Psalms 119:137-144

TZADDI.

In this portion is that memorable verse which throws a light upon the whole Psalm, and fully authorizes us to apply many parts of it directly to the person of Jesus. The passage is, My zeal hath consumed me. Independently of the royal prophet, David, in another Psalm, applying it to Christ (Psalms 69:9) and of the disciples in the temple doing the same (John 2:17); certain it is, none but Christ could ever with truth use such language. No! thou blessed Lord! none but thine heart ever so glowed with zeal for God's glory. And thy zeal for thy Father's glory, added to the love thou hast had from everlasting to the eternal welfare of thy people, made thine heart burn with holy ardour, so as to prey upon thy strength, and at an early age induce all the marks of a worn-out frame and debility of body. Oh! Lord! grant me a portion of thy earnestness; I beseech thee, that, like one of thy servants, I may not count my life dear to myself, but determine that Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life or death; that to me to live may be Christ, and to die may be gain, Philippians 1:20.