6 APRIL (PREACHED THURSDAY 6 APRIL 1774)
Is the King in you?
‘Now why dost thou cry out aloud? Is there no king in thee? Is thy counsellor perished? For pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail.’ Micah 4:9
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Micah 4:6–13
He checks the excess of their grief and reproves their unbelief. Observe reproof and consolation joined. Is there no king …? Two comfortable views of the Lord Jesus are here presented: our King, our Counsellor. The soul over whom he reigns as King must be safe and happy. The soul for whom he pleads as Advocate will surely gain its cause.
Is there no king in thee? If there is, you have no reason to sorrow without hope, for he is mighty to save. A king has great power—but none like the King and saints (Matthew 28:18). He has power over the heart, the world and the devil. A king is sovereign. If he will pardon, who will condemn? It is spoken of as Nebuchadnezzar’s prerogative (Daniel 5:19). Much more, is it true of Jesus. Though you owe ten thousand talents, this King can clear you by an act of grace. A king is rich and can easily make his friends so. What a change did Pharaoh’s favour make for Joseph. But you will say, ‘It is good news for some, but if I am asked, I fear I must say, No, he is not in me—at least, I know it not. How shall I be sure?’ There is no end of reasoning with unbelief. What would satisfy you?
The King has described those in whom he is: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word (Isaiah 66:2). What can you oppose to this, but those things which the Scripture declares is common to all the people of God? What can you say, more than St Paul has said of himself (Romans 7)?
FOR MEDITATION: I long to hear that you are entered into the peace and liberty of the gospel. Why will you rather listen to an enemy who grudges you peace, and who you know beforehand was a liar from the beginning? He aims to distress you. The chief point of the gospel is very simple and plain—it is only to believe that Jesus died and rose again, and is now preparing a place in his kingdom and that all he did and suffered, with all the blessed effects of his atonement and mediation, is for your sake, if you put your trust in him.
John Newton to Mrs Jean Coffin, 27 June 1793
SERMON: MICAH 4:9 [1/2]
