2 Kings 10:16 And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot. I. OUR ZEAL SHOULD BE A LASTING AND INCREASING PRINCIPLE. Not like light from the thunder-cloud, the evanescent result of passing circumstances, but rather like the great luminary of heaven, steadily beaming on our path, cheering us in every situation, and gilding with hope the dark prospect of the grave, II. TO ACQUIRE THIS ASSURANCE, AVOID RELIGIOUS EXCITEMENT. We are told to "pray in secret" — "not to let our right hand know what our left doeth." We are to ask God to prove our sincerity; the recesses of the soul are His dwelling-place. Until we are assured, by self-examination, that these descriptions are exemplified in our own lives, let us avoid obtaining, by religious public excitation, a character for religious zeal to which conscience in private gives the lie. III. GENUINE ZEAL, FOR GOD IS FOUNDED AND MATURED IN THE HEART AND CHARACTER BY THE COUNSELS OF THE SPIRIT. After Paul's conversion, three days of blindness and fasting were necessary for the conviction of his error and the growth of a counter resolution. His sub. sequent zeal in the ministry shows that the principles must be established by an inward conviction, and not be moved by mere outward impressions (1 Corinthians 9:26, 27). IV. INSTEAD OF CONGRATULATING OURSELVES, THEN, THAT WE KNOW NOTHING OF THESE FEELINGS, LET US BE HUMBLED THAT WE ARE DEVOID OF THEM. In wanting them altogether, we want that without which religion is an empty profession. V. WHEREVER THERE IS A TRUE FAITH, THERE WITH BE A ZEAL WHICH WILL THINK NOTHING TOO GOOD TO GIVE UP FOR (Galatians 2:20). Pray for (Romans 10:2), which manifests itself in a holy love, and consistent obedience. Such a zeal had Daniel, Shadrach, etc.; Paul (Acts 21:13); David (Psalm 73:24, 25). Such a zeal may not, at present, obtain the applause of men; but it will not be forgotten when (Luke 12:8), and when every act flowing from love to God in Christ shall be recorded before assembled worlds. (H. Blunt.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot.WEB: He said, "Come with me, and see my zeal for Yahweh." So they made him ride in his chariot. |
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