1 Chronicles 3:24

REFLECTIONS

READER! it is hardly possible to read the genealogy of David's race without connecting with it our recollection of David's sorrow in his children. What a grief were many of his branches! Well might he say, Although my house be not so with God! And what is the relief to a sorrowful parent in the contemplation of the degeneracy and impiety of his offspring but what David found; God's covenant love in Jesus. Oh, my brother! if you and I can say as he did, then Shall we find the supporting consolation he found! Y et (saith he) hath the Lord made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure; and this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

Reader! let us indulge one sweet thought more over this Chapter. We behold here the succession of David's children, and we know that that succession led to Jesus after the flesh. Oh! then, let the recollection direct our thoughts and our affections to him, (in whom the genealogy of David centered) even to all precious Jesus. To thee, thou blessed Lord Jesus, would my soul direct all her contemplation! On thee would I fix my longing eyes! In thee shall I find the sum and substance of all desire. With thee would I eternally dwell; and from thee draw all my joy. Thou art both the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And while the Spirit and the Bride say, Come; and all the pressing invitations of thy holy word call upon me to come unto thee, do thou, blessed Jesus, add thine own gracious call, saying, Surely, I come quickly; then will my soul echo to thy voice, and with an holy fervor of desire answer, Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen.