home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Bible Heaven
/
Bible Heaven.iso
/
online
/
mhcc00
/
v01800
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1994-03-01
|
5KB
|
79 lines
01806
#57-66 In these verses we have an account of the birth of John
the Baptist, and the great joy among all the relations of the
family. He shall be called Johanan, or "Gracious," because he
shall bring in the gospel of Christ, wherein God's grace shines
most bright. Zacharias recovered his speech. Unbelief closed his
mouth, and believing opened it again: he believes, therefore he
speaks. When God opens our lips, our mouths must show forth his
praise; and better be without speech, than not use it in
praising God. It is said, The hand of the Lord was working with
John. God has ways of working on children in their infancy,
which we cannot account for. We should observe the dealings of
God, and wait the event.
01816
#67-80 Zacharias uttered a prophecy concerning the kingdom and
salvation of the Messiah. The gospel brings light with it; in it
the day dawns. In John the Baptist it began to break, and
increased apace to the perfect day. The gospel is discovering;
it shows that about which we were utterly in the dark; it is to
give light to those that sit in darkness, the light of the
knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. It is
reviving; it brings light to those that sit in the shadow of
death, as condemned prisoners in the dungeon. It is directing;
it is to guide our feet in the way of peace, into that way which
will bring us to peace at last, #Ro 3:17|. John gave proofs of
strong faith, vigorous and holy affections, and of being above
the fear and love of the world. Thus he ripened for usefulness;
but he lived a retired life, till he came forward openly as the
forerunner of the Messiah. Let us follow peace with all men, as
well as seek peace with God and our own consciences. And if it
be the will of God that we live unknown to the world, still let
us diligently seek to grow strong in the grace of Jesus Christ.
01830
* The birth of Christ. (1-7) It is made known to the shepherds.
(8-20) Christ presented in the temple. (21-24) Simeon prophesies
concerning Jesus. (25-35) Anna prophesies concerning him.
(36-40) Christ with the learned men in the temple. (41-52)
#1-7 The fulness of time was now come, when God would send forth
his Son, made of a woman, and made under the law. The
circumstances of his birth were very mean. Christ was born at an
inn; he came into the world to sojourn here for awhile, as at an
inn, and to teach us to do likewise. We are become by sin like
an outcast infant, helpless and forlorn; and such a one was
Christ. He well knew how unwilling we are to be meanly lodged,
clothed, or fed; how we desire to have our children decorated
and indulged; how apt the poor are to envy the rich, and how
prone the rich to disdain the poor. But when we by faith view
the Son of God being made man and lying in a manger, our vanity,
ambition, and envy are checked. We cannot, with this object
rightly before us, seek great things for ourselves or our
children.
01837
#8-20 Angels were heralds of the new-born Saviour, but they were
only sent to some poor, humble, pious, industrious shepherds,
who were in the business of their calling, keeping watch over
their flock. We are not out of the way of Divine visits, when we
are employed in an honest calling, and abide with God in it. Let
God have the honour of this work; Glory to God in the highest.
God's good-will to men, manifested in sending the Messiah,
redounds to his praise. Other works of God are for his glory,
but the redemption of the world is for his glory in the highest.
God's goodwill in sending the Messiah, brought peace into this
lower world. Peace is here put for all that good which flows to
us from Christ's taking our nature upon him. This is a faithful
saying, attested by an innumerable company of angels, and well
worthy of all acceptation, That the good-will of God toward men,
is glory to God in the highest, and peace on the earth. The
shepherds lost no time, but came with haste to the place. They
were satisfied, and made known abroad concerning this child,
that he was the Saviour, even Christ the Lord. Mary carefully
observed and thought upon all these things, which were so suited
to enliven her holy affections. We should be more delivered from
errors in judgment and practice, did we more fully ponder these
things in our hearts. It is still proclaimed in our ears that to
us is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord. These should be glad
tidings to all.