Jeremiah 50:4-5 In those days, and in that time, said the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together… In our intercourse with the world, we seldom hear such language as this from others, or utter it ourselves. But a kinder invitation could not possibly be addressed to us; nor could we offer to those whom we love more friendly advice. I. WHY THE LORD CONDESCENDS TO ENTER INTO A COVENANT WITH HIS REDEEMED PEOPLE. 1. He has thus pledged Himself to His people to show how greatly He honours them. 2. This gracious God has entered into a covenant with His people, that He may bind them more closely to Himself. 3. But the chief reason why it has pleased God to enter into a covenant with His servants, is this — to show them the sureness of His mercy, the certainty of their receiving pardon, grace, and salvation at His hands. II. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN THEIR AVAILING THEMSELVES OF HIS CONDESCENSION, AND JOINING THEMSELVES TO HIM IN A COVENANT. 1. The spiritual union spoken of implies a renunciation of every covenant which is opposed to this covenant with God. 2. But before we can enter into covenant with God, we must proceed a step farther, and accede to the terms of His covenant. Now these terms are so simple, that a child may comprehend them; and so gracious, that they fill the minds of angels with wonder; but because they are opposed to the imaginations of our depraved hearts, thousands daily reject them, yea, perish rather than accept them. "He that believeth shall be saved." It asks of us no merit; it demands of the penitent sinner no righteousness. It tells him to cast away all dependence upon everything that he can feel, or suffer, or do; and upon this one condition, that he heartily believes and embraces the promises of the Gospel, it assures him that all the blessings of the everlasting covenant are his. 3. And what follows? Is the believing sinner henceforth at liberty to live as he will? to be disobedient and lawless? No; the man who joins himself in a covenant to his redeeming Lord, gives himself up entirely and for ever to His service. (C. Bradley, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God. |
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