_Then I went to Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it: and, beheld, the girdle was marred, it was profitable for nothing._ THE CAST-OFF GIRDLE In many instances the prophets were bidden to do singular things, and among the rest was this: Jeremiah must take a l... [ Continue Reading ]
_This evil people which refuse to hear My words._ REJECTERS OF GOD’S WORD I. Sensational preaching: in what sense to be approved. The style of this teaching of Jeremiah looks sensational. He is bidden to take a fine, new linen girdle--a most important and ornamental part of an Oriental gentleman’s... [ Continue Reading ]
_Do we not certainly know that every bottle shall be filled with wine?_ DRUNK WITH EVIL They are supposed to think that the prophet is merely stating what was the plain meaning of the words, and, under that impression, to reply, What great matter is this, to tell us that bottles which are made to b... [ Continue Reading ]
_Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the Lord hath spoken._ JEHOVAH HATH SPOKEN: WILL YE NOT HEAR? I. There is a revelation. “For the Lord hath spoken.” 1. The voice which we are bidden to hear is a Divine voice, it is the voice of Him that made the heavens and the earth, whose creatures we... [ Continue Reading ]
_Give glory to the Lord your God._ I. Counsel. “Give glory to the Lord.” 1. Because the Lord’s glory is man’s good. 2. Because in them that glory might appear. 3. Because by them that glory might be obscured. II. Warning, “Before He cause darkness,” etc. 1. Fading light. No clear vision when G... [ Continue Reading ]
_Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?_ A QUESTION FOR PARENTS AND PASTORS Here is a flock that is being inquired about, not a flock only, but a beautiful flock. 1. The question comes into our family life, and asks us where all the children are, those lovely children, that b... [ Continue Reading ]
_What wilt thou say when He shall punish thee?_ A QUESTION TO THE IMPENITENT It was in view of certain threatened calamities that were to come on Judah from the hand of the Lord, that this question is asked of her. I put this question to each individual who is not obeying the Gospel of Christ. What... [ Continue Reading ]
_Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?_ THE ETHIOPIAN I. The question and its answer. 1. The difficulty in the sinner’s case lies-- (1) In the thoroughness of the operation. The Ethiopian can wash, or paint; but he cannot change that which is part and parcel of himself. A... [ Continue Reading ]
_O Jerusalem I wilt thou not he made clean?_ THE NECESSITY OF HOLINESS I. The question. 1. It is of great importance to be cleansed from the filth of sin, and is what should be sought after with the utmost seriousness (Ezekiel 36:25). 2. Cleansing the heart from sin is the work of God. He that c... [ Continue Reading ]