Meditations - (Nos. 1-5)

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures." — Psalm 23:2a.

LP [Jan. 2015]
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1. The great, leading and cardinal truth in all of Scripture is "the Gospel of God" (Evangelium Dei); and this Gospel is "concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:" (Romans 1:3-4.)

2. Hebrews 3:1. The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews here plainly sets forth the great contrast between the Lord Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our profession (that is, Christianity and its heavenly calling), with Moses the Apostle, and Aaron the High Priest of the old law dispensation, and its earthly calling.

3. Psalm 24. "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?" It is Christ--the King of glory--more than reclaiming the first man Adam's forfeited dominion over creation, which will be exhibited in a glorious manner in "the world to come." (See also Psalm 2, 8, 110, Hebrews 2 &c with respect to Christ's future dominion and reign.) Even now, albeit hidden to the world, yet He is seen to the eye of faith, as the King of glory, Who has gone into the glory of God in consequent of His finished work of redemption (Heb 1, 2).

4. Romans 8:15 - "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." That is, we have not now the spirit of slaves, which we once had in our former unconverted state--the same spirit which lays hold of sinners and apostates (who with a fixed will and resolution, reject the Gospel of Christ), causing them to dread of "a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries" (Heb 10:27); but instead, by the grace and mercy of God, we have now been given--in Christ--in virtue of His superlative merits and the infinite efficacy of His perfect sacrifice, "the Spirit of adoption."  It is through the blessed Holy Spirit dwelling in us, that we are capable of crying Abba, Father; are able to approach God in holy boldness and free liberty as His dear children. (See also Heb. 10.)

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: By Whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1-2. Now, therefore, the trembling sinner can take comfort, and can rejoice in Christ, for no more his heart needs to be disquieted, for no more he needs to entertain doubts or fears, for the perfect love of God casteth out fear. (I John 4:18.)

O friends! let us then contemplate this perfect love of God, this wondrous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that communion of the Holy Ghost!  2 Cor. 13:14. [June 25, 2012]

5. Matthew 22 --The tribute money. Here in this portion, we have an interesting account of a meeting that took place between the Pharisees and the Lord Jesus Christ. A matter of no importance and of insignificant nature is placed before the Lord. The Lord Jesus knowing their flattery and hypocrisy exposes their false pretended righteousness, and at the same time He gives a full instruction on laying clear distinction of the duties toward God and towards men. In this we must always bear in mind, our highest obligations and duties are toward God alone, as He demands our complete submission to Himself because, that is His divine prerogative and right by creation, and especially by redemption of our souls. [June 5, 2011]

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