I know not with what views my Reader will regard this verse: But to me, I confess, it is as blessed a promise as any in the Bible. Indeed it forms a comprehension of almost every other. For is it not God the Father, speaking to the person of God the Son, in his proposed character of Mediator, in his rich promises concerning Jesus's redeemed? And doth not God, in his covenant-relationship, undertake to fulfil his gracious engagements, concerning the Lord's people? And, as such, may we not, as the redeemed of the Lord, look up, and plead for the accomplishment? Nay, is it not intended, by the very engagement itself, that we should? Blessed Lord, I would say, do as thou hast said: let a blessed portion of that Spirit, which was on Jesus, without measure, be upon all Jesus's seed and offspring, according to the measure of the gift of Christ John 3:34; Ephesians 4:7
REFLECTIONS
MY soul! learn from what thy God hath said, how to form conclusions, both of the Lord's hand in helping his people, and of the Lord's ear in hearing their prayers. If at any time the enemy triumph, and the Lord seem to hide his face, search for the cause, and trace thine iniquities to their source. Alas! what need have I, like Ezra, day by day, to take shame and confusion of face, because mine iniquities are increased, and my trespasses grown up to the heavens.
Precious Lord Jesus! what everlasting confusion would cover me, did I not behold thee, as this sweet Chapter represents, coming as the Advocate and Propitiation, the Redeemer and Intercessor, of poor perishing sinners! Thine own arm, O Lord, wrought out deliverance tor thy people; for none of thy redeemed were competent to stand with thee. Take, Lord, to thyself all the glory, for thou alone hast wrought all the salvation, while all the blessed consequences of it are to thy people.
And do thou, most gracious God and Father, for thy dear Son's sake, fulfil all thy promises in the soul of thy people. Put, Lord, thy blessed Spirit in us, and we shall live: and let the everlasting efficacy of Christ's blood and righteousness, produce the everlasting blessings of both, among thy redeemed, from henceforth and forever!