Amos 9:2-3 Though they dig into hell, there shall my hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, there will I bring them down:… If we consider man in reference to God, we see in him a strange compound of hardihood and cowardice. When Divine judgments are remote, he not only deems himself secure, but bids defiance to Omnipotence itself. But when they actually come, he trembles like a leaf shaken by the wind. I. THE MEANS BY WHICH MEN SEEK TO HIDE THEMSELVES FROM GOD. Some of the expressions used indicate fear; others, presumption. Men will try and persuade themselves that God is too great to notice the insignificant doings of creatures like ourselves. Another subterfuge is, that as sinners they have numbers on their side. But if numbers do anything, it is only to enhance the doom. Men have great confidence in their own virtues, however little conformity there may be in their conduct to the Spirit of God and the commands of God. II. THE VANITY OF ALL ATTEMPTS OF SINNERS TO HIDE THEMSELVES FROM GOD. Who can flee from the presence of such a Being? Where is the region which His all-penetrating gaze does not pervade? None has ever hardened himself against God and prospered; sin has ever had the seed of punishment along with it, and given beforehand some earnest of its bitter wages. Be assured nothing can screen you from the wrath of heaven, nothing give you composure in this world of afflictions and trials, but "faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." (Stephen Bridge, A.M.) Parallel Verses KJV: Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down: |
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