We know what the eye and ear of man are, what it is to have the eye or ear of a friend near to us, or the eye and the ear of a master watching over us. What a difference does it make at once in all our thoughts and feelings! Especially suppose it is a friend or a master whom we love and reverence very much, what a vast difference does his presence make! It is only for want of due attention and consideration that we do not thus think of Almighty God at all times. For, as the Psalmist asks, "He that made the ear, shall He not hear? He that made the eye, shall He not see?"
Notice some points in which a reflection on the great truth which is contained in these words may be of use to us.
I. With regard to the many confusions that abound in the world, the manifold disorders of the times, which affect so seriously both the Church and nation, and perhaps every closer circle of life in which each of us is placed. What a reason for deep quietness of soul, for awful stillness and listening regard, is the consciousness of Him who is in the midst of us, though we see Him not!
II. The awful doctrine of God's omnipresent ear and eye may greatly assist us in the work of self-amendment. It is the thought of this which makes the saints of God always remarkable for profound humility. Whatever else there may be in common in good men, there never was a man accepted of God but that acceptance was in proportion to his humility.
III. As our ideas of God's knowledge and watchfulness are taken from the eyes and ears of men, so may we apply also to the same matter human affections also, which are often signified by these. Thus it is said that "the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers." What is there in the world so encouraging, so consoling, so supporting, as the eye and ear of a friend? It was in thus looking upon God as their sure and present Friend that the faith of the patriarchs and of that noble army of martyrs, and prophets, and saints mentioned in the eleventh chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews consisted, in that, as is there said of Moses, they endured "as seeing Him who is invisible."
Plain Sermons by Contributors to "Tracts for the Times"vol. ii., p. 224.
References: Psalms 94:9. J. Culross, Contemporary Pulpit,vol. vii., p. 330. Psalms 94:10. S. W. Skeffington, Our Sins or our Saviour, p. 183.