13 SEPTEMBER
Plead for all this
‘Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.’ Psalm 119:132
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Psalm 119:129–144
This prayer is like a letter with a direction. It was used by one who loved the Lord’s name, and had nothing else to plead, and it is recorded for the use of all who are like-minded.
The character: they love thy name, that is, his person, revelation and will—all that by which he is known—and it expresses the manner of their affection: they love him so that they love his very name. Conversation or preaching that is not seasoned with his name is unpleasant to them.
How the Lord used to deal with such: he looks upon them with an eye of favour, they are accepted in the beloved, having protection, Psalm 91:14 [Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name] and compassion. He is merciful to them, in pardoning their sins, accepting their poor services, supplying their wants, preparing a kingdom.
Now if you love the name of Jesus you may, you ought, to expect and plead for all this. He has not excepted you? Why should you except yourself?
Shall I tell you how the Lord ‘used to do’ to those who love not his name, when his gospel is preached? He warns them. It is seldom but he strives with them for a season by his Word, Spirit and providence. He bears a while with them, he endures them with much patience and longsuffering. At length he punishes, either by leaving them to the hardness of their own hearts and Satan, and then how awful they turn out, or cutting them off with stroke. In either case they fall into his hands. Terrible thought.
FOR MEDITATION:
I’ll cast myself before his feet,
Ye burdened souls approach with me,
I see him on his mercy-seat,
And make the Saviour’s name your plea;
(’Tis sprinkled with atoning blood)
Jesus will pardon all who come,
There sinners find access to God:
And strike our fierce accuser dumb.
SERMON: PSALM 119:132 [1/1]
Milo 