But you still sit on, and terrible bondage becomes yours. And there are people whose soul-life is just like that. There is no fire in the grate, and their light is gone out, and they abide in cold and dreary desolation, and hard bondage.
It was not ever thus. Once there was a fire in the grate, and a bright light showing and shining. The soul of man was lighted by the presence of the Holy Spirit, and wanned by the fact and presence of Divine love.
But sin changed all this. Sometimes a darkened room helps an invalid to recover health, but a darkened soul is the result of a spiritual catastrophe, and betokens the presence of a dead spirit, a lifeless soul. Job speaks of "a land where the light is as darkness."
Sitting in Darkness. This is either a picture of enjoyment, contentment, or enslavement and despondency, or all.
II. Hanging in Darkness (Mat_27:45-46). Have you ever connected Sitting in Darkness with Hanging in Darkness? There is a very close connection. If we had never walked or sat in the darkness of sin, He would never had found it necessary to have hung in darkness. He hung in darkness to atone for our sin, and to make it possible for us to sit in light-the light of His presence and love. The solar darkness He experienced, was an emblem of soul-darkness He endured on our account.
III. Called Out of Darkness (1Pe_2:9). This declares that for those sitting in darkness God has a tender regard. That, for them, "a Day-spring from on High hath visited us." That also a voice is heard, calling out of the darkness.
IV. Turned from Darkness (Act_26:18). Do you say: "I hear the voice calling me out of darkness, but I am chained fast, and cannot respond." Well, for you there is hope, for there is One Who will turn you out of darkness, for He can liberate you from the fetters of sin, and lead you right out into liberty.
PROVISION FOR NEED.
"And Abraham called that place Jehovah Jireh" (Gen_22:14).
The name of Jehovah Jireh is a monument of a great discovery and a great deliverance. It means either the Lord will see, or the Lord will provide. In common speech these two words "see" and "provide" are distinct in their meaning. Yet the moment we deal with God the two words are found to be one and the same, for His prevision means His pro-vision.
"In the mount of the Lord it (A.V.)-He (R.V.)-shall be seen." Surely here we have a hint and explanation of Joh_8:56. God gave Abraham insight into the mystery of the Cross.
We can say that the Lord has now provided for man’s great needs.
I. For Man’s Insensibility and Slumber, He has provided in the Person of the Holy Spirit an Awakener, One to rouse us from the slumber of sin.
II. For Man’s Sin, the precious Blood of Christ. It is not left to the sinner to provide a sacrifice (Gen_22:8), for God Himself has done this. The Lord Jesus died in our stead, as the ram died in the stead of Isaac. Dr. Dinsdale T. Young has so splendidly declared: "Every day I live, yes, every day, this possesses me more and more completely in mind and heart-that that death was a substitution. I know it is an old-fashioned word, a word that is spurned in some quarters. I confess that it satisfies my guilty conscience and comforts my troubled heart, and gives me a joy in my religion incomparable. When I look up and say, He took my place, I cannot understand it. But He did it. He bore my sins in His own body on the Tree."
III. For Man’s Ignorance, His Word, the Bible. Read Psa_119:98-99. We must be people of the one Book, whatever other books we may possess and read. We must give the Bible its chief place in our lives.
IV. For Man’s Weakness, the Holy Spirit. How weak is man. But the Holy Spirit communicates strength, through Regeneration and Renewal.
V. For Man’s Emptiness, the Divine Fulness. There is fulness of blessing for all who believe. It pleased the Father that in His beloved Son all fulness should dwell, and when He comes and fills my heart and life with His holy and blessed presence I have the fulness.
VI. For Man’s Loneliness, the Divine Companionship. He has promised never to leave us.
What ample and blessed provision He has made for all our needs.
THE NAMES OF OUR LORD JESUS.
Mat_1:21, Mat_1:23.
1. Emmanuel-What He was, His Person.
2. Jesus-What He was to Do, His Work.
3. Christ-What Place He was to Fill, His Office.
4. Lord-What Claim He was to Make, His Headship.
5. King-What Rank He was to Hold, His Kingdom.
6. Son of God-In Relation to God, His Mission.
7. Son of Man-In Relation to Man, His Mission.
PASSING OVER.
"And when I see the blood, I will pass over you"
(Exo_12:13).
Introduction.
Not Pass By. Have you ever been gripped by that? For years we thought it just meant He would pass by them, but when the real import of the language used came home to one, how beautifully new this old verse became.
National history is always interesting and instructive. Exodus gives the history of Israel and their development from a family into a nation. Exodus 12 gives very unusual particulars concerning the great event which led up to their emigration from Egypt to Canaan, and we are prepared to pass on, thinking it had no further interest for us, only we cannot forget several important and impressive facts.
1. The Space Devoted to the Passover Attracts our Attention. If a great deal of space is given to any one event in the Bible, we can be quite sure that, in the mind of the chronicler, that particular event is of prime importance.
2. We Become Impressed by the References in the New Testament to the Passover, especially that statement: "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us" (1Co_5:7). So that, without doubt, this great Passover event is of prime importance to us.
3. We Become Impressed by that word "It" in Exo_12:4, Exo_12:6, Exo_12:9, and Exo_12:10 of Exodus 12. On Passover eve not less than 250,000 lambs would be required to be slain to meet the needs of the nation, yet all those thousands of lambs are considered as one. Never do we read, "Kill them," but "Kill it." Evidently those thousands of lambs in the mind of God stood for but one-the Lord Jesus Christ, who was declared to be by the forerunner, "The Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world."
4. It is also impressive to note that what saved was not the eating of the lamb, but the Sprinkled Blood. This is very important. Eating the Lamb was part of the ritual, but only after the sprinkling of the blood. We are not saved by going to the Lord’s Table to partake of the Bread and Wine, sweet memorials of the Broken Body and shed Blood, but by hiding under the protection of the Sprinkled Blood.
5. Observe where the Blood was Sprinkled. First, on the lintel of the door, suggestive of protection from the righteous wrath of Heaven; then on the doorposts, separating them from Egypt. Oh, do please take note of this important fact-the same Blood which saved from the wrath of a Holy God, separated them from all around them. When we come to the Blood of Christ, we are not only saved from our sin, but also separated from the world unto the One who has shed His Blood on our account.
Pondering on the verse at the head of this study, we note that the Sprinkled Blood meant eight great mercies:
I. A Substitutionary Mercy. "A lamb for an house." Interest in each lamb for each person. The Gospel is "That Christ died for our sins," that is to say, His death was a substitutionary one.
II. A Sparing Mercy. Authorities state that "I will pass over" could mean, "Step over," or "Leap over." The idea of sparing from the judgment that went abroad that night all over the land.
III. A Brooding Mercy. Better still, the word "Passover" means "Brood Over," as a bird broods over her young, protecting them with her own body (see Deu_32:11, and Mat_23:37). When we trust the Blood of Christ, He covers us with His wings, and we are then and thus safe from all harm.
IV. An Assuring Mercy. "When I," not you, "see the blood." Thus He assures us of our safety, and thus we should be free from all fear.
V. A Regeneration Mercy. As suggested in the sentence "Beginning of months" (Exo_12:2). Israel were thus to commence their reckoning from the date of the blood shedding and sprinkling, so that Redemption and Regeneration are linked. The moment we come under the shadow of the Cross of Christ, that moment we are regenerated by the Holy Spirit of God.
VI. A Feasting Mercy (see Exo_12:8). Blood sprinkled before eating, yet eating following the sprinkling of the blood. Feasting in the Scriptures always speaks of great joy and gladness. What joy follows a reception by faith of the Lord Jesus Christ as our Atonement.
VII. A Cleansing Mercy (Exo_12:17). The Feast of Unleavened Bread always follows the Feast of the Passover. Did not put leaven out in order to be saved, but because they were saved. There really was no break between the two feasts. Nor can the doctrinal truths and experiences they symbolise be separated.
VIII. A Delivering Mercy. After the Feast of Passover, there came glorious deliverance from Egypt. And that after many years of hard, hard bondage. How welcome would be this liberty!
Warning. The blood was not to be sprinkled upon the floor, and none on the threshold. Is that not an awful word in Heb_10:29 : "Trampled under foot the Son of God. . . and accounting the Blood… an unholy thing." Dread possibility!
WHY GOD WANTS US TO DRAW NEAR.
1. To Hear (Words before Works), Jos_3:9
2. For Revelation of Himself and His Will, Gen_45:4
3. For Victory, Jos_10:24
4. For Ministry, Eze_44:15-16
CHRISTENING AND CURING.
Have been much amused at the remark of old Aunt Matilda Jane, who said, when the doctor told her she had nasal catarrh: "It is a common cold in the head, but I haven’t sent for you to christen it, but to cure it." In the moral and spiritual realm there is far too much christening and too little curing.
Yet a right christening is not to be despised. Doctors cannot deal satisfactorily with a patient until first they have made a right diagnosis.
What is the Matter with Mankind? There are too many quacks about, so let us turn to the Expert, for none can make a diagnosis like Him. See what He says about our hearts: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord" (Jer_17:9-10). Also note His diagnosis in Isaiah 1: "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart is faint, from the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it." It is an appalling description of our state by nature. Note:
1. Heart wrong. Heart is seat of affection.
2. Head wrong. Head is seat of intelligence.
3. Foot wrong. Feet make possible movements.
The Cure. Ah, has it ever gripped you that on the Cross:
1. Blood flowed from His head, to atone for our sins of thought.
2. Blood flowed from His heart, to atone for our sins of affection.
3. Blood flowed from His hands, to atone for our sins of action.
4. Blood flowed from His feet, to atone for our sins of walk. What a perfect atonement!
In the Old Testament ritual (Cleansing of the Leper, etc.) oil followed the blood, that is, the Holy Spirit, for oil is an emblem of the Spirit. If the Blood be applied to us, His Holy Spirit will anoint our heads, feet, and hands, thus with a new heart created within us, we are made new creatures in Christ Jesus.
A SELF-RIGHTEOUS MAN’S REST AND COVERING.
"For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it" (Isa_28:20).
Introduction.
1. To appreciate to the full the force of this statement you need to read it on some cold frosty night.
2. Then the thought of some poor body having to pass the night on a bed too short for them, and a covering so narrow they cannot wrap themselves in it, simply makes one shudder.
3. What a night of unrest and discomfort he is sure to have; yea, further, what a positive danger is he in, through lack of proper clothing, for a serious and probably fatal illness might ensue.
4. That is but a faint picture of the condition of the self-righteous. His resting place is too short for his need; his covering is frightfully narrow and totally inadequate. In fact everything is short about him, for it is written: "There is no difference, all have sinned and come short." And that one is in terrible danger.
5. So was it with these men of Jerusalem (Exo_12:14), to whom this word was spoken by the prophet Isaiah. They were in jeopardy from other nations. Though still away from God, they had made their plans, and boasted about their rest and safety.
6. But the Lord said: "Your refuge is a refuge of lies, you have found a resting place and a covering you think will hide you, but both are totally inadequate for your need."
7. The overflowing scourge shall pass through, and ye shall be trodden down by it.
8. You are wise in scenting danger, but you have erred in making to yourselves a refuge.
9. May this not be a message of warning for some of us.
10. Like them, you see the danger. "A prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself, but the simple pass on and are punished" (Pro_22:3).
11. But the question now is: On what are you resting your hopes upon; what are you relying upon in the way of covering? Could our text be truthfully applied to you?
12. But before we proceed, let us inquire:
I. Do you Feel your Need of Rest?
1. For, after all, what is the use of talking of a resting place, unless you feel your need of rest.
2. It is only the weary who desire a resting place.
3. That sweet invitation of our Lord: "Come. . . and I will give you rest," sounds only as music in the ear of the weary.
4. All are not conscious of soul-weariness.
5. And the reason is simply that they have never given the salvation of their soul a single thought.
6. Standing by the sick bed of a young man, I asked him that question, and he had to confess he never had.
7. And I said he reminded me of some young married couples, who, in order to get a good house of furniture, denied themselves of even the necessaries of life, so much so, that they weakened their bodies, and easily fell victims to a contagious disease.
8. They thought solely of their house, and forgot the inhabitants of the house.
9. Frank Bullen, in his "Apostles of the South East," speaks of some "who live the life of an intelligent animal, without the wise instincts which prevent an animal from doing harm to its own body."
10. May we just note what leads to weariness?
a. Disappointment leads to weariness. Life is full of disappointments. Life’s friendships are often full of bitter disappointment. Could you not say, "I’ve tried the broken cisterns," etc.
b. The Burden-Bearer soon gets weary. The one whom the Lord invites in the sweet invitation is the "heavy laden," for it is the heavy laden who feel their need of rest. Have you no burden to bear? What about your guilt, your burden of iniquity?
c. Labour leads to weariness. It was to those who "labour" our Lord speaks. That is, to those who were desperately hard at work, seeking to gain salvation. That one who seeks Justification by works is sure soon to be weary, for it is a hard and hopeless task.
d. Disease leads to weariness. One of the first symptoms of a diseased condition is weariness. Bad sign when you awake weary to begin the day. What about your spiritually diseased condition?
II. On What are you Relying for Rest and Covering?
1. This message is really for those who do feel their need of rest.
2. May we ask what is absolutely required for full and complete rest? A resting place and a covering sufficiently large to meet all needs.
3. Mark you, these are not essential for sleep.
4. Some boast they can sleep on a clothes line. I do know that one can sleep on a hard board.
5. But there is a vast difference between sleep and rest. You can have a very restless slumber.
6. Even those seeking rest on a short bed and narrow covering sleep.
7. That is the trouble-the unconverted are asleep.
8. But whilst there is sleep, there is no comfort and no rest.
9. Your bed, oh, self-righteous one, lulls you to sleep.
10. Your place of rest may satisfy you, but does it satisfy God! And is it sufficient for your needs?
III. The Perfection of His Rest.
1. We used to sing: "On the other side of Jordan there is rest for the weary," etc.
2. You have no need to wait for "the other side.." On this side Jordan you can have rest.
3. We hear a great deal of "rest cure." Certain it is that His rest is a cure for all the ills of the soul.
4. On Him there is room sufficient for complete rest- you can stretch yourself.
5. In Him you have ample covering.
Application.
1. You invite me to come, but I don’t feel weary! Have I to wait until I find myself to be weary? No, come just as you are.
2. You are more weary than you imagine.
3. Often you only find out how weary you are after you lie down.
CHRIST’S ASCENSION AND ELIJAH’S.
2Ki_2:11.
1. Elijah did not ascend; he was carried up. Jesus did ascend, without any outward sign to accompany His slow upward movement through the quiet air.
2. The Lord Jesus went up by His own power; not so Elijah.
3. Elijah left his cloak; the Lord Jesus left a benediction and sent His Holy Spirit.
4. When Christ went up on High He relinquished nothing of His activity for us; Elijah’s work was done when he was carried up on High.
A DOUBLE PORTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
2Ki_2:9.
The Double Portion was the eldest son’s portion, the portion allotted to the heir. Jacob treated his son Joseph as his eldest son by giving him a double portion. Elkanah, as a mark of his special affection for his wife Hannah, gave her a double portion (see R.V.) of sacrificial food. Job received a double portion when the Lord turned his captivity.
The Lord Jesus is God’s Firstborn, entitled to a double portion, and we are joint-heirs with Him.
By and by, when the Lord again takes up Jacob and his descendants, the Lord will give them a double portion (Isa_61:7; Zec_9:12; Isa_40:2).
NOTHING BUT LEAVES.
Mar_11:13.
Strange.
1. But why curse the fig tree for not bearing figs, seeing it was not time for the fruit? How strange!
2. It is our Lord’s only destructive act.
Circumstance.
1. Jesus had spent His last Sabbath on earth with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus at Bethany.
2. Though He had just left that hospitable home, He became hungry-evidence of the reality of His manhood.
3. Though passing many fig trees by the wayside, only one particularly attracted His attention though "afar off." He came expecting figs and found nothing but leaves. Why expect figs though it was not the time for figs?
Clue.
1. The fig tree produces fruit first and leaf afterwards, and in some cases the leaves accompany, but do not precede the fruit.
2. This fig tree was false and untruthful; it made a loud profession by its leaf, but there was no possession.
Two Lessons. "And Jesus answered" (14): He heard what the fig tree said.
1. Jesus draws a lesson on the wonderful power of the prayer of faith.
2. Indirectly there is given to professing Christians a solemn warning on the peril of mere profession without possession.
Direct.
1. The direct application of the parable is to the Jewish nation.
2. The heathen nations of that time were barren enough, but they were not professors as Israel were.
3. A curse has rested on Israel for now 19 centuries.
4. But that fig tree will yet be restored to fruit and blessing.
Alpine Climbers.
1. It is said that skilled Alpine climbers can tell their altitude by the kind of vegetation they see growing around them.
2. Skilled spiritual guides can tell a person’s spiritual plane by the graces to be observed in that life.
3. Worldly habits and outlook proclaim a life lived on the low altitude of the world.
Why Leaves Only is Considered Serious.
1. Misrepresent our Christian faith. For true religion does not consist in mere church or meeting attendance.
2. Such hinder seekers.
a. The blessed man in Psalm 1 is the one who stands not in the way of sinners.
b. Mere professors have always been the stumbling-block.
Why No Fruit?
1. No life, in some cases, though not in this, as leaf proves.
2. No nourishment-poorness of soil.
3. No concentration. Expending strength in producing wood and not fruit. Wasteful expenditure of energy.
4. No shelter. Exposed to the cutting east winds. Do you shelter in Him?
5. No careful scrutiny. Take time to be holy.
6. Uncongenial atmosphere. In some towns plum trees will not grow, nor some kinds of apple trees, because they are very sensitive to soot-laden atmosphere. (Cinema and theatre attenders.)
Application.
1. Jesus hungers for fruitfulness, for goodness and usefulness. Shall we not seek to satisfy Him?
2. Remember, He will come for the last time, and then the curse will fall. The date of this miracle has an important bearing on its meaning and purpose. It occurred on the first week day morning of the last week of Christ’s ministry.
A Father’s Prayer. A little boy knelt down at his father’s knee to say his bedtime prayers. After he had repeated his usual ones, the father suggested offering some other. After some hesitation, the wee one said: "Dear Jesus, when I grow up, make me big and strong like daddy." The words sank deep into the father’s heart for he had gone astray, and very late that night, hours after, he prayed, "My Father, now that I am grown up, make me pure and sweet like my boy." And his prayer was answered.
TWO COMMANDS.
1. "Come down and sit," Isa_47:1
The Sinner’s Position.
2. "Arise, shine," Isa_60:1
Following the Sinner’s Salvation.
THREE QUESTIONS IN JEREMIAH.
1. "What have I done?" Jer_8:6
2. "What wilt thou do?" Jer_12:5
3. "What wilt thou say?" Jer_13:21
"CALLED, HELD, KEPT, USED."
Isa_42:6, Isa_42:7.
Frances Ridley Havergal, the sweet poetess, whose lyrics have cheered so many weary pilgrims on their way to the Celestial City, found great comfort in these words in her last moments.
On the last day of her life she asked a friend to read to her Isaiah 42. When the friend reached these verses, Miss Havergal stopped her, saying, "Called, held, kept, used," then she whispered, "Well, I will just go Home on that." And she did go Home on that, making the promise her triumphal chariot in which she went through the gates of pearl into the city of gold.
What spiritual insight she had in the meaning of these verses. With what skill she brought out the ideas enshrined therein. If these thoughts were a source of consolation to her when dying, they should be a fountain of encouragement to those who are living.
Of course, literally, these words were spoken in reference to the Divine Servant-the Lord Jesus. But they have an application to the Lord’s servants here and now. We, too, are the "called ones," as is emphasised so often in the New Testament.
I. Called-Salvation.
1. All are called, yet all have not responded to the call. Once in a Court of Law a very small man was pushing his way through a crowd. "What are you pushing for?" inquired some. "Why, I’m called," he replied. At once all made way for him.
2. The call to salvation is a call to holy living as text shows.
3. He has a perfect right to call us-we belong to Him. He has right as well as love on His side.
II. Held-Companionship.
1. What condescension on His part.
2. When we respond to His call, He will become our Friend. We shall then be admitted into His fellowship.
III. Kept-Preservation.
1. Kept, not always from temptation and trial: not always from sorrow and affliction, not from crosses and losses, but kept in and through, and sometimes by, all these processes of discipline.
2. On a tombstone there is simply name and one word, "Kept." What a glorious epitome of a life of faith and trust in the Saviour.
IV. Used-Service.
1. It is said that in Athens of old, there was a law to the effect that any man who had a lighted candle, and refused to allow another to light his at it, was punished with death.
2. If God has lighted our candle, let us light others. Let us allow others to be lightened by us.
THREE IMPORTANT POSITIONS.
Mar_3:3; 1Ki_17:1; Php_4:1.
"Can your horse run fast?" was a question addressed to a boy by a gentleman as the former was holding the horse’s head in a busy London street. He replied, "No, sir; he cannot run fast, but he can stand fast"; a great quality to be admired and commended in a horse. Yes, and in men and women. For these are difficult days, and there are many temptations to turn us from the paths that are right and good.
How can we stand fast in times of trial and temptation is an important question. For our comfort, let us notice that this is not the first position we should take. There are two prior ones, as follows:
I. Stand Forth (Mar_3:3). This is the sinner’s position. The man in the story here was only conscious of shortcomings, and not moral leprosy, yet he needed the healing touch of the Saviour just as much as the leper. This is a lesson all very respectable sinners should take to heart. Yet, whether conscious of moral leprosy or not, we all need the Saviour. To receive His blessed healing ministries we must take the definite step to Him, standing forth even in the midst (see marginal note), that is, a public confession of our sinnership.
II. Stand Before (1Ki_17:1). This is the position of the believer. Elijah was known as the man who stood before God. This position is suggestive of fellowship as well as service. We are saved that we might, yea, should, might we not say must stand before God; that is to say, that we might enter into blessed friendship with Him, and such a friendship bearing the fruit of happy and successful service.
III. Stand Fast (Php_4:1). This is the position of the loyal friend, loyal to all the interests of the Lord. This follows naturally the other two; in fact, the prior positions fit us for this one. Oh, to be true to Him at all times under all circumstances, and at all costs!
THE POWER OF THE DIVINE TOUCH.
I. The Power of His Touch in Nature (Psa_144:5).
II. The Ministry of His Touch in Grace:
1. Awakening, 1Ki_19:5
2. Healing, Mat_8:3
3. Cleansing, Isa_6:7
4. Shrivelling the self-life, Gen_32:25
5. Bestowing Holiness, Exo_29:37
6. Giving a willingness to serve, 1Sa_10:26
7. Bestowing power to speak, Jer_1:9
8. Suffering, Job_19:21
PAYMENT OF VOWS.
Psa_66:13, Psa_66:14.
Introduction.
Returning Emigrant.
A ship on its voyage home was caught in a terrific storm, and it was feared she might founder.
One of the passengers who was returning to his native land with a fortune, was full of terror, and, kneeling before a statue of St. Christopher, kept loudly calling upon the saint in prayer, promising, if he would only interfere, and bring him safe to land, a wax taper the size of his statue in Paris.
"Look out what you promise," said a bystander; "although you sell off all your property, you can’t pay for it."
"Hold your tongue, you fool," said the other; then lowering his voice, lest the saint should hear, said: "Do you suppose I mean what I say? If once I get to land, I won’t give him a tallow candle."
Thus his vow was insincere and untruthful, made with no intention of being kept.
What about You? We are prepared to condemn severely such meanness and deceit. We cannot find words to express adequately one’s abhorrence of such conduct. But what about you? Have you any unpaid vows?
Not Deceit, but Forgetfulness. We can hardly think we all could answer "No." We do not think any of us are guilty of such deceit. When we made our vows we meant to keep them. But, alas, we so easily forget. You remember what vows you made to the Lord in that time of severe trial and sickness. Is it true that the debt is not yet paid, though years have passed away? If so, thank God you are still here in the body, and we trust you will say with David: "I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people."
Millennial Psalm.
1. This is one of the Millennial Psalms, and is worthy of notice. It is prophetic as well as commemorative.
2. He calls upon all to praise God.
3. He then foretells that they shall do so.
4. And having stirred up all people, and all God’s people in particular, he stirs up himself.
A Clue.
1. Psa_66:2 gives us a clue to a great difficulty.
2. How is it that, after Christ’s glorious Millennial reign, there can possibly be found men so evil as to combine in one last terrible revolt?
3. Here you have the clue-it is, as A.V. margin, only "a feigned obedience" rendered by many in the Millennium.
4. "Mighty power" alone changes not the enemy, and only causes him to yield feigned obedience.
5. It is only the greatness of His love that can change enemies into friends, and prompt unfeigned obedience.
Commemorative.
1. From Psa_66:1-7 all people are invited to praise Him.
2. But from Psa_66:8 there is a difference-for here God’s people are invited so do so-"O bless our God" (Psa_66:8).
3. The Psalmist remembers some national and personal deliverance.
4. It was David’s own experience; and he failed not to keep his promise.
5. And may you and I emulate him in that virtue.
6. In dealing with this subject will you please first notice.
I. When the Vow was Made.
1. The vow was made when "I was in trouble."
2. This was no ordinary trouble. R.V. renders it as "distress."
3. There had been a grievous trouble-something that had greatly distressed him.
4. Whatever we have to say about the wisdom of making vows, we naturally incline to make them when in distress.
5. Making vows was a general habit in the Old Testament.
6. And in the New Testament, too, for did not Paul go to Jerusalem under a vow.
Why?
1. I fear the motives which prompts the making of vows are not always commendable.
2. Too often a vow is made as a bribe to purchase His interference and assistance.
3. Instead of as a thank-offering.
4. Oh, friends, let us take care of our motives!
II. Why Our Vows Should be Kept.
1. Self-respect.
a. My first reason why we should keep our vows is self-respect.
b. This is, of course, the lowest ground to take, but it is good to begin low.
c. As persons of honour, we should scorn to make a solemn promise when in dire need, and then when the danger has passed forget all about it.
d. Take a lesson from Carthage-the great Carthaginian, General Hamilcar, had a little son named Hannibal. When the boy was nine years old he begged very hard that his father should take him to battle with him. Hamilcar consented, but before they went, he made Hannibal place his hand on the altar of his idol god, and swear that he would make perpetual war with the Romans. Hannibal kept his word. He spent 36 years fighting them, and at the end of a life of 70 years he had not forgotten his vow.
2. Respect for God.
a. This should be our second reason.
b. We would not think so lightly of our vows if we really understood the view God takes of such.
c. Do you know that God thought so seriously of vows that He devoted a whole chapter, and that the last one in the book of Leviticus, to that question.
d. Jacob made a vow, the morning following the first night he spent as a fugitive from home. Twenty-one years afterward He appeared unto him, saying, "I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto Me" (Gen_31:13).
e. For 21 years God had treasured that vow.
f. And all this so impressed the Jews that they considered a vow as a very sacred thing.
3. Fear of God.
a. This is our third reason.
b. Look at the view the Psalmist gives of God (Psa_66:5, Psa_66:3, Psa_66:5 of Psalm 66).
c. He did not think God was a being to be played with.
d. He did not dream that he could treat God lightly.
e. Do you wonder that the son of one who held such majestic views of God should write: "Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay" (Ecc_5:4-5).
II. How we May Keep our Vows. What is Easy. The giving of gifts, i.e., money, etc. is quite easy. But usually our vows are concerning betterment of life. And that is difficult.
Dr. Johnson in his "Prayers and Meditations" wrote: "I have now spent 55 years in resolving, having from the earliest time almost that I can remember, been forming schemes of a better life. I have done nothing. The need of doing therefore is pressing, since the time of doing is short. O God, grant me to resolve aright, and to keep my resolutions, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen."
Conclusion-A Warning.
Hardest Ice. In conclusion, let us remind you of a fact in natural science which conveys a very solemn lesson: The hardest ice is that which freezes after a thaw.
The Thaw.
1. You know something of a thaw in your experience.
2. Your indifference to God and Divine things melted away when you were in trouble, when you were face to face with death, or disaster, or some terrible catastrophe.
3. And you would then give yourself to Him and your service.
4. Take care of freezing!
Most Difficult. The most difficult people to deal with are those who once laboured under deep spiritual concern, but have quenched all tender and yearning feelings for God.
What is Expected.
1. Remember Murray McCheyne’s saying that "spared fig trees should bear much fruit."
2. Let your prayer be:
"Saviour, Thy dying love, Thou gavest me, Nor should I ought withhold, my Lord, from Thee; In love my soul would bow, my heart fulfil its vow; Some offering bring Thee now, something for Thee."
3. And you remember the Divine order, as pointed out by St. Paul in 2Co_8:5.
4. The Macedonian Christians gave liberally, but said he, they "first gave their own selves to the Lord."
5. This was what the Psalmist did, and so must we.
ROPES AND SACKCLOTH;
or, how to meet God.
1Ki_20:32.
King Edward III, in 1327, besieged Calais, and when it was in extremity agreed to spare the place on condition that six of its principal citizens came out, clothed in sackcloth and halters round their necks. They were spared death only through the intercession of his wife, Queen Adelaide. We wonder if Edward III got his idea from the Bible? For there is a similar scene in 1 Kings 20. During the life of the Prophet Elijah, 5 years after Carmel, Benhadad, King of Syria, assisted by 32 Kings, came against Israel. Ahab was frightened, and agreed to pay an indemnity to save himself and people. But Benhadad went too far, and God delivered him into the hand of Ahab, a great slaughter following. Now without an army, in a strange land, he was in a dreadful position. Then his advisers spake.
"We have heard that the Kings of Israel are merciful Kings," said they, and they decided to throw themselves on his mercy. Clothing themselves with sackcloth, and with ropes around their necks, a deputation thus waited upon the King, and succeeded in securing life and liberty.
On the lonely Isle of Patmos, which is only 15 miles in circumference, lived a hermit. Asked why he was living in such seclusion, he replied: "Some day I have to meet God. I am preparing for that day."
His desire for readiness is commendable, but not the mode of preparation. The best preparation to meet God up in the Better Land is to meet Him down here. "There will I meet with you," said God to Moses, referring to the Ark with its blood-sprinkled Mercy Seat. God has His meeting-place, and that is the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Reading this story, note:
I. Their Peril. They were enemies, and had taken up arms against Israel. We are rebels to God both by birth and choice. "He that is not with Me, is against Me," is the Word of the Lord.
II. Their Hope. They heard of the mercy of Israel, whom they had come up to fight. Is not our God merciful? Mercy is one of His moral attributes. We have a merciful God.
III. Their Action.
1. Clothed themselves with sackcloth-emblem of sorrow-our grief on account of our sins.
2. Put ropes around their necks-their confession by deed that they were worthy of death.
3. Their confession by word of mouth, and plea for mercy.
IV. Their Salvation.
1. Pardon. "Come up into the chariot."
2. Friendship. Treated as friends and not as enemies.
3. Restoration. Restored him back to his house and friends and to his former possessions. We gain in Christ more than we lost in Adam.
4. Covenant. See Heb_8:10-13.
THE NEED OF THOUGHT.
Isa_1:3.
Thoughtfulness.
1. How true are the words of Hood, the poet: "But evil is wrought by want of thought as well as want of heart."
2. Parents know how true this is. Much of the pain and sorrow they suffer through the actions of their children is not for want of heart, so much as want of thought.
3. "So-and-so is most inconsiderate," we often say. It is sheer thoughtlessness which is the cause of much of life’s heartaches and pains.
4. Note God’s plaintive lament in Isa_1:3. Even the ox and ass were more considerate than Israel. God had fed and cared for Israel, yet they did not love and care for Him, and all this was the result of thoughtlessness. Even the very animals are more grateful to us for what we give than we are to God for what He gives.
5. Oh, we sometimes say, "Oh, if people would only think!" Note God’s appeal for thought in connection with the forgiveness of sins in Isa_1:18.
6. This is not a thinking age.
7. But what must I consider? Five things.
I. "When I consider Thy Heavens" (Psa_8:3).
1. The study of the Heavens was the favourite occupation of the Eastern shepherds.
2. It was in the East the science of Astronomy had its origin.
3. Do you ever consider the Heavens? Let us look up a little oftener.
4. David, the writer of this Psalm, had been a shepherd, and often as he kept his father’s sheep he considered the Heavens. What was the result of his meditation?
a. Their greatness makes man look so small and mean. And yet nowhere is God stated to love the stars, but man. Man is of more value than many stars or suns.
b. The calmness of their revolutions shame the fussiness and passion of men. It is Longfellow who speaks of a star as:
"So still and saintlike,
No fret and worry, and anger and wrath."
c. Their order shames our disorder. They obey the command of God. Here there is nought but strife, discord, disobedience. Thus I get little encouragement from that study.
II. "Consider the Lilies of the Field" (Mat_6:28).
1. An old man called flowers "God’s smiles." How often He smiles then! The stars are the flowers of the skies, and flowers are the stars of the earth.
2. As I consider the lilies, I notice their purity and beauty, but that only condemns my impurity and ugliness.
III. "Consider the Ravens." God feedeth them (Luk_12:24).
1. Remember they are unclean. Surely God will do naught for them! Oh, wonder of wonders, He cares for ravens!
2. A PLACE WAS FOUND FOR THE RAVENS, EVEN IN THE
Ark, and God used them as "His servants to feed Elijah. I am like a raven-unclean-but God has a thought for me, and has made provision for the supplying of my complex needs.
IV. "For Consider Him" (Heb_12:3).
1. What a subject for study! You can never exhaust this subject.
2. His greatness, calmness, obedience, purity, beauty, entrance me. The beauty and order and greatness of the stars and hills fade into insignificance.
3. But as I consider His death, I find it is life to me.
V. Let us consider one Another to Provoke (Heb_10:24).
1. Oh, yes, we are worth considering. There is something to admire.
2. But why? To provoke one another-to arouse one another to love and good works.
"BUT THOU."
Psa_3:3.
"But Thou."
1. Ah, that makes all the difference!
2. It reminds one of a gloomy day-leaden sky, nothing but a dreary drab.
3. All of a sudden there is a rift in the dull, heavy clouds, a patch of blue sky is seen and the sun streams through.
4. What a sullen sky spread itself over the Psalmist. All was darkness.
5. "But Thou." Ah, that made all the difference. It was that fact that altered the whole situation.
6. Oh, let us never forget that, whoever we lose, and whoever leaves us, we still have God.
7. We do not wonder that this Psalm was used by the French Protestants during persecution times as a signal for the stationing of sentinels to keep watch against sudden attack.
8. It not only acted as a signal, but a wholesome reminder of their Divine Protector and Protection.
Results of Remembrance of the Lord.
1. Earnest and successful prayer (Psa_3:4).
2. Restfulness (Psa_3:5).
3. Hopefulness (Psa_3:6) and courage.
4. Importunity.
THE VALUE OF AWE.
Psa_4:4.
Strange.
1. What a strange exhortation to come immediately after the exulting claim to be the Lord’s own.
2. "Awe!" Not fear or reverence. Awe is a holy dread, a reverential fear.
3. But there is a most fruitful connection between the two.
The World and Awe.
1. Psa_4:2, lying and falsehood, are two fruits of a lack of awe.
2. What strikes one more than anything else when looking at the mass of men and women of to-day is the utter absence of awe.
a. There is no awe of life. Life is not treated with solemnity and reverence. There is levity and frivolity.
b. There is no awe of death. Jesus came to take away the fear, but not awe of death, e.g., How lightly people take their own lives.
c. There is no awe of God. If Joh_3:16 takes away the awful fear, it ought to make all the inhabitants of the earth stand in awe of Him. We should not be afraid of God; we should be in awe of Him.
The Church and Awe.
1. But we must not dream that awe is lost only in the thought and life of the worldling.
2. There is an absence of awe even amongst Christians.
3. Why, it is never or seldom spoken of in our pulpits!
4. What a loss that means.
One has said that the world that has banished awe has banished wholesome laughter. The ages that have known most of religious awe are the ages from which have come the most lyrical notes of Christian joy. The older ages lived and breathed and rejoiced in God amidst their dark theologies. Bernard had stern stupendous ideas of the Deity, and yet it was he who sang, "Jesus, the very thought of Thee." Samuel Rutherford was clasped in all the rigours of a Calvinism which touches the very springs of awe in the human breast, and yet from him came the love letters of Christianity.
Note the connection of Verses 3 and 4.
1. Though I am His possession, I must not take liberties with Him; I must be respectful and reverential.
2. And it means, too, that such a fact of God setting sinners apart for Himself is awe-inspiring.
Why this Strange Union of Awe and Sin?
1. Awe is not everything.
2. The Hindus treat cruelly the cattle they worship.
3. And there is One who can keep us from sin.
ONLY GOOD, THE LIGHT OF HIS COUNTENANCE.
Psa_4:6.
The clamour of many is after the supreme good. Here we have the many asking an important question. It is the voice of the worldling. Many replies have been given and tried, but ail to no purpose. What about the Lord’s own dear children? They, too, sometimes ask the same question, only in the very next breath they own up to the real source of all good: "Lift Thou up upon us a banner as the light of Thy countenance" (Edersheim). What is the meaning of this? It means that the Psalmist was not so much seeking for good as the Good One; not good in the abstract, but good in the Person; and this is only another way of saying, as he does elsewhere: "I have no good beyond Thee" (Psa_16:2., R.V.). That is to say, our Heaven is the consciousness of His smile.
"The light of His countenance," meaning the Lord’s smile and benediction. The Lord taught Israel it was the best thing Aaron and the priests could ask for Israel (Num_6:26). This means:
I. Life. For "In the light of the King’s countenance is life" (Pro_16:15).
II. Joy. For "Thou hast made me exceeding glad with Thy countenance" (Psa_21:6). Quoted "Full of joy" in Act_2:28.
III. Good. All good. What a word is Good! All that that word stands for, and more, we have in Christ.
OVERTAKEN BY BLESSINGS.
Deu_28:2.
What a great difference there is between blessings following and overtaking us! It is one thing to follow a person, but quite another to catch up with them. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me." Yes, that is good, but will they overtake me? The Psalmist knew what it was to be overtaken with blessings, for he could say: "Blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with blessings." The chariot of God’s gracious benevolence had daily caught up with him, discharging its blessings.
If His blessings are to overtake us, studying this verse and context, we note that certain conditions must be kept.
I. Redeemed Ones only are overtaken with blessings. Israel were in that happy position and condition, being the redeemed of the Lord. If we have not yet come under the shadow of the Cross of Christ, and under the safety of the Sprinkling of Blood, the Avenger of Blood is after us; we are bidden to flee to our Refuge "lest the avenger of blood overtake the slayer" (Deu_19:6). Remember that later on in this chapter we read of curses following and overtaking the sinner. Dread, dread business!
II. Learners. Only those who hearken diligently to the Lord and His message are overtaken with blessings. Hearken to the Voice of the Lord as we have it in the Word of God, for the Holy Spirit will make the Written Word a living Voice in our hearts.
III. Obedient Ones. The overtaken ones must be "observers of the law of God." You know what an observer is? Take a walk in an Art Gallery, and watch the art expert gazing at the works of art, and you will learn what observing is. Watch a mother looking at her firstborn sleeping in his cradle, and you learn what, observation really is.
IV. Serving Ones. Only they who "do" are overtaken by blessings. It is not sufficient to become acquainted with His will; we must-
"Trust and obey, for there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey."
In another place the Psalmist could say, "My soul followeth hard after Thee." Is that your attitude? Then you will catch up with Him, for He will suddenly reveal Himself to you.
THE VALUE OF SOLILOQUY.
Psa_4:4.
Most Unusual.
1. This is a most unusual exhortation.
2. It is advice to practice the art of soliloquy.
3. Generally the Bible urges us to commune with the Lord.
4. One reason why we do not talk to ourselves much is because we do not live lonely lives.
To the Worldling.
1. Perhaps it was addressed to the worldling
2. The sinner must commune with his own heart before he can hope to commune with the Lord.
To Christian.
1. It is a similar exhortation to that in 2Co_13:5.
2. Here we who profess to be Christians are exhorted to examine, criticise ourselves, and not another.
To Workers. Cecil, in his "Advice to Ministers," said to a young minister: "A man who talks to himself will find out what suits the heart of man."
To Those who have a Grievance.
1. Strange alternative rendering in margin of R.V., viz., "Be ye angry, and sin not."
2. It is so rendered in the Septuagint, and quoted as such in Eph_4:26.
3. There is a sinless anger, because it is an anger against nothing but what is sin.
4. It is an anger created by the Holy Ghost.
5. An anger that is not hasty.
6. An anger that is not a mere emotion, but a conviction.
7. An anger that can stand being slept upon.
8. Really it is a word against rashness.
DESIRING AND SEEKING.
Psa_27:4
Introduction.
1. Luther remarked that the Bible has hands to grip, eyes to see, feet to run.
2. Not so fanciful as some suppose.
3. The Bible not only was, but is, inspired.
4. Many a text starts forth and grips us.
I. Longing. The greatness of our desires is one proof of our greatness.
1. The animals are creatures of but few desires.
2. The desires the Psalmist refers to were concerning the Lord.
II. Seeking. It is not sufficient to desire without seeking. "That will I seek after."
III. Expecting. Too often we seek for things and do not expect them. R .V., "One thing have I asked of the Lord."
IV. Remembering. One reason why we do not look out for answers is because we ask for so many things that we forget what we have asked. He could say, "One thing have I desired of the Lord."
V. Right Desire. What one thing did he desire? To abide in the house of the Lord constantly. Do we love the sanctuary as much as that?
VI. Reason. Why he wished to abide constantly in God’s House.
1. To behold the beauty of the Lord.
2. To commune with the Lord.
3. To inquire of the Lord.
"Inquire"-ask Him to explain the difficult things of His Word and Providence.
Conclusion.
1. We can abide in His Presence, without abiding constantly in any earthly house or building.
2. We can behold the beauty of the Lord. "Unto you that believe He is precious."
3. We can commune and inquire of the Lord.
A DIVINE BED-MAKER.
Psa_41:3.
A poor young Christian girl, an invalid through the drunken habits of father, mother, and brother, was very much neglected. Sometimes her bed was not made for six weeks. One day her brother came home almost sober, when she prevailed upon him to make her bed. This he did so unskilfully that she was placed at great discomfort. She sorrowfully picked up her "Daily Light," and was much comforted by reading, "Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness." She thus was assured that the Lord knew all about her, and she was rested.
The wonder and beauty of the Bible is that it conveys to us, in simple vet suitable language, its wonderfully deep teaching. This figure of speech conveys several suggestive lessons.
I. What a mercy that we have a bed to make! Let us not forget this as one of our mercies for which to thank God. "He had not where to lay His head."
II He is with us, else how could He make our bed? Satan is a master of strategy, and knows when and how to attack us. When we are weak and ill, he simply swoops down upon us, and one of his master strikes is to try and persuade us that the Lord has forgotten and forsaken us. But how can He? He has promised never to leave us. And He always keeps His word. How could He make our bed unless He is with us?
III. He is with us for a purpose. Not merely to while away the time, but to do something very definite for us. His visits to this earth were always for very specific reasons and missions. He came not merely to sympathise, but to relieve us.
IV. He is with us to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. How weak and helpless are we when ill, and how unable to make our bed. How weak and helpless we are by nature, and how utterly unable to save ourselves. But He is our Saviour, and will accomplish for us what we cannot do; and how tenderly, graciously, and skilfully He will make our bed.
V. He will do for us what we do not deserve. Sometimes good turns are done to and for us because we have rendered good service to our kind friend. But what have we done for Him? We are, by nature, His enemies by wicked works.
VI. He will make us comfortable and happy, for that surely is the thought conveyed by this statement concerning His bed-making. He will give us rest from an accusing conscience through the Precious Blood and from corroding care. Dr. Payson when racked with pain, exclaimed, "I have great pain; yet I have great peace." There are seven blessings in this Psalm for those who trust in the Lord: 1st, Deliverance in trouble (Psa_41:5); 2nd, Preservation; 3rd, Length of days; 4th, Deliverance for body; 5th, Prosperity; 6th, Strength when most needed; 7th, Bed, comfort in time of sickness.
THE SECRET OF LIFE AND BEAUTY.
Num_17:8.
This Scripture is one of the Old Testament portions for Church services. It is a strange chapter, yet yields helpful lessons. It points out the secret of spring in our souls. Whilst Israel were in the wilderness, owing to jealousy, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram raised insurrection. In spite of awful judgment it was not quelled. God resorted to a method that proved successful, the placing and testing of rods.
Lesson: When in trouble, you do as Moses did. Leave the difficulty in His hand, and He will settle the matter.
The rods were, of course, the Eastern walking sticks. What a miracle! you say. Yes, but such a miracle takes place in every Christian soul. See God’s will for Aaron’s rod. But it has no life.
I. Lifeless. My soul is like that rod: dead and lifeless owing to severance from God by the knife of sin.
1. Though not at all objectionable.
2. Though stripped of all unpleasant evidences of death.
3. Though had been used to do great things.
II. Living. My soul can become like Aaron’s, rod, provided I place myself where God can work.
The place of life-giving was the place where there was evidence of life given, i.e., before the Ark, and on its lid, known as Mercy Seat, blood was sprinkled.
Oh, get down before the Cross of Jesus! Don’t speculate as to how the Spirit of God will work, but lay yourself down at His feet. And just place yourself as you are, as Moses placed the rods. With this difference, all, not one in twelve, who put themselves down at His feet will have life given to them. Almond tree flowers in January and bears fruit in April. This did all in one night.
III. Fruitbearing. My soul can become as this rod, not only having life, but also beauty and fruit.
All true Christians have life. All have not beauty of character and fruitfulness of service. "Glorious in holiness." The beauty of holiness."
IV. Honoured. Solemn fact-only the rod that had brought forth buds, blossom and fruit, was honoured by having a permanent place before His presence.
Fruit decides character, and character decides destiny.
"THY WORDS WERE FOUND."
Jer_15:16.
Observe that in this verse we have both "words" and "Word." In words most certainly we have the written Word, which we now know as the Bible; but surely in Word we have the Living Word, the Lord Jesus. The Living Word, the Lord Jesus, is found in the Written Word, the Bible. Note what we find in this verse:
I. Inspiration-"Thy Words."
II. Searching-"Found."
III. Satisfaction-"Eat them."
IV. Rejoicing-"The Joy."
V. Privilege-"I am called."
VI. Separation-"I sat not" (Jer_15:17).
VII. Testimony-"I sat alone" (Jer_15:17).
LED BY THE LORD.
Psa_5:8.
Here we have the Psalmist’s prayer for guidance. This is a familiar expression in the Psalms. As a man of affairs, he was only too conscious of the fact that it is not in man to direct successfully his own steps. Pondering on this request for guidance, four questions suggest themselves.
I. Why?
1. Because of the Enemy. Like the Psalmist, we are surrounded by the enemies of the King of kings. Of those there are:
a. "Those which observe me" (A.V., margin), a very large class indeed. Then there are:
b. "Them that lie in wait for me," as is suggested by the margin of the R.V.
2. Because of my Ignorance and Helplessness. We are just as weak and helpless as a child; and just as silly as sheep.
3. Because of His Reputation. "For Thy Name’s sake lead me and guide me" (Psa_31:3).
II. How?
1. He leads us Himself, and does not leave us merely to angels.
2. He does it by His Word and His Spirit: "O send out Thy light and Thy truth, let them lead me" (Psa_43:3).
III. Where?
1. "Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I" (Psa_61:2). We must first be led to Himself, who is the Rock here referred to.
2. "He leadeth me beside the still Waters," that is, the waters of quietness (Psalm 23). He gives quietness and rest.
3. "So He led them through the depths" (Psa_106:9).
4. "To Him which led His people through the wilderness," thanks must be given (Psa_136:16).
5. In the paths of righteousness (Psa. 23).
IV. When?
1. In day time and night. "In the day time also He led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire" (Psa_78:14).
2. Wherever I go on sea or land. "If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me" (Psa_139:8-9).
"HE LEADETH ME."
Psa_23:2.
Introduction.
Doing Without.
The three words of our text were brought to mind by a little scene witnessed.
A little child was trying to walk, the mother was tenderly watching, and held out her hand, but the child wanted to walk alone, and waved her aside. Said the mother: "She thinks she can do without me."
Independence is good in some things. It was right and proper that the wee girlie should try to walk alone.
But independence in spiritual things is disastrous. He Himself says: "Without Me ye can do nothing." What disasters often fall upon Alpine climbers who attempt to scale the heights without a guide, and without safe company. God has a large family, yet none able to walk alone.
Value of a Guide. To have a guide means not only to make sure of life, but to make the best of life. We see more of London in a week than many do in a month if we have with us a friend thoroughly acquainted with it.
"He"-"Me."
1. What a blessed companionship!
2. He, the Good Shepherd, not only gave His life for the sheep, but He gives His life to His sheep, and lives His life for His sheep.
3. "He leadeth me." Have you discovered your need of a Guide as well as Saviour?
But Where? Where does He lead?
I. He Leads to Repentance. "The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance" (Rom_2:4).
II. He Leads to Life. "Narrow is the way that leadeth to life" (Mat_7:14).
III. He Leadeth to Transfiguration (Mar_9:2).
1. "After six days Jesus taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and He was transfigured before them."
2. Jesus was transfigured.
3. And they were never the same afterwards.
4. If He is made real to us, and we behold His beauty, we are spoiled for the world.
IV. He Leads to Hidden Truths and Pleasant Surprises (Isa_42:16). Three thoughts here.
1. He will guide through difficult paths. He will
2. Guide to fresh discovery of truths. And He will
3. Guide to pleasant surprises.
SEVEN CLASSES IN THE DISCIPLES’ PRAYER.
Mat_6:9-15.
I. As Children, when we say, "Our Father."
II. As Worshippers, when we say, "Hallowed be Thy Name."
III. As Subjects, when we say, "Thy kingdom come."
IV. As Servants, when we say, "Thy will be done."
V. As Suppliants, when we say, "Give us this day," etc.
VI. As Confessors, when we say, "Forgive us," etc.
VII. As Dependents, when we say, "Deliver us," etc.
Or, as some one has put it:
I. Our Position, a son adopted, "Our Father."
II. Our Fitness, a worshipper sanctified, "Hallowed."
III. Our Allegiance, a citizen, "Thy kingdom."
IV. Our Usefulness, a servant employed, "Thy will be done."
V. Our Provision, a beggar fed, "Give us this day."
VI. Our Pardon, a sinner absolved, "Forgive us our debts."
VII. Our Safety, a pilgrim guided, "Lead us not into temptation."
VIII. Our Victory, a soldier succoured, "Deliver us from all evil."
"THEY LEFT HIM AND WENT THEIR WAY"
Mar_12:12.
"If the cap fits put it on," we say. Yes, we generally do, but the question is, how do we put it on? The Scribes and Pharisees felt our Lord’s message was for them; they put the cap on, and sought to slay our Lord. But they were unable to lay hold on Him, and then we read, "They left Him and went their way." Mark, "their way," not the Lord’s way. There is much in the Word of God about ways. There are but two ways-we are either on one or the other.
I. Own Way (Isa_53:6).
1. It is a Broad Way (Mat_7:13). In the cities the broad road is generally the best. Not so in the things of the soul. This appears to be the best, but it leads to ruin.
2. It is a Hard Way (Pro_13:15). "The way of transgressers is hard." No doubt easy for a time, but "hard" further on.
3. It is a Deceptive Way (Pro_16:25). Paul says in Rom_3:16 : "Destruction and misery are in their ways." Yes, in theirs, but not in God’s way.
II. God’s Way. "Expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly" (Act_18:26), was the mission of Aquila and Priscilla, so far as Apollos was concerned.
1. It is the Way of Salvation (Act_16:17).
2. It is the Way of Righteousness (Mat_21:32). "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness" (Psa. 23).
3. It is the Way of Peace (Luk_1:79). "My foot hath held his steps."
Application.
Can you say with Job, "His way have I kept and not declined" (Job_23:11)? If not, will you say Isa_2:3 : "Come. . . and He will teach us of His ways." To walk in "His way" we must "Come to Him." The reason they "went their ways" was because they left Him. Cling to Him at all costs.
CLEANNESS.
Job_17:9.
A very remarkable thing took place in a home some time ago. The youngest child, a boy of ten years, suddenly became solicitous about the cleanness of his hands. Each time he entered the house, he made a bee-line for the tap. The family noticed that he was not anxious about the cleanness of his neck and face, but only his hands, for the "tide-mark" on his neck remained. His elder brother inquired of him the reason for this unusual behaviour, to which he replied: "I want to be strong." "But what has the tap and the washing of your hands to do with strength?" he further inquired. "Well, it’s in the Bible," said the boy, and then he quoted the above verse. He had to be told that there was much else beside hands and bodies that required cleansing. That the Bible speaks of:
I. A Clean Conscience. "Purge your conscience" (Heb_9:14).
II. A Clean Heart. "Create in me a clean heart, O God" (Psa_51:10).
III. A Clean Mouth. For when God saves a person He captures the tongue, cleansing the mouth from obscenity and blasphemy, from filthy speaking, and improper jesting. Study the following Scriptures: Eph_5:4; Jam_5:12.
A question is: "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?" (Job_14:4). No one, but the Lord Jesus. He can.
STANDING IN THE WAY OF SINNERS.
Psa_1:1.
We clearly see the reason why we should not walk in the counsel of the ungodly by a study of the context. But we must go further. Here we are told not to stand in the way of sinners.
I. Standing in the Way with Sinners. Some do this to get them to Christ, and that is right. But the idea here is that of making acquaintances and friends and confidents of the ungodly. Walking out with them. This we must not do. Instead, make friends with God’s children.
II. Standing in the Sinner’s Way and Not God’s Way. This is a further thought. We should not travel in the way of the ungodly. "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but—." That is not the way we must go.
III. Standing in the Way of Sinners Coming to Christ. Hindering sinners coming to Christ. What a tragedy! How can we be hindrances? We can do so by being very bad samples. Bad samples do not commend the goods. No commercial traveller would ever be guilty of such conduct. Don’t be thankful for new light and not walk in it. What a hindrance is an inconsistent life.
SITTING IN THE SEAT OF THE SCORNFUL
Psa_1:1.
This is the last step in wickedness.
Sin is Progressive. I begin by walking in the counsel of the ungodly. Then I am found in the way of sinners. At last I am sitting in seat of scornful.
The Three Degrees of Sinfulness.
1. Simply ungodly-not godlike-sin by not doing.
2. Then sinners-those who step over-sin by action.
3. Then scornful-the contemplation-sin by ridiculing.
The Last State is Worst. That one who turns sacred things into ridicule has got as low as he can possibly get. He is a murderer. George M’Donald says: "Contempt is murder committed by the intellect, as hatred is murder committed by the heart."
The Seat of the Joker in Holy Things is as bad as the seat of the scornful. Never use the Word of God irreverently.
See the Connection of Scornful with the delight in the Word of God. Note Jer_15:17. Who was this one who sat not in the assembly of mockers? One who finds God’s Word the joy and rejoicing of his heart.
Questions.
1. Do you delight in the Word of God?
2. Do you meditate upon it day and night?
3. Is it the joy and rejoicing of your heart?
A TONIC FOR THE FEARFUL.
Psa_2:4.
I. Rightly considered, these verses form a tonic for the fearful.
II. How concerned we get when Divine Truth is attacked.
1. See how the Lord takes it, also Psa_37:13 and Psa_59:8.
2. Laughs at these efforts, as father laughs at the efforts of his little son to get something out of a closed hand.
3. The inspired interpretation of this is Act_4:25-28, which asserts its fulfilment in the crucifixion.
4. It will be true of the efforts during the dark days to come prior to the ushering in of the Millennium.
III. How fearful we become when we hear of wars and rumours of wars. But listen to Luk_21:28. Don’t hang your head down, but do as the Lord bids.
LIFE AS A STORY.
Psa_90:9.
This is the oldest Psalm in the Bible, and was composed by Moses during the forty years’ wandering in the wilderness. There is much that we could with profit dwell upon, but at the moment fix your attention upon Psa_90:9, as above. Life is likened to a tale that is told, not read. Those were the days when reading matter was not as common or plentiful as to-day. Consequently there were quite a number of men who were professional storytellers. These were always welcomed in military camps and in towns and villages. The metaphor is a simple yet suggestive one.
I. There are long tales and short ones, so there are long lives and there are very short ones. Of course we cannot always measure life by years, as we can measure a story by pages or inches. It is what we put into life that counts. We must look upon life as a measure to be filled and not as a goblet to be drained. It is what we put into our days and into our years that will decide the value of the life lived.
II. There are dull tales, and there are very interesting ones, so there are lives that are very hum-drum, very sober and unattractive; whereas there are lives full of change and very exciting. Of course tastes differ, and what seems drab and uninteresting to some is considered as quite opposite by others.
III. There are bad tales and there are good ones, so there are lives that are really bad, exerting a baneful influence, whereas there are lives that are boons and blessings to all. Only one life to live, and how most of us long to be as useful and helpful as possible.
IV. There are tales that have a glorious mission, whereas there are others that are constantly producing nothing but evil; so there are lives just like that. We can think of books that have produced great and beneficial results, such as "Uncle Tom’s Cabin," which contributed very largely to opening the eyes of the world to the awfulness of slavery, etc., etc.
V. How can my life be as a good and beneficial tale? There are three conditions.
1. Must have the Right Author. It takes a genius to produce a really great tale, one that will live on and on for generations. Only the Lord Jesus Christ can produce a life that is as a good, useful, and helpful tale. We must be His workmanship. We cannot do this ourselves. We must resign ourselves to His gracious and marvellous creative skill.
2. Must have the Right Hero. The quality of the book can be decided, and indeed hangs upon the quality of its hero. If Christ is the pivot and centre of our lives then all is well.
3. Must have the Right Object. A book without an object is likely to be a weak and watery one, a very flat and dull one. What is the object of your life? Are you doing everything for the glory of God? Remember the famous snippet from a great Catechism: "Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him for ever." What a great object is this! What kind of a tale is your life telling?
THE THREE B’s.
I. Bag. For my sins (Job_14:17). When reading this verse there came into mind a practice at sea-side towns of putting dogs and cats that have been condemned, into a bag, with weights, tied, and then cast into the river or sea. This the Lord does, in figure, with sins.
II. Book. For My Name (Psa_139:16; Php_4:3). What a great privilege to have our names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
III. Bottle. For our Tears (Psa_56:8). It was an Egyptian custom at funerals, for mourners to have handed to them a sponge or cloth to wipe their tears, which were wrung out into a tear bottle, and this was placed in the tomb. God takes notice of all our tears.
He knows. He loves. He cares Nothing this truth can dim.
ONE THING.
I. One Thing Lacking: The inclusiveness of the Lord’s claims (Mar_10:21).
II. One Thing Needful. The blessedness of giving the Lord our trust, love and attention (Luk_10:42).
III. One Thing Done. The value of definiteness and concentration upon the things of God (Php_3:13).
BENJAMIN: AN OLD TESTAMENT PICTURE OF SALVATION.
Genesis 43 and 44.
1. Object of his father’s special love. God loves us.
2. Bore unconsciously on his journey the evidence of his guilt. Our fallen nature, which we bear, is evidence of our fallen and guilty condition (Gen_44:2).
3. The evidence of his guilt not placed there by himself. We inherit ours.
4. Separated temporarily from his father, but in danger of that separation becoming permanent. That is our dreadful condition.
5. A Surety provided before the need arose (Gen_43:9). So with us.
6. That surety was bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh. A picture of the reality and oneness of the Lord Jesus Christ with us in our humanity.
7. Was delivered through the intercession of that surety (Gen_44:16-34).
8. The delivered one cleaves to the deliverer, for the tribe of Benjamin ever clave to Judah. A picture of the eternal gratitude of the delivered to their Deliverer.
Note. "Ye shall not see my face except," etc. (Gen_43:3). We cannot see the face of God and live, if out of Christ. God out of Christ is unintelligible, and a fear and dread. God out of Christ is a consuming fire.
TWO ESTIMATES OF THE ONE LIFE.
Gen_47:9; Gen_48:15.
These two estimates differ greatly. The first is doleful. There is a spirit of melancholy about it. It is a complaint. How illogical! If the days were evil, was it not a good thing they were but few? The secret is just this, in the former there is nothing about God. It is all Jacob. In the latter we notice a great deal more about God than about Jacob.
I. All Jacob (Gen_47:9). God left out.
1. Doleful.
2. Complaining.
3. Unreasonable.
4. Illogical.
II. All God (Gen_48:15). "The God who pastured me. … the Angel which hath redeemed me" (R.V.).
1. Triumphant.
2. Grateful.
3. Sensible.
4. Logical.
THE PLAN OF SALVATION, SHOWING THE TRINITY OF DIVINE LOVE IN ACTION.
God is
A Just God A Holy God
Who cannot clear the guilty. Who cannot associate with the impure.
But we are
Guilty. Impure.
Therefore to Stand
In the Judgment. In the Presence Chamber.
We need to be
Justified. i.e., pronounced innocent. Sanctified. i.e., made holy.
This Can only be done by
The Righteousness of Christ imputed to us. The Holiness of Christ imparted to us.
Which is
Christ’s Work for Us. Passive and Active. Suffering and Serving Christ’s Work in Us. By the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
1. The originating cause is the love of God the Father.
2. The Procuring cause is the merit of Christ the Son.
3. The efficient cause is the operation of the Holy Ghost.
4. The instrumental cause is the Word of God.
5. The receptive cause is the faith of man.
The Result.
We are
Justified. 1. From all guilt. 2. One act. 3. Perfect on believing. Sanctified. 1. In the whole man. 2. A progressive act. 3. Perfect only above.
Amen.
By an unknown author. (Copied from the Latin by the late Canon Stuart, of Canterbury. Preserved by the author of this volume in his pocket Bible for thirty years).
THREE TREES.
I. The Tree of Knowledge. Reminding us of man’s sin and ruin (Gen_2:17).
II. The Tree of Calvary. Telling us of man’s redemption (Act_10:39; Act_5:30; 1Pe_2:24).
III. The Tree of Life. Speaking to us of man’s full regeneration (Gen_2:9; Rev_2:7; Rev_22:2).
FOUR ACTIONS AND POSITIONS CONNECTED WITH TREES.
I. Adam Behind the Tree. Ruin. (Gen_3:8).
II. Jesus on a Tree. Substitution (Act_10:39).
III. Nathaniel Under a Tree. Discovery (Joh_1:48).
IV. Zacchaeus up a Tree. Appropriation (Luk_19:4).
WALKING.
I. Before God: Divine Inspection (Gen_17:1).
II. With God: Divine Companionship (Gen_5:22).
III. After God: Divine Leadership (Deu_13:4).
IV. In God: Divine Indwelling (Col_2:6). And the last includes all the others.
THE MAGNET.
The labour-saving devices in works and workshops are simply amazing. What specially took my fancy when visiting Iron and Steel Works at my native town after years of absence was the Magnetic Crane. It was just then engaged in unloading and removing a truck-load of scrap. Formerly this all had to be done by hand, a slow and laborious job. Now it was done quickly and ex-peditiously by this Magnetic Crane. Lowering an arm like a big stump, or as another has likened it, as resembling an elephant’s foot, the current was switched on, when the metal at once clung to it. Drawing it up, the crane removed itself to the desired place, whereupon the current was switched off, when down fell the metal scraps. It was done so quickly, and in such a wholesale fashion that one simply marvelled.
Our magnet is the Lord: "Unto Him shall the gathering of the people be" (Gen_49:10). A study of the word "draw" in the Word enables us to see the varied aspects of His attractiveness, and the various methods and results He has in drawing us.
I. By Teaching (Joh_12:32). "No man can come to Me except the Father. . . draw him." But do not pause; go on reading. Never separate Joh_12:44 and Joh_12:45. The significance of Joh_12:45 is that it shows how the Father is seeking to draw men to His Son, viz., by the teaching of the prophetical books and other books of the Bible, and by the ministry of the Word to-day.
II. By Sacrifice (Joh_12:32). Observe that the drawing follows the lifting up. The great attractiveness in the New Testament story is the story of the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus Christ. The great magnet is not only the Cross, nor the Gospel story, but the Lord Jesus Christ Himself on and through the Cross and in the Gospel story.
1. Suffering always appeals to our hearts.
2. Suffering for the sake of others particularly moves us.
3. Personal testimony of the effect of the story of the Cross upon us always moves us.
III. By His Beauty (Son_1:4). The Bride is taken up with the beauty of the Bridegroom. And she finds in it a great source of attraction. Observe the change from the singular to the plural. "Draw me… we will run after Thee." That means that when He draws me to Himself, others benefit, others are influenced for good through me.
IV. By His Kind and Loving Providences (Jer_31:3).
V. By and Through His Own Dear Children and Disciples. One of the interesting incidents of days long since past, was to persuade some workman in connection with the electric generating plant at the Iron Works to take an ordinary pocket knife and have it magnetised, so that it became, at anyrate for a time, a magnet. Just ordinary bits of metal, but what a change! And how this has come to ones mind as we have thought of methods the Lord has in drawing men and women to Himself. He can so fill us with Himself that we, though humble folk, both on account of His life in us, and the wonderful story of His grace we have to tell, become magnets for Him. Oh, Christian workers, ever lift Christ up! Speak of His death, and not merely of His life. You demagnetise Christianity, as all history shows, if you strike out the atoning death on the Cross.
VI. By a Shout (1Th_4:16). This is quite future. Dr. Pettingill in the American Sunday School Times, recently described an experience with a magnetic crane which greatly interested me, as I had also seen the crane. "Turn on your current, and move slowly, keeping near the ground" were the orders given to the crane driver. When this was done, I saw bits of scrap which had been lying about the ground, leap up to the magnets, cleaving to them. And more than that, I actually saw the ground itself moving, and out of the very dust came the scrap that had been mingled with it and buried beneath its surface. Out came the pieces, flying straight toward the magnet, and sticking to it together with the other pieces from the ground." Thank God, the time is coming when all His own that are in the graves, and those then alive on the earth, will together be caught up by and to the Lord. Even the buried saints will come out of their graves.
Only iron and steel scraps rose to the magnets from that Rolling Mill yard. Only those metals were caught up that partook of the same nature as the magnet. Precisely so in that Great Day coming. Only those who have become partakers of His own Divine nature through regeneration, will be caught up. The rest must wait until the Great White Throne has been set. But blessed and holy are they who shall take part in this first and glorious resurrection.
SOAP AND SODA.
Jer_2:22.
Fancy soap and soda in the Bible! Why not? These are everyday essentials for bodily health and comfort. But what about the soul? Have we performed our full duty to God and society when we have made our bodies presentable? Verily no. There are urgent spiritual necessities. (Nitre is soda.)
This verse in Jeremiah points out the inadequacy of mere reformation of life and manners. What about the record against us up on High? "Thine iniquity is marked before Me," saith the Lord. Only the precious Blood of Christ can avail for that dire need.
THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST.
Rom_5:19.
Napoleon’s Kindness. During one of the wars of Napoleon Bonaparte, after a day of fierce fighting, as night drew on, sentinels were chosen to be placed at different points of the camp to guard against surprise. They were charged, on pain of death, to keep awake and do their duty. About midnight the Emperor arose, and walked around, to find one of the sentinels asleep, his gun lying beside him. Worn out by the terrible struggle of the previous day, on being left alone, he had fallen asleep. What must be done? The sentinel’s duty must be done or he must die. Silently the Emperor picked up the gun, and, putting it to his shoulder, acted as sentinel till dawn of day.
When the soldier awoke, he was filled with alarm. But Napoleon simply handed him back his gun, bidding him be more careful in future.
You are prepared to applaud this humane act. We wish to draw attention to Another who has done much more for us. Our text refers to Him-the Lord Jesus.
I. Man’s Commission. As each soul is marched into the arena of life, God gives a commission (see Deu_10:12; Mic_6:8). Is there a single soul who can say they have executed that commission?
II. Man’s Disobedience. "I wish I could mind my God as my little dog minds me," said a little boy. That statement revealed man’s depravity.
Everything obeys the Lord.
1. Orbs of Light (Jos_10:12-14). Sun stood still.
2. Mighty Ocean (Mat_8:27). "Even the winds and seas obey Him."
3. Evil Spirits (Mar_1:27). "With authority com-mandeth He even the unclean spirits."
4. Birds of Air (1Ki_17:4). "I have commanded the ravens to feed thee."
Did we say "Everything?" Ah, there is one exception-man. What will be the end of the disobedient ones? Jos_5:6 tells us, Israel "were consumed because they obeyed not the voice of the Lord."
III. He Took our Place. The Lord Jesus
1. Not only lived a perfectly obedient life, filling up the full measure of righteousness,
2. But atoned for our disobedience.
3. Not only did what Napoleon did, but more, for He suffered for our disobedience.
4. By Napoleon’s obedience this man’s life was saved.
5. By Jesus’ obedience (obedient unto death, even death on Cross) we are saved.
IV. You are now commanded to obey the Gospel, And if you will do this, and come to Jesus, He will give you the Holy Spirit, who will enable you to live the Holy life.
THE FIVE PRECIOUS THINGS OF THE BIBLE.
1. His Word and Thoughts, Psa_139:17
2. His Redemption, Psa_49:8
3. The Life of the Believer, Psa_72:14
4. The Lips of the Well-informed, Pro_20:15
5. The Death of His People, Psa_116:15
IN HIS PRESENCE
Here and now is-
1. Sadness (His presence is a trouble when everything is not right), Neh_2:1
2. Joy, Psa_16:11
3. Power for Service for God and our fellows, Neh_2:6
WHAT CONSTITUTES TRUE GREATNESS.
"He shall be great in the sight of the Lord" (Luk_1:15).
Introduction.
Heaven’s Standard.
1. "In the sight of the Lord," not in the sight of men.
2. There is the world’s estimate of greatness, and there is God’s estimate.
3. The one greatly differs from the other.
4. The former is false and fanciful, the latter true and eternal.
5. John’s greatness was according to the standard of Heaven. In the Lord’s estimation he was a great man.
Useful not Great.
1. Some are born great, others have greatness thrust upon them.
2. Most, if not all of us, have no aspiration for earthly greatness.
3. We have not the slightest expectation of ever becoming great in a worldly sense.
4. But that is not the reason why we desire it not.
5. We sympathise much with the poet who wrote:
"Pay not thy praise to lofty things alone.
The plains are everlasting as the hills."
6. The plains are as necessary as the hills.
7. What should we do if all the globe was but a collection of hills and mountains?
8. We have no ambition for earthly greatness.
9. For one thing, greatness fills the pillow with thorns.
10. We desire rather to be useful than great.
Useful Because Great.
1. And we can be useful without earthly greatness.
2. But that is not so with respect to spiritual greatness. Note little word "and", Rom_5:17.
3. Goodness and highest usefulness is conditioned on being "great in the sight of the Lord."
4. John was good and useful because he was great in the Lord’s sight.
Four results of greatness: (1) Parents rejoice; (2) Fellows benefit; (3) Fulness of blessing; (4) Usefulness in service.
A Longing.
1. Do you not long that your parents might thank God you were ever given to them?
2. And that others of your fellows should thank God you were ever born?
3. Surely we all long for that privilege!
4. Well, all this is the outcome of becoming great in His sight.
5. Note that little word "for" and previous verse.
How to Get Power of Spirit.
1. Further, how we long to be filled with the Spirit.
2. How we long to have power in service.
3. How we long to be the instrument of the conversion of many.
4. Here you see all this is fruit of being great in His sight.
5. Do you not think there is some connection between
a. Being great in the sight of the Lord,
b. Being filled with the Holy Spirit,
c. And turning many to righteousness?
Prophecy that Came to Pass.
1. This was the prophecy of the angel who announced His birth.
2. Did the prophecy come to full fruition?
3. How many lives of promise become tragic failures?
4. Yes, listen to the words of Jesus. Looking back on the career of this man, the Lord Jesus endorsed the prophecy, declaring that it had become a fact. "Among those that are born of women there is none greater."
Elements of true Greatness.
1. If we want to know the elements of true greatness, the greatness God recognises, we do well if we turn to the life of this man.
2. Lives of great men like John remind us, we (or rather God) may make our lives sublime.
3. What was there about John worthy of such noble comment?
4. We have seven facts to bring to your notice.
5. And we make bold to declare that all the principles of John’s life, character, and service might become ours.
I. He was a Man of Noble Birth (Luk_1:5). Descendant of Aaron.
1. He was a descendant of Aaron, belonging to the priestly family.
2. What a very great honour this was I
3. He was a noble man of noble birth.
4. Well begun is half done.
Discouraged.
1. Ah, at that word you discourage me.
2. I am but of humble and lowly origin.
3. I am but one of the common folk.
4. No need now to proceed any further. But listen!
Great Soul.
1. It was said of one that, he was "a man of mean estate" yet "his soul was great."
2. So you can have a great soul.
More Noble Birth.
1. But you can be of far nobler birth than John.
2. You can have the very life of the Creator in your soul.
3. The life of the King of kings within you.
4. "Partakers of Divine nature." Can you have anything greater than that?
Greater than He.
1. If you think we are romancing, listen to the Saviour (Luk_7:28).
2. The greatness referred to here is not that of character, but that of position.
3. The contrast is drawn between being within and being without the kingdom.
4. John the Baptist only stood upon the threshold, we go right in.
5. "He that is least within the Kingdom is greater than the greatest without."
You Can Become a Relative.
1. John was a relative to Jesus.
2. You, too, can become related to Him.
II. He was an Unworldly Man (Luk_1:80). "A man clothed in soft raiment?" No. This is seen in different ways:
a. His love of solitude.
b. His plain dress.
c. His plain food.
Different Type.
1. Of course we know our type of holiness is different to that of John.
2. Concerning the dark middle ages, an historian writes: "In those days John the Baptist’s life seems to have been the ideal of holiness far more than that of the Son of Man; to renounce the common food and the common joys of humanity was deemed far nobler than to turn earth’s daily bread to Divine uses."
3. Yet according to his light, he was right.
4. He was a man who lived above the world.
III. He was a Man who had Control over his Appetites.
IV. He was a Man Filled with the Holy Spirit.
V. He was a Man with a Mission.
Born for a Purpose.
1. He was born in order to do a specific work.
2. He did not go aimlessly through life.
3. So with us.
4. Every man’s life is a plan of God.
Answered. He answered the purpose of his existence in
1. Introducing Jesus, and acting as
2. Fore-runner of Jesus.
So we:
1. Can we not make it easy for some to come to Jesus.
2. Can we not introduce others to Jesus?
VI. He was a Man Obedient to the Call.
Not Only Knew.
1. He would be told by his parents the circumstances surrounding his birth.
2. And he obeyed the call.
Abraham.
1. The call came to Abraham and the Lord said that if he would leave his home and obey the call, "I will bless thee and make thy name great."
2. Obedience, then blessing, then greatness. "Whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven" (Mat_5:19) Mark, do and teach-obedience before teaching.
VII. He was a Man of Unwavering Firmness and Courage. Not "a reed shaken with the wind."
Courage.
1. In rebuking sin, even that of King Herod.
2. He laid down his life.
Elizabeth Fry.
1. Elizabeth Fry, as a girl (born in 1780), "was of pleasing person, gentle in look and manner, loving, obedient, and possessed of an exquisite voice.
2. Yet she was timid and obstinate.
3. Yet it is said of her that "her natural timidity in after years, under Divine Grace, was transformed into a chastened courage, and her childish obstinacy, became a finely-tempered decision of character." All the result of the Holy Spirit’s presence in her life.
VIII. He was a Man on Fire for God.
IN HIS PRESENCE.
1. Salvation, Psa_42:5, marg.
2. Rest, Exo_33:14
3. Joy, Psa_16:11
4. Safety, Psa_31:20
5. Highest Communion, Psa_140:13; Son_2:11
WHAT THE LORD DOES FOR US.
Psalm 34.
1. Redeems, Psa_34:22
2. Saves, Psa_34:18
3. Hears, Psa_34:4
4. Delivers, Psa_34:4
5. Preserves, Psa_34:7
6. Deeply Interested In Us, Psa_34:15
7. Is Near, Psa_34:18
IN THE LORD THERE IS DELIVERANCE
FROM
1. Fear, Psa_34:4
2. Danger, Psa_34:7
3. Trouble, Psa_34:7
4. Afflictions, Psa_34:19
5. Death, 2Co_1:10
6. World, Gal_1:4
7. Darkness, Col_1:13
8. Wrath, 1Th_1:10
OUR INHERENT GREATNESS.
"He hath made everything beautiful in His time, also He hath set the world (eternity) in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end" (Ecc_3:11).
Introduction.
Puzzling.
1. What a puzzling and bewildering sentence is, "He hath set the world in their heart."
2. It has been a trouble to many thoughtful Christians.
3. How is it possible to believe that God is responsible for the love of the world within our hearts?
4. The fact is that the word translated "world," does not mean this material world, but duration; not place, but time.
5. R.V. margin clears away the difficulty, where it
a. Refers not to space,
b. But to duration of time.
Difficulty.
1. It is not only a difficult phrase, but difficult to understand what precise meaning is to be attached to these words, and connection with context.
2. Ecclesiastes is the autobiography of a backslider, and therefore we need not wonder at its haziness. Get away from God and you will soon get hazy views, soon be in a fog, in a spiritual fog of your own creating, and floundering about.
Not Transient.
1. He has been speaking of the change and decay he saw in all around.
2. He was gloomily meditating on the transitory character of all earthly things.
3. But it was then he declared that man is not a transient creature, for he has eternity in his heart, i.e., is eternal, and is conscious of the fact.
4. He is an immortal being, or better, an endless being.
Inherent Greatness.
1. We were reminded of these verses when reading Carlyle on "Greatness:" "Man’s unhappiness, as I construe, comes of his greatness: it is because there is an Infinite in him, which, with all his cunning, he cannot quite bury under the Finite" (Sartor Resartus).
2. That is to say, man is naturally great-there is eternity within him.
3. In a former study we were thinking of greatness in His sight (Luk_1:15).
4. That was a greatness made possible through Redemption.
5. We are now thinking of our inherent greatness.
6. This side is often neglected.
7. We generally leave it to the Materialists and Rationalists to declare.
8. But we must rescue it from such sordid surroundings and place it in its rightful evangelical setting.
The Beautiful World. The sense of beauty is one of the things that allies us to God. God must be glad when one loves His world so much.
Three Thoughts Suggested by Text.
1. The world in the heart-a sad and woeful fact.
2. Eternity in the heart-a glorious and blessed fact.
3. The Eternal One in the heart-a marvellous possibility for all.
Another Way of Putting It. But in order to bring out the fact of man’s greatness, let me put it another way.
I. Man’s Greatness Proved beyond Doubt by the Fact that, though the World is in his Heart, he is not Satisfied.
A Sad Fact.
1. The world is in our hearts by nature, by our natural birth; not only are we in the world, but the world is in us.
2. Of that we are only too conscious; even Christians sometimes discover this to be so.
3. We are so occupied with the world that many have no time for Divine things.
4. We are so taken up with thoughts and cares of worldly things, and so exercised concerning them, that many have little heart for eternal things.
Blackwood.
1. Sir Arthur Blackwood discovered this.
2. During the Crimea War he became serious and decided for God.
3. But on his return home he found it very difficult to keep on in the good way in the whirl of social life.
4. Under date April and May, in 1856, he writes: "Troublous times-undecided-world in my heart-God in my conscience."
5. Take those four sharp, finely cut sentences-what a portrait of many a one.
a. Troublous times. First experience of one who faces the current.
b. Undecided. Halting between two opinions.
c. World in my heart. Ah, that’s the tragic fact; the magnet is there!
d. God in my conscience. A troubled conscience. Who Put it There?
1. Not God.
2. "An enemy hath done this."
Result.
1. Does the world in the heart satisfy it? No!
2. "Man’s unhappiness comes of his greatness."
3. Great though the world is, man is too great for it to satisfy him.
4. He has a hunger for eternal things.
5. Only eternal things can satisfy him.
6. The worldling tries to satisfy the craving of his being for eternal things by the material, yet is like the prodigal at the swine trough.
Solomon.
1. Solomon is an illustration.
2. Getting away from God, he sought satisfaction in wisdom, learning, letters, science, wealth, etc.
3. But "vanity of vanities, all is vanity," was his verdict.
II. Man’s Greatness is Proved beyond Question in that Though in the World, he has Deeply Rooted in him the Thought and Fact of Eternity.
Revised Version.
1. That is the teaching of the rendering of the R.V.
2. It suggests four thoughts: (1) Consciousness; (2) Fact; (3) Longing; and (3) Dread of Eternity.
Everlasting Problem.
1. "If a man die shall he live again," is the question in Job.
2. This is the everlasting problem.
3. "He thinks he was not made to die." Ah, how sure!
Solution.
1. Revelation and reason give incontestible proofs of immortality.
2. But there is another-intuition.
3. God not only has made man immortal, but: He has put the consciousness of immortality within our hearts.
4. He made us eternal, and put within us the consciousness of that fact.
Only Beings.
1. "We are the only beings on earth who can speak the Word or think the thought of eternity." Ponder on that phrase.
2. God has put the consciousness of eternity in our hearts.
3. And now the Gospel has cleared away all mists. "Life and immortality has been brought to light through the Gospel."
Burns.
1. James Drummond Burns was in poor health for 20 years.
2. His last words were: "I have been dying for 20 years; now I am going to live."
Shell from the Sea-shore.
1. Man, so small, so tiny, that from a hill-top he appears but as a speck in the valley below, yet within him the roar of the infinite sea of eternity is for ever sound ing.
2. Just as a man will pick up a shell from the sea-shore and carry it 3000 miles inland, and listening, he hears the beating music of the waves that made it so.
3. O man, no matter how far thou hast wandered from God, in thy heart is the passion of Deity, the sounding of the billows of eternity!
4. The whirl and noise of day may silence that music, but in the silence of the night there comes back the call of the infinite. It is a call that surges through him.
III. Man’s Greatness Proved by the Fact that though in the World, he has a Heart that the Eternal One Claims and can Fill.
Has Man the Capacity?
1. Has he the capacity of becoming the Sanctuary of the Lord?
2. Those who know anything about the Bible know such is its teaching.
3. And those who know anything of the human heart know this is so.
How to get rid of World. The only way of getting rid of the world in the heart is by letting the heart’s rightful Guest in.
How to get Peace.
1. If God is in your conscience-troubling you. The precious Blood of Christ and
2. God in the heart will bring peace.
Too Big for World. We are too big for the world. The world cannot fill our hearts and lives.
A MISSIONARY’S EQUIPMENT.
2Ki_4:10.
This woman, great in soul, and probably in wealth, suggested to her husband sacrificing the most cherished part of the Eastern home for the comfort of the prophet Elisha. Her husband seconded the handsome proposition, and it was carried into effect. It is interesting to note the articles of furniture she considered necessary for the prophet’s comfort. In what they remind us of we have the essentials for home and foreign missionary work. Unless we possess what these articles stand for, we cannot be useful workers for the Lord.
I. Bed. Which speaks to us of rest. This is the first necessity. In fact, if we do not enjoy rest from the burden of guilt and an uneasy conscience, we cannot be workers. Only Christ can give rest. Does He not say, "Come unto Me… and I will give you rest?"
II. Table. Which speaks to us of communion. Communion with Christ should follow receiving from Him rest. Pray note, not the table first, and then rest. No; that would never do. And yet there are many who teach that this is the proper order. Such say, "Unless we partake of the Sacrament we cannot be saved." Neither the Lord Jesus nor any of the apostles taught this! We refuse to re-arrange these articles to please anyone. God’s order must be observed. At the same time, may we not urge upon those who have rest, the necessity of the table of the Lord! It is our duty and privilege to go to the Lord’s Table to remember the Lord’s death till He come.
Then again, now that rest is your enjoyment, do not forget that He desires you to have communion and blessed fellowship with Him day by day; that is, the table to follow the bed. Do not come short of His purposes, nor be satisfied with anything less than His best.
III. Stool. This comes third, and speaks to us of discipleship. How important it is that we should frequently sit at His feet to be taught of Him. What about the daily devotional study of the Scriptures? Then what about the daily closer study of some portion of the Holy Book? Ah, the discipleship position is important. This will fit us for the fourth.
IV. Candlestick. This speaks to us of witness-bearing, shining for Jesus in the dark and gloomy places, where our light is most needed.
KISSING.
"Kiss the Son" (Psa_2:12).
Introduction. Kissing in Oriental countries has a much greater significance than in the West. On that account, reference to that act in the Bible deserve a closer study than is usually given.
The Power of a Kiss. A woman prisoner was being taken from one prison to another loaded with chains, because she was so rebellious that nothing seemingly could be done with her. The matron of the prison she had been sent to refused to receive the new charge unless the chains were removed. This was done, whereupon the matron kissed the female prisoner, who broke completely down at this unexpected and undeserved welcome, and led to her complete transformation, so much so, that later she became a successful Christian worker. The Divine goodness is designed to lead us to repentance.
The Cost of a Kiss. When the Princess Alice died, it fell to the lot of Gladstone to move in the House of Commons a vote of sympathy. In doing so, he told how she came to her end. Her little child was ill with diphtheria. The doctor told her that, on no account must she kiss the child. In a paroxysm of pain, she picked her little one up in her arms. She became conscious, and said, "Mamma, kiss me!" What could a mother do in the face of such an appeal from a loved suffering one? She knew what it might mean, but could not do otherwise, and gave the loving kiss.
Does not this remind us of Christ’s great act of love. He thought not of the cost. He knew that, coming into contact with a sin-diseased world meant death. And He died, and in dying for us took away our sin. But that great act of His love was not in vain, for us, as was Princess Alice’s loving act. It has meant for millions, as it has meant for many a believer to-day, health and salvation.
I. The Kiss of Subjection (Psa_2:12). This is one of the many Messianic Psalms, and is full of Christ. Here is inspired good advice: "Kiss the Son." It is the kiss of subjection that is meant here, the kind of kiss given by a subject to a prince, or by a captive to his captor, and what a sinner should give to the Saviour. It signifies the surrender of the will, a vital condition of salvation, and indeed of every spiritual blessing. Did we say, inspired good advice? Rather, an inspired command. It is imperative. And why? "Lest He be angry." Yes, that is true, for there is not only the love of the Lamb, and the Blood of the Lamb, but also the wrath of the Lamb. Our God and Saviour knows what wrath is, because He is Love. Kiss the Son lest ye perish!
II. The Kiss of Pardon (Luk_15:20). This follows the kiss of subjection, and indeed is the beginning of all good. It could be rendered, "He kissed him again and again." What a surprising gift was this! Note:
1. It followed the return, which was the sign and proof of real genuine repentance.
2. It was given before the prodigal could say a word. Though he had prepared a speech, not a syllable was uttered until the Father kissed the returned prodigal. Wondrous grace!
3. It was bestowed on the prodigal whilst yet in his rags and dirt. Therefore entirely unmerited. He was not asked first to make himself presentable ere the kiss could be given.
4. It was followed by the bestowal of other gifts, and never stands alone. This, the first blessing, is always followed by other mercies and blessings.
III. The Kiss of Affection and Communion. (Son_1:2). Only returned ones, who are pardoned and clothed and restored to friendship, can be expected to love. And they alone can be admitted into friendship and fellowship with God and His Christ.
THE SATISFIED LIFE.
"Full of years" (Gen_25:8).
This is a choice and suggestive phrase. It is not synoni-mous for longevity. Abraham lived to be 175; Isaiah, 180; Job, 140; David, 70; Jehoida, 130 (2Ch_24:15); yet same expression is used for all. Read "satisfied" for "full"-really its meaning-and you have the true meaning of the term. And he acted like a satisfied man. No desperate clinging to life, no unwillingness to go. He was like one who, having had enough at the table, blesses the Giver of the feast, pushes back his chair, gets up, and goes away without a struggle, or with out the least resistance-satisfied!
What had he got? He went out of Mesopotamia expecting a country and a nation. But he dies with no possession save a grave, and with no further sight of posterity than his son Isaac, and his two grandsons, who were fifteen years old when he died. Then why was Abraham satisfied and not sickened with life? He lived the following life- a life:
1. Filled with God (Psa_105:40; Psa_107:9).
2. He lived in enjoyment of the unmerited favour of God. "Satisfied with favour" (Deu_33:23). His faith was counted for righteousness.
3. He daily received the mercies of God (Psa_90:14).
4. He lived a life of trust in God. Is noted for his faith.
5. He lived a life of communion with God, in spite of many hindrances.
6. He lived a life of busy service for God.
7. And he lived in the full certainty of going to God. Ponder over the phrase, "Gathered to his people."
WE MUST DELIGHT OURSELVES
1. In God Himself, Psa_37:4
2. In His Word, Psa_1:2; Psa_119:24
3. In His Service, Psa_40:8
4. In Prayer, Isa_58:2
Then what a joy to learn that God will delight in us (Psa_37:23; Pro_11:20; Pro_12:22).
WALKING OUT WITH HIM.
"Can two walk together except they be agreed?"
Amo_3:3.
Introduction. Have you ever grasped the significance of this statement? In one part of the North of England, it is customary when announcing the courtship of a couple to say: "So-and-so are walking out together." That is the very phrase used here, as descriptive of a wonderful possibility for man. It is a sublime conception of the Christian life. To be a Christian means more than to accept a Creed, or even to accept a living Christ, it means to walk out with God day by day and all our days. Walkout with Him! Oh, the sublimity of this figure of speech. But there are essentials. Prior to walking out with Him we must agree regarding certain facts. There must be four prior agreements.
I. Agreement as to Place. That is the place of meeting. He has made an appointment for sinners, and that is that they should meet Him in grace at the Cross of our Lord Jesus. That is the place of meeting. Will you keep the appointment? If not, another appointment will be made-at the Great White Throne, in Judgment.
II. Agreement as to Goal. Agreeing that the glory of God be the aim, and motive of life; and by-and-by, Heaven.
III. Agreement as to Pace. Keeping step with the Master, neither lagging behind nor going on ahead. Walking at the same pace. Ask Him to take your hand, and then you will walk together.
IV. Agreement as to Cost. A walk with God is costly. It means many a persecution, many a sorrow, many a tear, but very much joy, and His smile.
Is such a life possible? Enoch lived that life, without the wonderful helps that are ours in Christ Jesus, and for three hundred years, too, till God took him.
"Do the converts stand?" inquired someone of Gipsy Smith. At once he replied, "No, they don’t stand-they walk! They keep going!" For they walk with Him.
BROUGHT
1. Low, Psa_116:6
2. Up, Psa_40:2
3. Out, Psa_107:14
4. Into, Psa_18:19
5. On, 2Co_1:16
SLITHERING THROUGH LIFE.
"Then Jacob lift up his feet" (Gen_29:1, margin).
"Slithering" is quite a North Country word. You see a person going along dragging his feet-that is slithering. Some do this out of sheer habit-certainly a very bad habit. Such soon wear their boots out, and other people’s patience too. Some drag their feet because of sad and sorrowful spirits. Much had just happened to Jacob to make his feet heavy as lead. He had deceived his father, robbed his twin brother, and had been compelled to flee for his life. All this is recorded in Gen. 28. It is a sad chapter. Was Jacob to go "slithering" through life? No. God took measures to save him from that dread disaster.
Jacob "went out" (Gen_28:10) of the home and encampment. No doubt he would go out alone, unattended, so as not to arouse his brother’s suspicions. After travelling about forty miles of mountainous country, he reached a rocky valley, with stones piled up like a huge stone staircase. As he lay down and slept, it seemed as if the stones of the valley were being builded together, by unseen hands, into a stair, till it reached the deep blue-spangled sky. He saw the angels of God ascending and descending, and there by his side (see R.V.) the Lord. Jacob had been so full of his own activities, plannings, and schem-ings, that the only time God could get his attention was when he was asleep. What did this vision do for Jacob?
I. It Banished Mere Earthliness. "Top. . . reached to Heaven."
Worm.
1. It is not likely that Jacob would be cherishing any lofty thoughts for he was a fugitive.
2. He had been grovelling like a worm on earth with but few thoughts beyond; this vision lifts his eyes from the low level.
3. There had been little traffic between his soul and heaven; the vision shows him a path from his very side right into its depths. He calls it "gate of Heaven." The gate is the busiest place of a city, not only the entrance but the gathering place.
4. "Fear not thou worm Jacob." Too often he was like the worm grovelling in the earth when he ought to have been like the butterfly, flitting through sunlit gardens.
Staircase.
1. What that ladder was to Jacob, Jesus is to us.
2. Indeed in Joh_1:51 He declares it was a type of Himself.
3. Jesus is:
a. Our connecting link with Heaven.
b. All blessings come to us along that way.
c. Every child of man has the ladder right at his feet.
II. It Banished Loneliness. "Angels of God ascending and descending."
1. He thought himself alone, but the vision peoples the wilderness.
2. Note, "ascending and descending," not descending and ascending,. teaching earth was their home.
3. Solitary, far away from his beloved mother, he found himself cared for by angels.
III. It Banished Spiritual Forlornness. He thought he was forlorn, but, lo, he found he was not alone. Don’t stop at angels!
1. He saw "angels." Yes, but he saw Someone else- Lord.
2. Oh, never allow angels to shut out the Lord! Where was the Lord?
1. Not "above it," as A.V., but "beside him" (R.V., marg.)
2. Perhaps he thought he had left God in father’s encampment.
3. Or that God had forsaken him because of his sin.
4. Oh, the blessed thought of the nearness of the Lord!
5. How God comforts the lonely and forsaken.
6. He is by your side, oh sad and lonely one!
IV. It Banished Helplessness.
1. He had felt himself defenceless in that wild and dangerous region.
2. The vision musters armies for his safety.
3. Yea, better still, the God of armies (Gen_29:15).
V. It Banished Aimlessness.
1. God took him into partnership with Himself (Gen_29:13-15).
2. He would realise that he was partner with God in the fulfilment of the Divine purpose.
3. He now had an object in life.
VI. It Banished Ignorance (Gen_29:17).
1. It revealed to him his sin.
2. It is an eloquent testimony of man’s consciousness of sin, that whenever a present God becomes a reality to a worldly man he trembles.
VII. It Banished Homelessness (Gen_29:17).
1. He was driven away from his father’s house, but he got to know of God’s house.
2. Jacob loved home more than Esau. He was a lover of home.
3. This vision taught him that earth, "which we are too apt to make a workshop or a mere garden of pleasure, is a Bethel-a house of God."
4. Note:
a. Luz. Separation from the world.
b. Bethel. Adoption into God’s house, God’s family, House of God.
c. Peniel. Fellowship and knowledge of God. Face of God.
5. Oh, the horrid bargaining Jacob indulged it. We won’t end there.
VIII. It Banished Sluggishness (chap. Gen_29:1).
1. Margin, "Lift up his feet."
2. Not drag his feet.
3. How our feet drag when our hearts are sad and heavy.
4. Blessed by contact, abiding contact with God, he resumed his way with a light heart and elastic step.
5. There is a spirit of cheerfulness about it.
6. So may we go through life.
7. And those who, by Divine grace refuse to slither through life become the means of blessings to others.
Autor: James Smith