Homeward bound
‘And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant’s house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God.’ 1 Chronicles 17:17
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: 1 Chronicles 17:18–27
You have spoken about the future. Are these small things? Yes, compared to what follows—he has spoken for a great while to come, even to eternity. Present mercies are but earnests of his love, present comforts but foretastes of the joy to which we are hastening. O that crown, that kingdom, that eternal weight of glory! We are travelling home to God. We shall soon see Jesus, and never complain of sin, sorrow, temptation or desertion any more. He has dealt with us according to the estate of a man of high degree. He found us upon the dunghill and has made us companions of princes—in a wilderness and has led us to the city of God.
This calls for patience—yet a little while and we shall be at home, for now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed (Romans 13:11). We are spared thus far. But some, I fear, are strangers to the promises. You are entered upon a New Year. It may be your last. You are at present barren trees in the vineyard. O fear lest the sentence should go forth—Cut it down [Luke 13:7].
FOR MEDITATION:
The LORD has promised good to me,
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
His word my hope secures;
And mortal life shall cease;
He will my shield and portion be,
I shall possess, within the veil,
As long as life endures.
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But GOD, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
[Note these are the original last verses to Amazing Grace, by Newton.]
SERMON: 1 CHRONICLES 17:16–17 [4/4]
