2 Kings 14:29

REFLECTIONS

BEHOLD, my soul, in the ruined state of Israel, which this chapter presents to thy view, the sure consequence of sin and the evil thereof. Whoever hardened himself against God, and prospered? - Is this Israel whom the Lord brought out of Egypt; carried him on eagles wings; rained manna from heaven for his food, and gave water from the rock to his thirst; led him by a pillar of a cloud by day, and sheltered him in a pillar of fire by night? Is this the same? Alas? how is the gold become dim! how is the fine gold changed!

But behold also, may soul, the bowels of mercies of Israel's covenant God. The Lord saw the affliction of Israel. And will not the Lord send deliverance to his people? Yes! blessed be his name. The deliverance is only in him. He hath sent a Saviour, and a great one, and he hath delivered them. Oh! for grace to receive Jesus, to believe in him, to rest upon him, and on the bended knee, in transports of rejoicing, to bless God for his unspeakable gift!