Proverbs 1:24-28 Because I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;… I. THAT GOD CALLS ON SINNERS. 1. This is clear from many parts of Scripture (Isaiah 55:1, 3, 6, etc., 65:1, 2; Ezekiel 18:30, 31). 2. The end to which He calls us in these different ways is to repent and turn from our sins, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21; Mark 1:15). As to the nature and manner of those calls, they are — (1) Kind and gracious; they are full of love, tenderness, and pity (Deuteronomy 32:29; Hosea 11:8; Matthew 23:1. 37; Luke 19:41, 42). What moving expostulations are these! (2) They carry the highest reason and persuasion along with them. It is to avoid our own ruin and secure our own happiness. (3) They last but for a season. His patience will at last be worn out by our many obstinate refusals. The shining day of grace at last ends in the eternal shades of night (Matthew 23:38; Isaiah 66:4; Jeremiah 7:13-15). II. THAT SINNERS TOO OFTEN REFUSE TO HEARKEN TO THE CALLS OF GOD. Many hear the gospel calls, but few are obedient to them. The old world would not be reformed by the preaching of Noah. The Israelites stoned the prophets that were sent to them (Jeremiah 7:24-26; 2 Chronicles 24:21). Now, whence can this proceed, that so many are disobedient to the heavenly call? 1. It is partly owing to unbelief. 2. Others slight the Word because they are prejudiced against the messenger that brings it, regarding his imperfections and inadvertencies more than the weight of those things which he delivers. 3. Others do it through ignorance: darkness and blindness of mind make them hardened and obstinate. They know not God, their sinful state, their need of Christ, nor the beauty and excellency of spiritual things. 4. Others through pride reject the calls of God (Revelation 3:17). 5. Others through love of the world. The business of the world engrosses their time, and the pleasures of it entirely captivate their affections. 6. Others through a false peace. III. THE EVIL AND DANGER OF REFUSING TO HEARKEN TO GOD'S CALLS, HIS COUNSEL AND REPROOF 1. It is the most heinous ingratitude to God. 2. It is a contempt of God's power. 3. We rob ourselves of the greatest advantages. 4. By rejecting the calls of God we run ourselves into the greatest misery and ruin.What threatenings and woe are denounced against the obstinate sinner! I now come to apply the subject. 1. Let us admire the mercy of God in thus calling sinners. 2. Let such as have obeyed the calls of God rejoice therein; they have cause of eternal joy and eternal thankfulness. 3. Let such as have shut their ears against the calls of God be persuaded now to hearken to them. (T. Hannam.) Parallel Verses KJV: Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; |
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