Psalm 104:30 You send forth your spirit, they are created: and you renew the face of the earth. I. GOD IN THE RENEWAL OF NATURE. Canon Mozley bids us think of nature both as labouring as a machine, and as sleeping as a picture — to regard its uses, and its impressions. In both these aspects we may regard the Divine renewal of the earth. 1. As working secret causes of change in the revolution both of the earth and of the whole solar system that has its effect in making one primrose blow. 2. As effecting a change in the appearance of things making the earth's "face" express Life, Love, and Joy. II. GOD IN THE RENEWAL OF MAN. His work here is illustrated by His work in nature. 1. There is secret work at hidden causes — repentance, regeneration. 2. There is the effecting of change in outward appearance, the character, like the spring, has Life, Love. Joy. For illustration of this look — (1) At the individual. Natural childhood and youth is a renewal of the face of the earth. The buddings of childhood's intellect, the bursting forth of youthful love. The beginnings of spiritual life. The glory of God seen by any soul in the face of Jesus Christ awakens new life in that soul. In raising to immortal life after death. That is the renewal of which spring sings to us in graveyards and cemeteries. (2) At the race. As flowers and fields seek the sun, we may all say to Christ, "All men seek for Thee." In the time of the restitution of all things it may be said literally, sung gloriously, "Thou renewest the face of the earth." (U. R. Thomas.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.WEB: You send forth your Spirit: they are created. You renew the face of the ground. |
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