Ezra 2:62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted… I. THE DOUBTFUL PEDIGREE AMONGST THE PEOPLE IS AN ILLUSTRATION OF UNCERTAINTY AS TO OUR SPIRITUAL STATE. 1. This uncertainty may consist with association with the people of God (Vers. 59, 60). 2. This uncertainty must involve spiritual loss. (1) Of spiritual joy. (2) Of spiritual usefulness.Lacking Christian assurance our testimony for Christ would be likely to be deficient in clearness and attractiveness, in fervour and force; it would especially fail to set forth the joyful character of true religion. II. THE DOUBTFUL PEDIGREE AMONGST THE PRIESTS IS AN ILLUSTRATION OF UNCERTAINTY AS TO OUR MINISTERIAL CALLING AND CONDITION. 1. A ministerial pedigree may be lost by reason of worldliness. 2. The loss of ministerial pedigree involves a corresponding loss of ministerial power and reward. 3. The final decision as to the standing of a minister of uncertain pedigree must be given by God Himself (ver. 63). (William Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood. |
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