Genesis 24:31 And he said, Come in, you blessed of the LORD; why stand you without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels. As Laban said "I have prepared the house," so Christ has ordained the Church and provided it with all things necessary for the refreshment, repose, and invigoration of His people. As Abraham's servant was invited to enter, so the ministers and stewards of God's word, and all the members of His Church, should bless those whom the Lord has blessed, and affectionately invite them to participate in all the privileges of the Lord's house. I. WHO ARE THE BLESSED OF THE LORD? The Lord Jesus answered our question in the very first sentences of His great sermon on the mount. "He opened His mouth and taught them, saying, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit.'" The Lord also said, "Blessed are they that mourn." The Lord also said, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness." These are "blessed of the Lord." II. Let us inquire WHY THOSE WHO ARE "BLESSED OF THE LORD" SHOULD ACCEPT THE INVITATION of the Church to "come in," by personal confession of Christ. 1. The Lord commands it (Matthew 10:32, 33; Mark 8:38). 2. The Church solicits it. A Christian who never confesses Christ and who holds aloof from fellowship with the Church, might as well not exist, so far as the interests of the Church are concerned. 3. The world needs it. The stronger the Church the more potent is the influence at work for the world's good. 4. Your own spiritual welfare requires it. The value of association is recognized in other things. And thus church fellowship is useful in strengthening the convictions of those who share in a common faith and love towards Christ. An additional safeguard is thus furnished in seasons of temptation. III. Let us now examine SOME OF THE EXCUSES adduced by those who, though "blessed of the Lord," yet "stand without." Some are ashamed of Christ, and shrink from the ridicule or enmity which confession might bring upon them. But these are not "blessed of the Lord," for He says to them: "He that is ashamed of Me, of him shall the Son of Man be ashamed." Some keep outside that they may be free from the restraints of membership, and have more liberty for sin, or at least for folly. Others keep outside because they resolve to postpone repentance. But why do any who really trust in Jesus and who desire to love and obey Him "stand without"? They are hindered by unscriptural obstacles, erroneous opinions, or misapplied humility. (Newman Hall, LL. B.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels. |
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