THE SYMPATHY OF CHRIST
Isaiah 63:9. In all their affliction He was afflicted, &c.
There is no man so great as not to need at some season or other the sympathy of his friend, &c. If human sympathy be so valuable how much more Divine, &c. Christ once suffered for us, He always suffers with us, &c. We have here—
I. HUMAN CALAMITY SUPPOSED. The text supposes that affliction may be great,—sorrow upon sorrow, that we are unable to endure the pressure of grief alone, and that adequate occasions for God’s special interference may frequently occur. This was the case with the Church in captivity, &c. Human calamity is the same thing still, &c. There is an awful reality in grief, which, like an overwhelming burden, crushes the spirit and overpowers the resources, &c. Or the human mind may be burdened with the sense of guilt, personal afflictions, bereavements, &c. Who can hush the grief and afford adequate relief under all the sorrows and calamities of life. There is but One in the universe can do it, and to Him the text points.
II. DIVINE COMPASSION EXPRESSED.
1. His compassion is most real and perfect. He is afflicted with the afflictions of His people. His sympathy is no imaginary consolation. He ascended in the nature in which He suffered. He knows by experience the nature of human trial, and can meet the exigency alike of real and groundless alarm, &c.
2. His aid is exerted in the most seasonable time. In His interpositions there is never any unnecessary or fatal delay.
3. There is an ineffable kindness in His dispensations which cannot be mistaken.
4. Constant and unchangeable.
CONCLUSION.—
1. Ascertain your title to His peculiar sympathy.
2. Carry your griefs to Him. He is engaged to relieve all the trouble, and forgive all the guilt that is brought to Him.
3. Acknowledge your past obligations.
4. Be a saviour to others (2 Corinthians 1:3).—Samuel Thodey.
I. Divine sympathy. II. Interposition. III. Love. IV. Care.—Dr. Lyth.