Psalm 17:15 As for me, I will behold your face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with your likeness. Men often speak and live better than they know. The text is prophetic and far-reaching in significance. It suggests — I. THE POWER AND NATURE OF CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT. Soul rest comes from God alone. Nothing can afford the soul repose save its union with Christ in God. In vain do we look to the world for satisfaction. How transitory and unsatisfying are all worldly pleasures and pursuits. Whoever depends upon them for real happiness will be bitterly disappointed. Enjoy God rather than His creatures. II. THE CHRISTIAN SHOULD NOT EXPECT PERFECT SATISFACTION IN THIS LIFE. Not that the Christian religion does not do all that it promises to do in this world. The work of this life is only preparatory, and therefore incomplete. Imperfection is the just characterisation of this world. The Christian constantly finds himself enveloped in mystery and darkness. Anti his surroundings are unfavourable. Sin is in this world. Here he is contented, though not fully satisfied. III. IN THE CHRISTIAN'S COMPLETED LIFE HEAVEN WILL AFFORD PERFECT SATISFACTION. 1. The Christian will be satisfied with heaven as a place. 2. The Christian will be satisfied with the society of heaven. 3. We shall be satisfied with our own condition.We shall carry our intellect and our memories with us. Think of the joy that shall fill our souls when we arrive at the eternal home, enter our Father's house, and behold His face in righteousness, and by the power of His infinite tenderness and love be drawn into such Dearness with Him as to repose on His bosom with infinite satisfaction and delight. (G. M. Mathews.) Parallel Verses KJV: As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. |
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