Acts 13:36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid to his fathers, and saw corruption: We have in the text an inspired representation. I. OF A GOOD MAN'S LIFE. 1. It is distinguished as a service on behalf of others. David "served" his own generation. The word is expressive of laborious usefulness. It intimates that the "man after God's own heart," was not content with idle wishes, fruitless theories, abortive projects. And still, wherever there is true goodness, there will be the effort to "serve." "No man liveth to himself." The grand model of holy living was among His followers "as one that serveth." He "came not to be ministered unto, but to minister." 2. It is specially devoted to the benefit of his contemporaries, "his own generation." He acquired a familiarity with the wants and woes of the men and women around him, and laboured to supply and alleviate them. Though good men may, and must, do many things that will only yield fruit in after days, they will seek to have "understanding of the times," and to know what they ought to do to promote and conserve the welfare of those around them. Where there is want, they will strive to supply it; where there is ignorance, they will strive to dispel it; where there is weakness, they will strive to uphold it; and where there is guilt, they will be pitiful and tender, if by any means the wrong-doer may be reclaimed. Think how soon the opportunity of helping will have slipped away from us. Our own "generation," how it is diminishing every day! In a very little while, we ourselves, as members of it will have disappeared. 3. It is regulated by a paramount regard to the will of God. Of David, God said, "I have found a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfill all My will." The early promise was not belied. Now, if there be one thing that is more distinctive of good men than any other, it is just this high regard for the will of God. To know that, is their most earnest desire; to do it, is their most strenuous endeavour. II. OF A GOOD MAN'S DEATH. Note — 1. That little word "after." "After" he had lived his true life. "After" he had fulfilled his mission. "After" he had accomplished his day, then he died; not before. We are thus taught that the time of a godly man's departure out of the world is definitely appointed. It is not an affair of chance. It is ordered of God. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints" — so precious that He prearranges all the circumstances of their death, directs its causes, and ordains its period. Each of us is "immortal till his work is done." "God's witnesses," says Henry, "never die till they have finished their testimony." 2. The peculiar character of a good man's death. David, when his work was done "fell on sleep" — as the tired labourer, when his daily toils are ended, wends his way to his much-loved home, and calmly lays him down to rest, without a thought of anxiety or dread; glad that the hour is come, thankful for its provision. (C. M. Merry.) Parallel Verses KJV: For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: |
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