2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you… I. IN CONNECTION WITH WHAT HAS BEEN REVEALED TO US CONCERNING HIS MISSION AND LIFE. 1. It harmonises with the prophetic intimations. (1) See this in the very "titles" bestowed upon Him. Lest the spirit should fail at the thought of "the Ancient of Days," the "Everlasting Father," "the Mighty God," we are encouraged to look at Him as "the seed of the woman," the "consolation of Israel," "the Prince of peace." Though He is the "plant of Renown," He grows up a "tender plant." Though He is the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," He is led as a "lamb to the slaughter." And though speaking to us out of the "bush burning with fire," it is a fire which only awes by its brightness, but consumes not a leaf with its flame. (2) Still more does this come out in prophecies bearing more directly on His work and office (Isaiah 32:2; Isaiah 42:1; cf. Matthew 12:18). 2. And such as prophecy declared Christ should be, such, in. all the actings of His earthly life, do we find He was. With His own disciples He had to bear much. Yet rarely does His language rise to harsh reproof — scarcely even to upbraiding. It is rather that of a subdued, softened, melancholy tenderness. And was there less of tenderness in His dealings with those who were not disciples? with the penitent woman in Simon's house? with the woman of Samaria? etc. 3. This tenderness of the Saviour's character has accompanied Him into heaven, arching as with the mild splendours of a rainbow the throne of His mediation, and giving a softened light and lustre to the moral administration of God (Revelation 1-3). II. IN ITS BEARING ON SOME OF THE EXPERIENCES OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. 1. How should we be comforted by it under early convictions of sin, and doubts of the Divine forgiveness? None should despair whilst in the midst of the throne there stands the gentle Lamb of God whose blood cleanseth from all sin. 2. It should be very comforting when cast down by the weakness of our faith. The same weakness has been exhibited by our brethren in the world, but a gracious Saviour allowed for, pardoned them. Look at that agonised father as he brings his demoniac son to the Saviour. Weak faith, mixed faith, little faith — better this than none at all: "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief." Or see again how tenderly the Master deals with His fearful disciples in the storm. And therefore to all who are suffering from this infirmity, we say, "Be not afraid, only believe." 3. Consider it as it bears upon our slow progress in the Divine life — our coldness in sacred exercises, our fluctuations and decays of religious feeling. Go to Gethsemane, and look on the disciples sleeping when they ought to have been praying; but the compassionate Saviour can excuse all. "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 4. See the Christian under the pressure of outward adversity. More than thirty years did our Divine Master spend in that school. And we love to think of Jesus as "touched with a feeling of our infirmities" now that He reigns in heaven. 5. See the Christian again under the prevalence of temptation, and what a strong refuge has he in the Saviour's tenderness: "For in that He Himself hath suffered, being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted." Yes, "tempted in all points like as we are." And now, in heaven, He brings to bear on His work for us all the sacred memories and experiences of His earthly state. 6. Behold the Christian in that hour of nature's greatest weakness, when he sees opening before him the doors of the unseen world. Then does he feel the power of the Saviour's tenderness most; for it is His special office "to deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (D. Moore, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: |
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