Hosea 13:14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be your plagues; O grave… Our text is not all solemnity; it also Wakens within the mind emotions of deep and heartfelt joy. I. THE TIME IS COMING WHEN THE RAVAGES OF DEATH SHALL BE FOR EVER ENDED. Death is always at work. He is never tired. And all alike are seized by him as his victims. The ravages of death! How the mind sinks in despondency as it contemplates what death has done! And the ravages are sometimes sudden. Then, how blessed is the assurance that the time is coming when the promise of the text shall be fulfilled. II. THEN ALL THE DESIGN OF THE ATONEMENT WILL BE FULFILLED. When Adam sinned he flung over the sunshine and joy of God's world the shadow of the tomb. When Jesus entered the world He came to dissipate that shadow, and bring back sunshine and joy by bringing life and immortality to light. The design of the atonement is to be fulfilled; it is not altogether fulfilled yet. III. THEN THE GLOOMY ASSOCIATIONS OF THE GRAVE WILL BE ALL FORGOTTEN. Now it is not possible to think of the grave without gloomy thoughts. But that grave shall one day be destroyed, and all its sad memories shall be blotted out. IV. WHEN THESE WORDS ARE FULFILLED THE WHOLE FAMILY OF GOD WILL BE REUNITED FOR EVER. The family of God is scattered now. Part is triumphant in heaven, and part is still militant upon earth. We shall all meet again, where partings are for ever unknown. (W. Meynell Whittemore, S. C. L.) Parallel Verses KJV: I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes. |
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