Psalm 139:24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. : — Since we must have a way, it is of the highest importance that our way should be a right one; important, because if it be not right we shall not long be happy in our course, since the happiness of those who follow the path of evil is fleeting as a meteor, mocking as a will-o'-the-wisp, deceptive as the mirage, frail as a bubble on the wave, and unsubstantial as a phantom of the night. I. A REMARKABLE ATTRIBUTE OF THE RIGHT WAY — IT IS "THE WAY EVERLASTING." 1. It is most certain that the way of many men cannot be everlasting. (1) The way of the sinful is not so. I hope with regard to some that their way will last but for a very little time, for it is the way of evil. May they soon turn from it! May their road be so hedged up by God's providence and grace that they may be compelled to take another road. (2) The way of the merely moral man is not a way everlasting. (3) The way of the purposeless and dilettante is not everlasting. (4) The way even of some religious people is not the way everlasting. The hypocrite, the Pharisee, etc. 2. The right way — the way of faith in God and of a life that flows out of faith in God — the way indeed which Jesus trod, is the way everlasting — (1) Because it is a way which was mapped out upon everlasting principles. Truth will never die; the stars will grow dim, the sun will pale his glory, but truth will be ever young. Integrity, uprightness, honesty, love, goodness, these are all imperishable. (2) Because no circumstances can by any possibility necessitate any change in it. (3) Because such a way even death itself shall not terminate. II. THE CONFESSION. This remarkable confession and prayer should suggest two Things — ignorance and impotence. When we say, "Lead me," if it is a blind man, it means ignorance; he cannot see the way, and therefore he needs to be led, though he may be strong enough to walk if he only knew the way. "Lead me, Lord," also signifies impotence if it be judged of as the child's case; he needs to be led in another sense, because he has not strength enough in his little feet to go without the help of his mother's hand. 1. Our want of knowledge. (1) Imperfect judgment. (2) Vitiated affections. (3) Wrong influences. 2. Our want of strength. We need to ask of God to give us will, which is the real power. III. THE PRAYER. How comprehensive it is! 1. Because of its object — the whole man, his intellect, emotions, tongue, actions. 2. Its modes. God leads by the law, by the life of Christ, by the Holy Spirit, by ministers, by good books, etc. 3. Its issues. "The way everlasting" — a holy life, a happy death, and a heaven to crown it all. 4. The persons who may fitly use it. Who is there whom it would not suit? ( C. H. Spurgeon.). Parallel Verses KJV: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. |
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