The dishonor and contempt of God's word.

Posted : 28 Aug, 2013 02:29 AM

Psalm 119:158. I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved;

because they kept not Your word.





We shall not tire in listening to this repeated expression of the

Psalmist's tenderness for the honor of God. No trouble from

his many persecutors and enemies came so near to his heart,

as the sight of the dishonor and contempt of God's word. The

glory of God was dearer to him than life. O that every

recollection of this tried servant of God might deepen the

special mark of acceptance upon our too cold and indifferent

hearts! Our joys and sorrows are the pulse of the soul. A

fellowship with the joys of angels over repenting sinners will

be accompanied with bitterness of godly sorrow over the hardness and impenitence of those, who keep not the word of

God.

But even here we need much and earnest prayer, in order to

obtain a clear perception of our real principles. Sin is so subtle

in its nature and workings that it insinuates itself into our

holiest desires, and often so far interweaves itself into the

graces of the Spirit, as greatly to mar their beauty, and

obstruct their operations. How often is zeal for the honor of

God mingled with the unhallowed fire of our own spirit! True

zeal is indeed a precious fruit of the Spirit. Its other name is

love-active, self-denying, compassionate love for sinners. 'Let

me never fancy I have zeal'-said a Christian of a very high

order-'until my heart overflows with love to every man living.' If

then we are really under its holy influence, we shall lose no

opportunity of active exertions on behalf of wretched

transgressors: and the limits of our zeal will be only the limits

of a fallen world. Especially within our own sphere shall we

employ all our labors and pains to stem the tide of

unrighteousness-"saying unto the fools-deal not foolishly-How

long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? Turn, turn, why

will you die?"

But the fervency of zeal will express itself in something more

difficult than personal service. We can often warn and plead

with transgressors, when we are sinfully backward in sending

up sighs and cries on their behalf; and in presenting these

poor lepers by faith to that great and good Physician, whose

"power present to heal" has been so abundantly manifested.

This is indeed zeal of rare attainment through our own

unbelief. But it brings its own rich blessing to the soul;

because it is the zeal of the compassionate Jesus; who,

though He looked round on sinners with anger, "being grieved

for the hardness of their hearts," did not forget to plead on

their behalf-"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they

do." It was the zeal and love of Him, who so identified His Father's interest with His own, that He endured the

reproaches cast upon Him in His bosom. And should not the

members feel, when the Head is wounded? Should not we

consider every dishonor done to Jesus as a shaft piercing our

own bosom? Can we bear to behold all around us united in a

conspiracy against the honor, and-if it were possible-against

the life, of our dearest friend and benefactor, and not be

painfully grieved? Yet genuine grief must begin with our own

heart-"all of us mourning, every one for his iniquity." The

wickedness of others will stir up the conviction within our own

conscience-"I do remember my faults this day." And when

once we begin the enumeration, where shall we end? Who

can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults.

Enter not into judgment with Your servant."



by

Charles Bridges

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