Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. This glorious fact in our nature — I. INDICATES CONSTITUTIONAL RESEMBLANCE TO GOD. It means something more than to be God's creatures, like the earth, sea, sky, etc.; but implies resemblance in essential attributes — spiritual personality, intellectual perception, moral sensibility, loving sympathy, spontaneous activity. This resemblance — 1. Constitutes man the highest natural revelation of God. Though a mere atom comparatively, he is the brightest reflector of the Infinite. As I see the ocean in a dewdrop, and the sun in a particle of light, I see God in man. 2. Accounts for our power of forming ideas of God. Had we no resembling attributes, His existence would be a blank to us. Had we no personality, love, etc., His perfections would be without meaning. The eagle takes a vaster view of nature than we can; yet it sees no God because not made, like us, in the image of the Creator. II. SUGGESTS THE RATIONALE OF DIVINE LAWS. Why has God given us laws? To restrict our freedom or curtail our pleasures? Do His laws, like those of human monarchs, arise from the policy of selfishness or fear? Is He obliged, like mortal rulers, to guard His throne by legislation? No. His laws are the considerate directions of a loving Father, profoundly desirous that His offspring shall escape all evils, and realise the highest good. He who has the true spirit of a child will always say with the Psalmist, "O how I love Thy law!" If any question this interpretation of the Divine code, let him — 1. Carefully examine the character of those laws, and see if he can find one that does not tend to happiness. 2. Consult the experience of the obedient, and see if he can find one who will not say, "In the keeping of Thy commandments there is great reward." III. EXPLAINS THE INTERPOSITION OF CHRIST. What was there in insignificant and sinful man to enlist this? Was it the intrinsic value of the human soul? The soul, it is true, is superior to the irrational universe; but it is inferior, perhaps, to other intelligences; and as compared with the Infinite mind, What is it? I find the reason in the soul's relationship, as the "offspring of God. Parental love amongst men, instead of being cooled by the infirmities of the child, is fired by them. This principle, which is a Divine implantation, enables me to understand, in some humble measures, why the Infinite Father should show all this wonderful compassion to men. IV. EXPOSES THE ENORMITY OF SIN. What laws are so binding — what authority so sacred as a true Father's? How heinous is sin — 1. In relation to God, when you think of Him as a Father! The greatest ingratitude is that which overlooks a father's kindness; the greatest criminality is that which violates a father's precepts; the greatest rebellion is that which contemns a father's authority. 2. In relation to society. We are all brothers and sisters. How enormously iniquitous then are slavery, war, cruelty, and oppression of every kind? V. AIDS US TO ESTIMATE THE TRANSCENDENT BLESSEDNESS OF THE DUTIFUL. The office of a father is to provide for his children. As a guardian, God protects the mind as well as the body, and guards our existence with all its rights and interests. As an educator, He develops all the wonderful powers of our nature, trains us not only for some office in time, but for the high services of eternity. As a nourisher, He has supplies for all wants now and forever. Conclusion: Man, reverence thy nature! act worthy of thy high relationship; thou art a child of the Infinite. The great universe is thy Father's house. Seek through Christ the pardon of thy sins, and the true spirit of adoption, and thou shalt find at last in the great eternity a "mansion" prepared for thee. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. |
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