Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc00/v01450

Text File | 1994-03-02 | 6KB | 107 lines

01457
 #13-16 Some parents or nurses brought little children to Christ,
 that he should touch them, in token of his blessing them. It
 does not appear that they needed bodily cures, nor were they
 capable of being taught: but those who had the care of them
 believed that Christ's blessing would do their souls good;
 therefore they brought them to him. Jesus ordered that they
 should be brought to him, and that nothing should be said or
 done to hinder it. Children should be directed to the Saviour as
 soon as they are able to understand his words. Also, we must
 receive the kingdom of God as little children; we must stand
 affected to Christ and his grace, as little children to their
 parents, nurses, and teachers.

01461
 #17-22 This young ruler showed great earnestness. He asked what
 he should do now, that he might be happy for ever. Most ask for
 good to be had in this world; any good, #Ps 4:6|; he asks for
 good to be done in this world, in order to enjoy the greatest
 good in the other world. Christ encouraged this address by
 assisting his faith, and by directing his practice. But here is
 a sorrowful parting between Jesus and this young man. He asks
 Christ what he shall do more than he has done, to obtain eternal
 life; and Christ puts it to him, whether he has indeed that firm
 belief of, and that high value for eternal life which he seems
 to have. Is he willing to bear a present cross, in expectation
 of future crown? The young man was sorry he could not be a
 follower of Christ upon easier terms; that he could not lay hold
 on eternal life, and keep hold of his worldly possessions too.
 He went away grieved. See #Mt 6:24|, Ye cannot serve God and
 mammon.

01467
 #23-31 Christ took this occasion to speak to his disciples about
 the difficulty of the salvation of those who have abundance of
 this world. Those who thus eagerly seek the wealth of the world,
 will never rightly prize Christ and his grace. Also, as to the
 greatness of the salvation of those who have but little of this
 world, and leave it for Christ. The greatest trial of a good
 man's constancy is, when love to Jesus calls him to give up love
 to friends and relatives. Even when gainers by Christ, let them
 still expect to suffer for him, till they reach heaven. Let us
 learn contentment in a low state, and to watch against the love
 of riches in a high one. Let us pray to be enabled to part with
 all, if required, in Christ's service, and to use all we are
 allowed to keep in his service.

01476
 #32-45 Christ's going on with his undertaking for the salvation
 of mankind, was, is, and will be, the wonder of all his
 disciples. Worldly honour is a glittering thing, with which the
 eyes of Christ's own disciples have many times been dazzled. Our
 care must be, that we may have wisdom and grace to know how to
 suffer with him; and we may trust him to provide what the
 degrees of our glory shall be. Christ shows them that dominion
 was generally abused in the world. If Jesus would gratify all
 our desires, it would soon appear that we desire fame or
 authority, and are unwilling to taste of his cup, or to have his
 baptism; and should often be ruined by having our prayers
 answered. But he loves us, and will only give his people what is
 good for them.

01490
 #46-52 Bartimaeus had heard of Jesus and his miracles, and
 learning that he was passing by, hoped to recover his eyesight.
 In coming to Christ for help and healing, we should look to him
 as the promised Messiah. The gracious calls Christ gives us to
 come to him, encourage our hope, that if we come to him we shall
 have what we come for. Those who would come to Jesus, must cast
 away the garment of their own sufficiency, must free themselves
 from every weight, and the sin that, like long garments, most
 easily besets them, #Heb 12:1|. He begged that his eyes might be
 opened. It is very desirable to be able to earn our bread; and
 where God has given men limbs and senses, it is a shame, by
 foolishness and slothfulness, to make themselves, in effect,
 blind and lame. His eyes were opened. Thy faith has made thee
 whole: faith in Christ as the Son of David, and in his pity and
 power; not thy repeated words, but thy faith; Christ setting thy
 faith to work. Let sinners be exhorted to imitate blind
 Bartimaeus. Where the gospel is preached, or the written words of
 truth circulated, Jesus is passing by, and this is the
 opportunity. It is not enough to come to Christ for spiritual
 healing, but, when we are healed, we must continue to follow
 him; that we may honour him, and receive instruction from him.
 Those who have spiritual eyesight, see that beauty in Christ
 which will draw them to run after him.
01497
 * Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. (1-11) The barren
 fig-tree cursed, The temple cleansed. (12-18) Prayer in faith.
 (19-26) The priests and elders questioned concerning John the
 Baptist. (27-33)

 #1-11 Christ's coming into Jerusalem thus remarkably, shows that
 he was not afraid of the power and malice of his enemies. This
 would encourage his disciples who were full of fear. Also, that
 he was not disquieted at the thoughts of his approaching
 sufferings. But all marked his humiliation; and these matters
 teach us not to mind high things, but to condescend to those of
 low estate. How ill it becomes Christians to take state, when
 Christ was so far from claiming it! They welcomed his person;
 Blessed is he that cometh, the "He that should come," so often
 promised, so long expected; he comes in the name of the Lord.
 Let him have our best affections; he is a blessed Saviour, and
 brings blessings to us, and blessed be He that sent him. Praises
 be to our God, who is in the highest heavens, over all, God
 blessed for ever.