Psalms 118:29

REFLECTIONS

SURELY this Psalm opens a most blessed view of Jesus; and it is hardly possible to go over the perusal of it, if the soul be at all awakened to the renewed enjoyment of her Lord, without being led by it to follow the footsteps of Him whom we love, through all his eventful ministry, until we see this rejected stone the head of the corner. Blessed Spirit! I would say, do thou, merciful Lord, in thy one gracious work of glorifying Jesus, lead out my heart, while reading this blessed scripture of thine, to trace Him, whom my soul loveth, through every part of it. And in the very opening of it, do I not see my Lord and Saviour assuming my nature for the purpose of salvation, and calling upon the Father, as this Psalm records, in his distress; until the Father heard and answered, and brought him forth into a large place? Do not see the Father on his side, when strong bulls of Basilan beset him around, and when the assembly of the wicked enclosed him? And though all nations compassed him about, and were like bees, so, thick upon him; yet in the name of Jehovah, how did our Lord overcome them! And shall I not with such believing views of the Lord Jesus, feel my whole soul going out after him, in love, and praise, and obedience, and affection; welcoming the coming Saviour, and standing astonished at such stupendous deeds as are connected with salvation, which are marvellous in our eyes?

Precious Jesus! thou foundation-stone, which Jehovah thy Father hath laid in Zion! on thee, Lord, may my soul rest her whole stress, for strength and help, for union and prosperity. Let those who know thee not, like the foolish Jewish builders, go on to reject thee. Alas! on whomsoever ultimately thou shalt fall, thou wilt grind them to powder. But oh! grant me, Lord, to rest wholly on thee, and as a lively stone, to be built up daily upon thee. Be thou to me, the rock of ages! Be thou to me, that blessed mountain, cut out without hands, that is to fill the earth! Fill thou, my soul, my whole heart, and all its affections! And be thou that one stone, upon which are seven eyes, that I may be everlastingly feasting myself with contemplating thy beauties, thy glories, thine excellencies, thy suitableness, and all-sufficiency, until I come to behold thy face in glory; that when I awake in thy likeness, I may be satisfied with thee.