This being an election year in the U.S., much of our attention is turned to the various candidates, the debates, the claims and promises, the sound bites, and the endless drama of self-promotion.
I recently read a communion sermon by Jonathan Edwards, "Glorying in the Savior", preached in November, 1729, in Northampton. I was arrested by the beautiful description of the Lord Jesus Christ and his reign, and the great blessing upon his people. How wonderful to be under his spiritual reign now, and one day we shall see his Kingdom come in power and glory! ...
He is a "King of righteousness" (Hebrews 7:2) who is perfectly just in his government. He is the "Prince of Peace" [Isaiah 9:6], a king of the most unparalleled clemency and grace. Never was any kingdom ruled by a government so mild and gentle and gracious.
He is exceeding gracious in the manner of his ruling his people by sweetly and powerfully influencing their hearts by his grace: not governing them against their wills, but by powerfully inclining their wills. Psalms 110:3, "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power."
The laws of his kingdom, they are most excellent; his commandments are pure and righteous, altogether exceeding perfective of our nature, and such as above the laws of all other governments tend to the peace, the flourishing, the beautiful order, the excellency and the happiness of his people.
The invisible church of God is by far the most happy kingdom in the world. He that is their king is their father, their brother and husband, one that has a love stronger than death to his people, has infinite wisdom to guide him in governing of them and infinite strength to defend them. The citizens of Zion have great cause to glory in their king.
~ Jonathan Edwards
I recently read a communion sermon by Jonathan Edwards, "Glorying in the Savior", preached in November, 1729, in Northampton. I was arrested by the beautiful description of the Lord Jesus Christ and his reign, and the great blessing upon his people. How wonderful to be under his spiritual reign now, and one day we shall see his Kingdom come in power and glory! ...
He is a "King of righteousness" (Hebrews 7:2) who is perfectly just in his government. He is the "Prince of Peace" [Isaiah 9:6], a king of the most unparalleled clemency and grace. Never was any kingdom ruled by a government so mild and gentle and gracious.
He is exceeding gracious in the manner of his ruling his people by sweetly and powerfully influencing their hearts by his grace: not governing them against their wills, but by powerfully inclining their wills. Psalms 110:3, "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power."
The laws of his kingdom, they are most excellent; his commandments are pure and righteous, altogether exceeding perfective of our nature, and such as above the laws of all other governments tend to the peace, the flourishing, the beautiful order, the excellency and the happiness of his people.
The invisible church of God is by far the most happy kingdom in the world. He that is their king is their father, their brother and husband, one that has a love stronger than death to his people, has infinite wisdom to guide him in governing of them and infinite strength to defend them. The citizens of Zion have great cause to glory in their king.
~ Jonathan Edwards
Comments