hreatenings against the enemies of Christ's kingdom. (1-6)
Promise to Christ as the Head of this kingdom. (7-9) Counsel to
all, to espouse its interests. (10-12)
Verses 1-6: We are here told who would appear as adversaries to Christ.
As this world is the kingdom of Satan, unconverted men, of every
rank, party, and character, are stirred up by him to oppose the
cause of God. But the rulers of the earth generally have been
most active. The truths and precepts of Christianity are against
ambitious projects and worldly lusts. We are told what they aim
at in this opposition. They would break asunder the bands of
conscience, and the cords of God's commandments; they will not
receive, but cast them away as far as they can. These enemies
can show no good cause for opposing so just and holy a
government, which, if received by all, would bring a heaven upon
earth. They can hope for no success in so opposing so powerful a
kingdom. The Lord Jesus has all power both in heaven and in
earth, and is Head over all things to the church,
notwithstanding the restless endeavours of his enemies. Christ's
throne is set up in his church, that is, in the hearts of all
believers.
Verses 7-9: The kingdom of the Messiah is founded upon an eternal
decree of God the Father. This our Lord Jesus often referred to,
as what he governed himself by. God hath said unto him, Thou art
my Son, and it becomes each of us to say to him, Thou art my
Lord, my Sovereign'. The Son, in asking the heathen for his
inheritance, desires their happiness in him; so that he pleads
for them, ever lives to do so, and is able to save to the
uttermost, and he shall have multitudes of willing, loyal
subjects, among them. Christians are the possession of the Lord
Jesus; they are to him for a name and a praise. God the Father
gives them to him, when, by his Spirit and grace, he works upon
them to submit to the Lord Jesus.
Verses 10-12: Whatever we rejoice in, in this world, it must always be
with trembling, because of the uncertainty of all things in it.
To welcome Jesus Christ, and to submit to him, is our wisdom and
interest. Let him be very dear and precious; love him above all,
love him in sincerity, love him much, as she did, to whom much
was forgiven, and, in token of it, kissed his feet, (Lu 7:38).
And with a kiss of loyalty take this yoke upon you, and give up
yourselves to be governed by his laws, disposed of by his
providence, and entirely devoted to his cause. Unbelief is a sin
against the remedy. It will be utter destruction to yourselves;
lest ye perish in the way of your sins, and from the way of your
vain hopes; lest your way perish, lest you prove to have missed
the way of happiness. Christ is the way; take heed lest ye be
cut off from Him as your way to God. They thought themselves in
the way; but neglecting Christ, they perish from it. Blessed
will those be in the day of wrath, who, by trusting in Christ,
have made him their Refuge.
hreatenings against the enemies of Christ's kingdom. (1-6)
Promise to Christ as the Head of this kingdom. (7-9) Counsel to
all, to espouse its interests. (10-12)