The Lord has designed His Church
with the benefit of His children in mind. He is the head and chief
cornerstone of it, and its function and growth and grace are completely
dependent upon His revelation of His sovereign glory and eternal
purpose of redemption. To this end, he has given gifts
to his people, with each part of the body supplying that which
the other lacks. He has given teachers to the
body, not as lords over God's heritage, but as helpers of those
who are needing instruction and support in the work of the ministry,
one to another by each part of the body. Thus in the Song of
Solomon we see the daughters of Jerusalem as typical of the
believer who has a desire after Christ, but entertains more questions
about him than he does answers. The Lord gives to every one of
his children the measure of faith which pleases him. To some he
gives clearer sight of his ways and workings than he does to
others. The flesh would often suppose that this gift is an
honor which should raise their esteem in the eyes of others.
But in reality it is a testament to the Lord's purpose to demonstrate
servitude. For what do any have that has
not been given to them, as they might seek to impart understanding
to those whom they love as brethren? Till we all come in the unity
of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect
man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
The daughters of Jerusalem make inquiry to the bride as she extols
the beauty and virtue of her beloved. They know that he is
loved by her, but they desire to be told the full extent of
those things that make him appear so lovely in her sight. This
demonstrates a hunger for the word of God and the declaration
of the gospel. The preaching of the gospel is
for those who are given ears to hear it. We see this demonstrated
on the day of Pentecost, as many desired of Peter such things
as they sought, and also in the Ethiopian eunuch as well as the
Philippian jailer. In essence, they all ask the
exact question which every man who is awakened by the power
of the Spirit of God desires, tell me of this one who is more
beloved than any other. Do any who are thus awakened
not desire to hear of him who loves his people with an everlasting
love? Do they not desire to hear of
his work of redemption, his power to save sinners, his resurrection
and triumph over death and hell? Oh, tell us of his perfections.
Describe to us his beauty. Tell us again of his hands that
drip with sweet mercy like the balm of Gilead. He is a most
faithful Savior. He has not made some open-ended
attempt to gather in an unknown number or to simply gain whoever
might let Him rule over them. No, He has come into the world
in order to save His people from their sins. He has accomplished
His purpose having obtained eternal redemption for them. In His own
time He is pleased to call them to Himself from the highways
and byways of life. He knows His own sheep by name,
and thus He calls them, and they are compelled to come unto Him.
He will forsake none for which He has shed His blood and conquered
death. He is a most powerful Savior.
He came to save sinners. There are but two types of people
in the earth, those who are righteous and those who are sinners. The
righteous shall indeed perish, for they believe they have something
to commend themselves to God, or they are satisfied in their
own way. Religious men and those who despise
the way of God are both alike, but he will save sinners by his
own power, for indeed they have no power of their own. They stand
before him as those whose only hope is in his mercy. He is a
most glorious Savior. The natural man can see everything
in Christ that those who were born again can see, except for
one thing, he cannot see his glory. He has no longing nor
desire to know him, nor does he revere his law and embrace
his teaching. The natural man can even have
a measure of enjoyment in his religious service and may set
aside some time for him. But he is not consumed with knowing
him or being conformed to his image. His soul does not leap
for joy at the mention of his name, nor does he long for his
presence as that bride who seeks him early and often. Oh, tell
me again of this faithful, powerful, and most glorious Savior. If you would like a free transcript
of this broadcast, email us at 4the4 at windstream.net.