2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift. The gifts of the Corinthians to their poor brethren in Judaea were welcomed, acknowledged, approved. But every Christian duty and service led the mind of the apostle up to Christ himself. Earthly gifts suggested to his mind that Gift which is heavenly and supreme. I. GOD'S GIFT TO MAN. 1. The Lord Christ is emphatically the Gift of God. He was sent by the Father, and his mission was a proof of the Father's interest and love. All gifts beside are pale and poor, by reason of the splendour and the beauty of this. 2. The Lord Christ is the unspeakable Gift of God; i.e. so rich and wonderful as not to be capable of a full description. Observe: (1) Its intrinsic value. Could God himself give a more precious treasure than the Son of his love? He is "the Pearl of great price." (2) Its adaptation to the needs of those to whom it is given. Christ is the Gift of bread to the hungry, of water to the thirsty, of freedom to the slave. Spiritual good was what man needed; and it was what came to man by Christ. (3) Its infinite train of blessing. We are told that "all things" are placed at the disposal of those from whom God has not withheld his Son. And this doctrine is one which experience supports. The innumerable blessings which have come into the world with the gospel are a proof that the language of Scripture is not exaggerated. II. MAN'S GRATITUDE TO GOD. 1. It is often wickedly withheld. Our Lord was despised and rejected of men when he was upon earth; and there are still multitudes who are insensible to his preciousness, and who take no part in the grateful praises of his Church. 2. It is offered by appreciative hearts. They who have gratefully accepted the boon, who have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, - they are forward to acknowledge the liberality and the loving kindness of the great Giver above. 3. It is openly and joyfully expressed by those who feel it. Hymns of grateful praise; a loving witness to the world of the Divine pity and kindness; gifts to his cause, which are accepted as offered to himself; deeds of cheerful and holy obedience; - such are the means by which the redeemed and spiritually enriched may show forth their gratitude for the Gift which is unspeakable. - T. Parallel Verses KJV: Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. |
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