Psalm 72:17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him… By the name of Christ is signified His renown. Now, this prediction was uttered more than a thousand years before the birth of Christ, and when deep obscurity rested upon all that pertained to Him. And when He was born and had entered on His ministry, there was scarcely anything in His condition or circumstances to justify the anticipation of His endless renown. He died ignominiously forsaken of all His friends. But after His death their love revived, and they went forth to preach His name. But still there seemed little probability that the name of their Master should endure for ever. Yet so it has been. The triumphs of Christianity are all known. Time rolled on, and the fame of Christ widened and spread. And His fame and renown are entirely different from that which belongs to all others. For — I. WHERE ONCE CHRIST'S NAME HAS BEEN KNOWN IT HAS NEVER BEEN ENTIRELY ROOTED OUT. Even in the place where the seven Churches of Asia withered under the curse of heaven, His name is not lost. But other names, however great, are. II. THE KNOWLEDGE WHICH MEN HAVE OF HIM IS MORE INTIMATE AND PARTICULAR THAN THAT WHICH THEY HAVE OF ANY OF THE GREAT MEN OF THE PAST. How little we know of these ." how much we know of Him. III. And the knowledge of Him is POSSESSED BY ALL CLASSES. Not the rich and educated alone, but the poor and the common people know Him. IV. And HOW DIFFERENT THE FEELINGS WHICH WE ASSOCIATE WITH HIM FROM THOSE WHICH WE HAVE FOR OTHERS. It is not mere admiration or respect, but we give Him our hearts. Every mention of His name touches our deepest affections. What wonder that He should receive the homage of a world! But what is He to us? That is the all-important question. Has such a friend, such a Saviour, no beauty in our eyes? God forbid that we should refuse Him that love which He asks for, and so richly merits from us. (J. W. Adams, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. |
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