Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc27/v27150

Text File | 1994-03-01 | 4KB | 73 lines

27156
 #23-26 In this world of sin and sorrow, ending soon in death and
 judgement, how foolish for men to glory in their knowledge,
 health, strength, riches, or in any thing which leaves them
 under the dominion of sin and the wrath of God! and of which an
 account must hereafter be rendered; it will but increase their
 misery. Those are the true Israel who worship God in the Spirit,
 rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
 Let us prize the distinction which comes from God, and will last
 for ever. Let us seek it diligently.
27160
 * The absurdity of idolatry. (1-16) Destruction denounced
 against Jerusalem. (17-25)

 #1-16 The prophet shows the glory of Israel's God, and exposes
 the folly of idolaters. Charms and other attempts to obtain
 supernatural help, or to pry into futurity, are copied from the
 wicked customs of the heathen. Let us stand in awe, and not dare
 provoke God, by giving that glory to another which is due to him
 alone. He is ready to forgive, and save all who repent and
 believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ. Faith learns these
 blessed truths from the word of God; but all knowledge not from
 that source, leads to doctrines of vanity.

27176
 #17-25 The Jews who continued in their own land, felt secure.
 But, sooner or later, sinners will find all things as the word
 of God has declared, and that its threatenings are not empty
 terrors. Submission will support the believer under every grief
 allotted to him; but what can render the load of Divine
 vengeance easy to be borne by those who fall under it in sullen
 despair? Those cannot expect to prosper, who do not, by faith
 and prayer, take God with them in all their ways. The report of
 the enemy's approach was very dreadful. Yet the designs which
 men lay deep, and think well formed, are dashed to pieces in a
 moment. Events are often overruled, so as to be quite contrary
 to what we intended and expected. If the Lord has directed our
 steps into the ways of peace and righteousness, let us entreat
 him to enable us to walk therein. Say not, Lord, do not correct
 me; but, Lord, do not correct me in anger. We may bear the smart
 of God's rod, but we cannot bear the weight of his wrath. Those
 who restrain prayer, prove that they know not God; for those who
 know him will seek him, and seek his favour. If even severe
 corrections lead sinners to be convinced of wholesome truths,
 they will have abundant cause for gratitude. And they will then
 humble themselves before the Lord.
27185
 * The disobedient Jews reproved. (1-10) Their utter ruin.
 (11-17) The people would be destroyed who sought the prophet's
 life. (18-23)

 #1-10 God never promised to bestow blessings on his rational
 creatures, while they persist in wilful disobedience. Pardon and
 acceptance are promised freely to all believers; but no man can
 be saved who does not obey the command of God to repent, to
 believe in Christ, to separate from sin and the world, to choose
 self-denial and newness of life. In general, men will hearken to
 those who speak of doctrines, promises, and privileges; but when
 duties are mentioned, they will not bend their ear.
27195
 #11-17 Evil pursues sinners, and entangles them in snares, out
 of which they cannot free themselves. Now, in their distress,
 their many gods and many altars stand them in no stead. And
 those whose own prayers will not be heard, cannot expect benefit
 from the prayers of others. Their profession of religion shall
 prove of no use. When trouble came upon them, they made this
 their confidence, but God has rejected it. His altar shall yield
 them no satisfaction. The remembrance of God's former favours to
 them shall be no comfort under troubles; and his remembrance of
 them shall be no argument for their relief. Every sin against
 the Lord is a sin against ourselves, and so it will be found
 sooner or later.