Proverbs 9:5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. I. THE INVITATION. He who invites is the Son of God — in the Proverbs represented as "Wisdom." Of His generous invitation we remark — 1. That its acceptance is open to every human being on the face of the earth. The God of the gospel is no respecter of persons. 2. This invitation is urged with affectionate earnestness. How are men to be "compelled"? Not by coercion or legal enactments — not by bribery or the civil power — but by the mercies of God, and the gentleness of Christ. 3. There is such a character in the invitations of the gospel as leaves those inexcusable who reject them. Some excuse themselves on the ground that a self-denial which is beyond them is required, others on the ground of previous engagements. Speculations, worldliness, even domestic relationships, are pleaded as excuses. II. INDUCEMENTS TO THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE INVITATION. What would be inducements to accept an invitation to a feast? 1. Rank of the person inviting. Who, then, is it invites to the feast of the gospel? 2. The guests whom you were to meet. This company is select. It is composed of the wise and the good of every name: all are on a level at the feast of salvation. 3. The occasion of the entertainment. This is intended to supply you with immortal food, and to feed you with the meat that endureth unto everlasting life. 4. The consequences that may result from a refusal. Refusing this, you risk the favour of God. (J. R. Hibbard.) Parallel Verses KJV: Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.WEB: "Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed! |
    |