Genesis 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. I. IT MUST BE OUR CARE TO OBSERVE, NOT ONLY WHAT GOD WORKS, BUT WITHAL HOW HE DISPOSETH, AND ORDERETH THAT WHICH HE HATH WROUGHT. 1. Because the excellency and perfection of every work is in the end whereunto it is directed and applied. 2. Because the wisdom of God is most discovered in the ordering and disposing of His works, as His power is most seen in creating of them: as usually the workman's skill is more commended in the use of an instrument than in the making and framing of it. II. THE CREATURES THAT GOD HATH MADE ARE TO BE LOOKED ON AS AN ARMY ARRAYED IN AN EXCELLENT AND WELL COMPOSED ORDER. 1. Let all men carefully search into the order, mutual correspondence, and scope, whereunto all the ways of God, in the administration of the creatures, tend. (1) Judging of His works, in and by them, not apart, but laid all together. (2) Looking to, and waiting for, the end of the work which He hath in hand, as we are advised to do (Psalm 27:37). 2. Tremble before that God, and trust in Him that hath power in His hand to command all the creatures in heaven and earth, and to arm them at His pleasure for the defence of those that fear Him, and against such as hate Him. III. GOD PERFECTETH AND FULLY FINISHETH EVERY WORK THAT HE TAKES IN HAND. 1. In their measure, which is proportioned to the end, whereunto they were appointed. 2. And in their time, for they are brought to perfection by degrees, as David professeth of the framing of His own body (Psalm 139:16). (1) Let us in imitation of God, work till we bring things to perfection; as Naomi assures Ruth that Boaz would do (Ruth 3:18). Especially in the works that more immediately concern God's honour and our own salvation; not contenting ourselves with laying the foundation, but labouring to go on to perfection (Hebrews 6:1). Adding still one grace to another (2 Peter 1:5), and growing strong in every grace, that we may perfect holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1). And abounding in every good work (Hebrews 13:21). Lest we prove like the foolish builder (Luke 14:30), or the ostrich (Isaiah 39:14, 15). (2) Let it be a means to strengthen our hearts, in the assurance of the perfecting the work — (a) Of sanctification. God, according to His promises, will not leave purging us till He have made us without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:17-20).(b) Of our salvation (Philippians 1:6). He that suffered for us, till all was finished (Job 19:30), will not leave till He have brought us into the full possession of the glory which He hath purchased for us. (J. White, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.WEB: The heavens and the earth were finished, and all their vast array. |
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