1 Chronicles 28:21

REFLECTIONS

READER! behold what an interesting light the Holy Ghost hath placed the departing patriarch David in, before the Church in this chapter. When we behold him going forth in the name of the Lord to the battles of the Lord, against Goliath and the many other such like blasphemers of God and his cause which followed, we could not but admire the stripling, and yet more be led to admire and adore the gracious hand which strengthened him for the war. But now arrived to the close of life, how interesting is it to see the old man ready to depart, and standing on the threshold of the eternal world, yet giving his last advice for the due glory of the God of his mercies. Reader! must it not be the best and sweetest of all deaths, as well as the most honourable, to be found in the exercise of faith, praying for the glory of God to be continued among his church and people here below, when the believer himself is going to be removed to the enjoyment of the church triumphant which is above? How would you wish to be found in the dying hour, but in the living experience of Jesus' faithfulness, and recommending him and his great salvation to all around you? It is true, indeed, few situations, like that of David, open so large a sphere for an interference in the public government of Jesus's church. The Lord calls, as in the instance of David and Solomon, whom he pleases to take interest in this important concern. And when princes are found, like David, heartily engaged in promoting God's glory, happy is that nation and people so unitedly employed in raising the spiritual temple of God's worship. But every individual who knows Jesus, and loves Jesus, cannot but take part in what concerns Jesus; and must, and will, serve and promote the growing interest of Jesus, with his prayers at least, when he hath nothing else to offer.

Dearest Lord! Do I behold David and his son, his court and people, all interested, all alive and animated in preparing, what after all was but a type of thy presence: and shall I, who know thee now in substance, as the Author and Finisher of salvation, shall I be cold and lifeless when thy glory is languishing all around, and all hands are faint, and hearts are dead, in thy service? Oh! come Lord Jesus with all thy quickening influence in the midst of thy churches; inflame the souls of princes, priests, and people; let everyone that nameth the name of Christ, have his heart warmed with the love of Christ, that the Lord may revive his work in the midst of the years; and bring on that fullness of the Redeemer's glory in the earth, which the Lord hath promised, when, from the rising of the sun, even to the going down of the same, his name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered to his name, and a pure offering. Amen, Lord Jesus. Amen.