Job 36:33

REFLECTIONS

READER, let our improvement, from the perusal of this chapter, be to remark, that the glory of GOD is the great end of man; and by whatever method or way that glory can be exalted, the faith of GOD'S people is to pursue that way, and studiously to desire that purpose. This was and is the great end of all creation. Hence the hymn in heaven: Thou art worthy, O LORD, to receive glory and honour and power for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. And the same was and is the great purpose and end of redemption, that GOD in all things may be glorified in JESUS CHRIST. Hence the song among the redeemed in glory is to the same effect: Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, and wisdom and strength, and honour and glory, and blessing. It matters not what becomes of such poor, trifling, empty, and sinful creatures as we are, if GOD'S glory can be but the more advanced. And hence, Reader, what a sweet thought is it, that, as by the glorious person and work of the LORD JESUS, more glory results to JEHOVAH than his justice could have received, had it taken vengeance upon our sins, by banishing our whole race from his presence to all eternity; so receiving us in him, and blessing us in him, and making us everlastingly happy in him; this gives all the glory where alone that glory is due. Both the blessings of creation and redemption are then seen to be the result of infinite wisdom, and love, and power; and to open a revenue of praise and glory to the one blessed and eternal JEHOVAH forevermore.

One thought more, Reader, on this beautiful discourse of Elihu's before we dose the chapter. Let us both seek grace from that Almighty SPIRIT who thus taught Elihu how to form so just a conclusion of the divine dispensations, that we may also mark for our own exercise, the gracious design of our Covenant GOD in CHRIST, in everyone that concerns ourselves. Are we exalted in circumstances? See then that JESUS is in everyone of them. Are we depressed in trials? Where is the LORD JESUS to sanctify them? Do we hear his voice, can we trace his steps, mark his hand? Oh! how blessed it is when we are enabled to discover him, as the Alpha and Omega, the sum and substance of all our joy, the soother and softener of all our sorrow. Oh! thou dear Redeemer! cause me to eye thee, in my highest enjoyments; giving the finishing relish to all. Oh! grant my dearest LORD, that I may never be so taken up with any of thy gifts, how precious soever they may be in themselves, so as to overlook, or shut out of my remembrance, the Giver. But, oh! let thy fulness, thy beauty, thy glory, be ever uppermost in my view. And if it pleaseth thy wisdom to exercise me with afflictions, yet dearest LORD, if thou art beheld by me, as near to help, when my depressed soul be most in need, then shall I be enabled to esteem that affliction, that brings thee nearer to my view, as more blessed than the highest prosperity without thee. Yes, thou adored Redeemer! be thou all in all, and then in all things thou wilt be my joy, my consolation, my hope, my portion, in grace here, and in glory hereafter. Amen.