1 Samuel 2:6 The LORD kills, and makes alive: he brings down to the grave, and brings up. We must be emptied of self before we can be filled with grace; we must be stripped of our rags before we can be clothed with righteousness; we must be unclothed that we may be clothed; wounded, that we may be healed; killed, that we may be made alive; buried in disgrace, that we may rise in holy glory. These words, "Sown in corruption, that we may be raised in incorruption; sown in dishonour, that we may be raised in glory; sown in weakness, that we may be raised in power," are as true of the soul as of the body. To borrow an illustration from the surgeon's art: the bone that is set wrong must be broken again, in order that it may be set aright. I press this truth on your attention. It is certain that a soul filled with self has no room for God; and like the inn at Bethlehem, crowded with meaner guests, a heart preoccupied by pride and her godless train, has no chamber within which Christ may be born in us "the hope of glory." (T. Guthrie, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.WEB: "Yahweh kills, and makes alive. He brings down to Sheol, and brings up. |
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