Galatians 4:27-28 For it is written, Rejoice, you barren that bore not; break forth and cry, you that travail not… Take the text to refer — I. TO THE CHURCH OF GOD. 1. For a long season before the Advent the Church was desolate. 2. During Christ's temporal stay with her her condition was not much better. 3. Suddenly after His departure, on the Day of Pentecost, she became fruitful. 4. And continued fruitful (luring the whole apostolic age.Notice — 1. That at all seasons when the Church has been desolate and barren God has appeared to her. (1) In the dark ages the Church was barren, but the Lord appeared through Luther, and she became fruitful. (2) In the last century the Church was barren, but God appeared and made her fruitful through the Wesleys and Whitefield. 2. That in the present age of comparative barrenness we may expect revival. II. TO ANY ONE CHURCH. 1. There are some separate Churches that are in a sad condition, with a lifeless ministry, worldly officers, and declining membership. 2. What is the present duty of members of such Churches? (1) Labour to be conscious of your state, of its evil and danger. (2) Pray earnestly for revival. (3) Do all you can personally to bring it about. III. TO THE POOR, HELPLESS SINNER. 1. His fruitlessness. 2. Desolation. 3. Help in Christ. 4. Trust in Him, and He will make thee fruitful. IV. TO THE DEPRESSED BELIEVER. 1. Barrenness is the platform of Divine power. 2. Desolation the setting for God's everlasting love. V. TO THOSE CHRISTIANS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN DOING GOOD. 1. It is good for you while you are barren to feel desolate. 2. But you may be barren only in your own esteem. 3. Wait, and toil on, for in due season you will reap if you faint not. 4. If your barrenness is real let it humble you, but repair to the source of fruitfulness. (C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. |
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