19 DECEMBER
He honoured the law
‘Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.’ Isaiah 7:14
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Philippians 2:5–11
The wonder rises unspeakably—this son of the virgin, shall be called Emanuel, God with us. The human nature of Christ considered alone, was not sufficient for the great undertaking of reconciliation. Two things were requisite which exceeded the utmost capacity of any mere creature: dignity and power. As sinless and perfect, he might have yielded a complete obedience, but it could have been only for himself. The most excellent creature cannot exceed the law of his creation. He is bound to serve God with his all, and his obligations keep pace with his ability. An obedience acceptable and available for others, for thousands and millions, for all who plead it, must be performed by a nature not necessarily bound. It was therefore a divine person in the human nature who engaged for us. He who was before all, by whom all things were made, assumed the nature of man. The lawgiver himself submitted in this way to be under his own law. This gave a value and dignity to all that he did, to all that he suffered; thus he not only satisfied but honoured the law. We may boldly say the law and perfections of God were more honoured by the Messiah in his obedience, in submitting to the death of the cross, than it could have been by the unsinning obedience of all mankind to the end of time.
FOR MEDITATION:
He bears the names of all his saints,
The blood, which as a Priest he bears
Deep on his heart engraved;
For sinners, is his own;
Attentive to the state and wants
The incense of his prayers and tears
Of all his love has saved.
Perfume the holy throne.
In him a holiness complete,
In him my weary soul has rest,
Light and perfections shine;
Though I am weak and vile
And wisdom, grace, and glory meet;
I read my name upon his breast,
A Saviour all divine.
And see the Father smile.
SERMON SERIES: MESSIAH, NO. 5 [4/6], ISAIAH 7:14
Milo 