Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc00/v02200

Text File | 1994-03-02 | 6KB | 111 lines

02200
 #43-50 This prediction of Christ's sufferings was plain enough,
 but the disciples would not understand it, because it agreed not
 with their notions. A little child is the emblem by which Christ
 teaches us simplicity and humility. What greater honour can any
 man attain to in this world, than to be received by men as a
 messenger of God and Christ; and to have God and Christ own
 themselves received and welcomed in him! If ever any society of
 Christians in this world, had reason to silence those not of
 their own communion, the twelve disciples at this time had; yet
 Christ warned them not to do the like again. Those may be found
 faithful followers of Christ, and may be accepted of him, who do
 not follow with us.

02208
 #51-56 The disciples did not consider that the conduct of the
 Samaritans was rather the effect of national prejudices and
 bigotry, than of enmity to the word and worship of God; and
 through they refused to receive Christ and his disciples, they
 did not ill use or injure them, so that the case was widely
 different from that of Ahaziah and Elijah. Nor were they aware
 that the gospel dispensation was to be marked by miracles of
 mercy. But above all, they were ignorant of the prevailing
 motives of their own hearts, which were pride and carnal
 ambition. Of this our Lord warned them. It is easy for us to
 say, Come, see our zeal for the Lord! and to think we are very
 faithful in his cause, when we are seeking our own objects, and
 even doing harm instead of good to others.

02214
 #57-62 Here is one that is forward to follow Christ, but seems
 to have been hasty and rash, and not to have counted the cost.
 If we mean to follow Christ, we must lay aside the thoughts of
 great things in the world. Let us not try to join the profession
 of Christianity, with seeking after worldly advantages. Here is
 another that seems resolved to follow Christ, but he begs a
 short delay. To this man Christ first gave the call; he said to
 him, Follow me. Religion teaches us to be kind and good, to show
 piety at home, and to requite our parents; but we must not make
 these an excuse for neglecting our duty to God. Here is another
 that is willing to follow Christ, but he must have a little time
 to talk with his friends about it, and to set in order his
 household affairs, and give directions concerning them. He
 seemed to have worldly concerns more upon his heart than he
 ought to have, and he was willing to enter into a temptation
 leading him from his purpose of following Christ. No one can do
 any business in a proper manner, if he is attending to other
 things. Those who begin with the work of God, must resolve to go
 on, or they will make nothing of it. Looking back, leads to
 drawing back, and drawing back is to perdition. He only that
 endures to the end shall be saved.
02220
 * Seventy disciples sent forth. (1-16) The blessedness of
 Christ's disciples. (17-24) The good Samaritan. (25-37) Jesus at
 the house of Martha and Mary. (38-42)

 #1-16 Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they
 might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the
 gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a Saviour;
 and he will surely come in the power of his Spirit to all places
 whither he sends his faithful servants. But the doom of those
 who receive the grace of God in vain, will be very fearful. Those
 who despise the faithful ministers of Christ, who think meanly
 of them, and look scornfully upon them, will be reckoned as
 despisers of God and Christ.
02236
 #17-24 All our victories over Satan, are obtained by power
 derived from Jesus Christ, and he must have all the praise. But
 let us beware of spiritual pride, which has been the destruction
 of many. Our Lord rejoiced at the prospect of the salvation of
 many souls. It was fit that particular notice should be taken of
 that hour of joy; there were few such, for He was a man of
 sorrows: in that hour in which he saw Satan fall, and heard of
 the good success of his ministers, in that hour he rejoiced. He
 has ever resisted the proud, and given grace to the humble. The
 more simply dependent we are on the teaching, help, and blessing
 of the Son of God, the more we shall know both of the Father and
 of the Son; the more blessed we shall be in seeing the glory,
 and hearing the words of the Divine Saviour; and the more useful
 we shall be made in promoting his cause.

02244
 #25-37 If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a
 careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will
 ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure,
 spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace.
 But the proud heart of man strives hard against these
 convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress,
 relieved by a good Samaritan. This poor man fell among thieves,
 who left him about to die of his wounds. He was slighted by
 those who should have been his friends, and was cared for by a
 stranger, a Samaritan, of the nation which the Jews most
 despised and detested, and would have no dealings with. It is
 lamentable to observe how selfishness governs all ranks; how
 many excuses men will make to avoid trouble or expense in
 relieving others. But the true Christian has the law of love
 written in his heart. The Spirit of Christ dwells in him;
 Christ's image is renewed in his soul. The parable is a
 beautiful explanation of the law of loving our neighbour as
 ourselves, without regard to nation, party, or any other
 distinction. It also sets forth the kindness and love of God our
 Saviour toward sinful, miserable men. We were like this poor,
 distressed traveller. Satan, our enemy, has robbed us, and
 wounded us: such is the mischief sin has done us. The blessed
 Jesus had compassion on us. The believer considers that Jesus
 loved him, and gave his life for him, when an enemy and a rebel;
 and having shown him mercy, he bids him go and do likewise. It
 is the duty of us all, in our places, and according to our
 ability, to succour, help, and relieve all that are in distress
 and necessity.