2 Chronicles 27:9

REFLECTIONS

IN the quick succession of kings which this part of the word of God brings forward to view, it is profitable to pause and consider, how transient those characters were in their power and influence, which during their government, no doubt, made a mighty bustle in life, and moved up and down as beings highly important. But alas! what is all human greatness but as a bubble on the mighty waters! precious Jesus! what would the whole earth, with all its greatest monarchies and men be, void of an interest in thee and thy great salvation! How bounded within a short space their lives! how insignificant their existence! how trifling and childish their pursuits! Without thee, thou dear Redeemer, no hopes beyond the grave, no prospect of immortality; no redemption from sin; no resource from the fears of death, nor from the alarms of conscience! wishing to live after death, and yet dreading the hereafter; hoping there might be a place of rest; but in the midst full of a thousand forebodings concerning it! Oh! thou glorious, gracious, precious Jesus! it is thou which hast brought life and immortality to light by thy gospel. And by thy great undertaking thou hast not only opened to thy people clear and distinct views of the everlasting mansions of the blessed, but by thy finished redemption hast purchased eternal happiness for them, and art gone before to take possession of it in their name. Now, Lord, we hail thy glorious person, and adore thee for thy finished work. All thy people are by thee made kings and priests to God and the Father. We have received a kingdom by thee, and in thee, which cannot be moved. Oh! for grace whereby we may serve thee acceptably in this life with reverence and godly fear; until we come to reign with thee in the life that is to come in glory forever.