Luke 10:23-24 And he turned him to his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that you see:… The privileges here referred to. What are the things we see and hear? Many answers might be given. We might tell of the progress of science, commerce, civilization — progress that is stupendous, amazing; and there is nothing of all this but has its value. But these are not the things that make us "blessed." What are they? An Infant, cradled in a manger, shepherds and wise men bowing near — a meek and lowly Man, standing in the midst of a crowd, teaching and healing, while mockery and hatred look on — a Sufferer stretched upon a cross, "His visage marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men" — an opening sepulchre, and a figure rising, ascending, received up into glory — these are the things we see. Meanwhile, we hear the song of angels, proclaiming the birth of Messiah, and foretelling His glory — we hear the sweeter voice of Messiah's self, when "gracious words proceed out of His mouth." Such are the things we see and hear: all of them, you perceive, referring to Christ — His Incarnation, Teaching, Life, Death, and Resurrection. And this is the gospel! In this God reveals His purposes of mercy. Such is the gospel as we receive it — more complete than when our Lord spake the words of the text to His disciples. The position of ancient saints with regard to these privileges. "Many prophets and righteous men have desired," etc. The fact here stated is two-fold: they had the desire — but it remained ungratified. Take some passages by way of illustration. Christ says of Abraham: "He rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it" — that is, he exulted with the desire to see, and, by lively faith, clearly pictured it forth. Hero then is a specimen of the position of the patriarchs — Just as Moses climbed Mount Pisgah, and looked on Canaan, though he never crossed the Jordan: so Abraham climbed the mount of faith, and descried the distant scenes of our Lord's life. How natural was the desire! The man who has taken an earnest part in some great undertaking naturally longs to see it accomplished. "They desired to see the things that we see, and to hear the things that we hear." And yet — their desire remained ungratified. In this there is much that is instructive. 1. See the calm steady procession of the purposes of God! He has appointed a time for everything and nothing can derange His plan. 2. See the trial He gives His people's faith! It is so still, is it not? How many of our heart's desires He denies us now. The faith of the ancient saints was tried — and strengthened by trial; and thus they became "strong in faith, giving glory to God." 3. Brethren, let us prize our privileges. Here they are, in rich abundance; yet how often are we dull and cold in the midst of them all! 4. Impenitent man — beware! You, too, are surrounded by privileges. Isaiah, David, Daniel never saw what you see. 5. Some are coming after us, who will know more than we do. When we pass away, others will arise; and in regard to position, we are to them as the prophets were to us. 6. But those who have gone before — have not they, too, outstripped us? Think — what do they see and hear? We cannot tell! 7. O happy time when the whole Church shall be complete in glory! (F. Tucker.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: |
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