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1994-03-02
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02405
#31-35 Christ, in calling Herod a fox, gave him his true
character. The greatest of men were accountable to God,
therefore it became him to call this proud king by his own name;
but it is not an example for us. I know, said our Lord, that I
must die very shortly; when I die, I shall be perfected, I shall
have completed my undertaking. It is good for us to look upon
the time we have before us as but little, that we may thereby be
quickened to do the work of the day in its day. The wickedness
of persons and places which more than others profess religion
and relation to God, especially displeases and grieves the Lord
Jesus. The judgment of the great day will convince unbelievers;
but let us learn thankfully to welcome, and to profit by all who
come in the name of the Lord, to call us to partake of his great
salvation.
02410
* Christ heals a man on the sabbath. (1-6) He teaches humility.
(7-14) Parable of the great supper. (15-24) The necessity of
consideration and self-denial. (25-35)
#1-6 This Pharisee, as well as others, seems to have had an ill
design in entertaining Jesus at his house. But our Lord would
not be hindered from healing a man, though he knew a clamour
would be raised at his doing it on the sabbath. It requires care
to understand the proper connection between piety and charity in
observing the sabbath, and the distinction between works of real
necessity and habits of self-indulgence. Wisdom from above,
teaches patient perseverance in well-doing.
02416
#7-14 Even in the common actions of life, Christ marks what we
do, not only in our religious assemblies, but at our tables. We
see in many cases, that a man's pride will bring him low, and
before honour is humility. Our Saviour here teaches, that works
of charity are better than works of show. But our Lord did not
mean that a proud and unbelieving liberality should be rewarded,
but that his precept of doing good to the poor and afflicted
should be observed from love to him.
02424
#15-24 In this parable observe the free grace and mercy of God
shining in the gospel of Christ, which will be food and a feast
for the soul of a man that knows its own wants and miseries. All
found some pretence to put off their attendance. This reproves
the Jewish nation for their neglect of the offers of Christ's
grace. It shows also the backwardness there is to close with the
gospel call. The want of gratitude in those who slight gospel
offers, and the contempt put upon the God of heaven thereby,
justly provoke him. The apostles were to turn to the Gentiles,
when the Jews refused the offer; and with them the church was
filled. The provision made for precious souls in the gospel of
Christ, has not been made in vain; for if some reject, others
will thankfully accept the offer. The very poor and low in the
world, shall be as welcome to Christ as the rich and great; and
many times the gospel has the greatest success among those that
labour under worldly disadvantages and bodily infirmities.
Christ's house shall at last be filled; it will be so when the
number of the elect is completed.
02434
#25-35 Though the disciples of Christ are not all crucified, yet
they all bear their cross, and must bear it in the way of duty.
Jesus bids them count upon it, and then consider of it. Our
Saviour explains this by two similitudes; the former showing
that we must consider the expenses of our religion; the latter,
that we must consider the perils of it. Sit down and count the
cost; consider it will cost the mortifying of sin, even the most
beloved lusts. The proudest and most daring sinner cannot stand
against God, for who knows the power of his anger? It is our
interest to seek peace with him, and we need not send to ask
conditions of peace, they are offered to us, and are highly to
our advantage. In some way a disciple of Christ will be put to
the trial. May we seek to be disciples indeed, and be careful
not to grow slack in our profession, or afraid of the cross;
that we may be the good salt of the earth, to season those
around us with the savour of Christ.
02445
* Parables of the lost sheep, and the piece of silver. (1-10)
The prodigal son, his wickedness and distress. (11-16) His
repentance and pardon. (17-24) The elder brother offended.
(25-32)
#1-10 The parable of the lost sheep is very applicable to the
great work of man's redemption. The lost sheep represents the
sinner as departed from God, and exposed to certain ruin if not
brought back to him, yet not desirous to return. Christ is
earnest in bringing sinners home. In the parable of the lost
piece of silver, that which is lost, is one piece, of small
value compared with the rest. Yet the woman seeks diligently
till she finds it. This represents the various means and methods
God makes use of to bring lost souls home to himself, and the
Saviour's joy on their return to him. How careful then should we
be that our repentance is unto salvation!