7 MAY (PREACHED 7 MAY 1775)
Ordered and sure
‘Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.’ 2 Samuel 23:5
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Psalm 111:1–10
Ordered in all things. The word signifies disposed, suited, provided, in such a manner as to answer every case and necessity that should arise. O this is a comfortable thought when the soul is enabled to look round. See how everything in this covenant is exactly fitted to its state (1 Corinthians 1:30). The Lord knew what would be wanted and has provided accordingly (1 Timothy 4:8). The poor awakened soul is distressed and terrified by the guilt of sin, but here is pardon—free pardon—a pardon bought with blood. It is distressed by fears and unbelief which make it shrink back and say, ‘For others it may be, but not for me.’ But here are many, great, exceeding, precious promises. It sees itself all over wants, but the ordered covenant contains an infinite fullness. It is alarmed with numerous enemies, but when we look to the covenant, we see there are more with us than against us. There is a dreadful heart of unbelief tempting to depart from God, and when it is felt, the believer thinks, ‘This enemy will be too hard for me at last.’ ‘Nay,’ says the covenant, ‘that cannot be. I will put my fear into thy heart.’ Thus every objection and complaint being provided for and answered, the covenant is sure, or as the word is, secured—freed from any possibility of miscarrying. It is sure by the word of God (Psalm 111:5, 9; Isaiah 54:10), by the oath of God (Psalm 110 [verse 4]; Hebrews 6:17), by the power of God (Deuteronomy 33:27), by the blood of Christ (Zechariah 9:11), by the intercession of Christ (Hebrews 12:24) and by the government of Christ (Matthew 28:18).
FOR MEDITATION: O what comfort does the consideration of this covenant afford! Hence you that desire to be established in faith and peace, meditate much on this subject. You will never get strength by poring only upon your own hearts. Let all examine (concerning your faith in Christ, if you are united to him) this covenant which is made in and with him. You may say of it, as David, ‘He has made it with me.’
SERMON SERIES: 2 SAMUEL 23:5, NO. 3 [2/3]
Milo 