2 Kings 15:38

REFLECTIONS

READER! can you review the successive history of these kings without emotion! Is there not here enough to teach any man, and every man, the folly, emptiness, and unsatisfying nature of all human greatness void of the grace and favor of God? Is this all the history of greatness that these men were born, that they began at such a period to reign, that they reigned so long, did evil for the most part in the sight of the Lord, and at their death were succeeded by others! Alas, alas! if this be the only arithmetic of human greatness, who would covet the envied purple, or look with longing desires to be among the higher ranks of this life.

Blessed Jesus! how sweetly in this instance, as in every other review of the present circumstances of human life, doth thy person, and our interest and relationship in thee, appear. Allied to thee, dearest Lord, thy people are royal indeed; for they are begotten of God the Father, the king of heaven, and earth, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away: they are the children and brethren of the Lord Jesus Christ, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; and by the Holy Ghost made partakers of the divine nature, married to Jesus, and entitled by him to all the portions and revenues of royalty, and to a crown of glory hereafter that shall endure forever. Reader! pause and contemplate their privileges! Behold! See, even now, amidst all the disadvantages of their earthly state, though poor in outward circumstances, and the world owns them not, but their mother's children are angry with them; yet are they still but like the heirs of a kingdom in disguise, going home to glory, and each one of them bears the features, and resembles the children of a king. Their spiritual clothing, like the king's daughter, is all glorious within. The imputed righteousness of their husband and their Lord, is royal apparel indeed. Their provision in spirituals is all heavenly, being the bread of God which came down from heaven, the flesh and blood of Jesus; they ride moreover in the royal chariot of the Lord Jesus, the pillows whereof are silver, the bottom thereof gold, the covering of it of purple, and the midst thereof paved with love. They have a royal guard also to attend and guard their persons, angels being their ministering servants, and the Lord himself their God, their glory.

Think, then, ye humble followers of the humble and lowly Jesus, think of your high privileges in him, and his lawful right, who is the Lord your righteousness. And if ye are indeed a chosen generation, royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; show forth the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Live as children of the Lord. And seeing that ye have received a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.