One of the most satisfying blessings
for the sons of God is to be made aware that the Psalms are,
for the most part, written to set forth the prayers and worship
of the Lord Jesus Christ before His Father. As he labored in
this present world as that one who was tempted in all points
like as we are, yet never submitting himself to any of the lusts of
the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, or the pride of life. For he
was without sin, and therefore could not be made its subject,
though he did willingly bear our sins in his own body as our
perfect sacrifice and substitute, thereby condemning sin in the
flesh and triumphing over it for us. In this fashion he came
into the world primarily to do his father's will, and in so
doing to redeem that bride which the father gave him before the
foundation of the world. In complete opposition to the
comprehension of sinful men, the God of heaven, earth, and
hell was born of a virgin mother and became an infant. Truly did
the prophet of old say, he is a man of sorrows and acquainted
with grief. He hath borne our griefs and
carried our sorrows, yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten
of God, and afflicted. Surely we must put our hands
upon our mouth when we contemplate the wonders that are set forth
in this revelation. We are struck dumb with amazement
when we consider that he was a perfect man and perfect God. who in the days of his flesh,
when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong
crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death,
and was heard in that he feared. Though he were a son, yet learned
he obedience by the things which he suffered. How is such a thing
as this possible? We will leave the explanations
and analysis of this conundrum for the learned scholars to explain.
We shall merely fall upon our faces an adoring wonder at his
condescension and willingness to submit himself to that law
which he authored and designed to reveal sin and to put to death
those who break it. We will worship at his feet as
we see him who was without sin become sin for us. When he left
this earth, going back to his father, he did not leave his
people to fend for themselves. Rather, he gave them a Comforter
who would lead them into all truth and bestow upon them the
necessary gifts for their benefit. It pleased him, according to
his eternal purpose, to use the same afflictions which he bore
in his own life upon earth to strengthen his brethren, even
as he was strengthened in the midst of them. When we are discouraged
and downcast, we are exhorted to remember Him. And as the Spirit
of God is pleased to apply these things to our minds, we experience
the same joy which He had when He considered that these things
are meant for our good. The afflictions of the righteous,
therefore, are satisfactory. First of all, to Himself. He
came into the world to fulfill one purpose, which was to save
His people from their sins. In order to bring many sons unto
glory, it was necessary that he not only be their representative
in the courts of heaven, but to satisfy the very demands of
the law of God in this world. This he did by taking unto himself
a body of flesh and blood, and bearing the curse of the law,
tasting the bitterness of death, and undergoing the effects of
the curse upon man. Thus he came to bear this sorrow,
which he did as he bore our grief as the man of sorrows. And then
to his father. But unto the Son, he saith, thy
throne, O God, is for ever and ever. A scepter of righteousness
is a scepter of thy kingdom. Thys love righteousness and hated
iniquity. Therefore God, even thy God,
hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. He hath sat down in the seat
of power, fulfilling all righteousness in heaven and earth. And then
the afflictions of the righteous are also satisfactory to those
who believe. The gift of faith is given to
those whom the Father calls in order that they might approve
well what Christ has accomplished. For it pleased the Father that
in Him should all fullness dwell, and having made peace through
the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things to Himself. By Him, I say, whether they be
things in earth or things in heaven, and you that were sometime
alienated in enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now
hath He reconciled. The awakened sons of God have
thrown down their arms of rebellion and now gladly embrace Him whom
they once despised. Do you worship Him?