Jeremiah 31:14 And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, said the LORD. I. ASCERTAIN THE RIGHT APPLICATION OF THE PROMISE. "My people." The term is restrictive. Only the people of God. And it is universal: all, everywhere, in every age. Who, then, are they? The phrase denotes covenant relationship. As man is alienated, it implies reconciliation, — acceptance. The covenant by which this is effected is that of mercy in Christ. As children of the covenant, we have received its visible seal, — have been instructed in its obligations and blessings. Repentance and faith required. These produce continued obedience, — and so we become, so we continue to be, the people of God. II. WHAT IS THE PROMISE MADE TO THEM? "They shall be satisfied," &c. 1. There is "the goodness of God." The phrase sometimes refers to His essential goodness; He is good. But here, to its bestowments; — He doeth good. (1) The condescending manifestation of pardoning mercy, and adopting love to the conscience. (2) The various gifts of grace, and blessings of providence, all flowing from paternal love. (3) The blessings of glory, future, and to be waited for; but brought near by good hope, given by God who hath loved us. 2. With this they are "satisfied."(1) The effect of manifested mercy is true satisfaction — peace, joy, delight. We possess what we feel is our true portion. (2) And, preserving this feeling, — living as penitent, pardoned believers, — we rejoice in the ordinary gifts of providence; even in chastenings we joy, knowing, their source and object; we rejoice in the overflowing fountain of grace; we joy in the foretastes of glory.Lessons — 1. See the inestimable value of religion Other gifts vain without this. This of itself all in all. 2. Oh, the unutterable folly of sin! You refuse bliss; choose misery; and for what ? The fountains of living waters, — for broken, even empty cisterns. 3. Seek religion now. Live in full possession of it. (G. Cubitt.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD. |
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