28 DECEMBER (PREACHED NEW YEAR’S EVENING 1774)
Asking the way to Zion
‘They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.’ Jeremiah 50:5
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Psalm 119:33–40
They shall ask the way. This intimates:
(i) Their natural ignorance. Men in a state of nature know many things, but not one knows the way to Zion. Many never heard of it. And many who have heard much, know nothing aright. They walk in a way of their own, seek salvation by works, or think they are right because they follow a multitude. Christ is the way, but to know him as such we must be taught, for none can know him so as to choose him and walk in him, to love, trust and worship him, but by the Holy Spirit.
(ii) Their willingness to be taught. The Lord convinces them of their ignorance, and makes them desirous of instruction. They see they must perish unless they come to Zion, and this makes them teachable. They are afraid of leaning to their own understanding and being mistaken in a point of this consequence.
(iii) That the Lord has appointed means of directing enquiring souls, otherwise it will be in vain to ask. The Lord is the only effectual teacher, but he does not speak to them by an outward voice from heaven. For this purpose he has appointed:
(a) prayer. Teach me thy way [Psalm 27:11]. If any lack this wisdom, let them ask of God [James 1:5].
(b) the Word. This is given for a lamp to their feet and a light to their path.
(c) the ordinances. This is a great privilege when afforded, as likewise …
(d) the Lord’s people. These are glad to help enquirers, by telling them how they have been led themselves.
FOR MEDITATION: [Asking the way to Zion, written to be sung after this sermon]
There, all the fruits of glory grow,
The gospel shines to give you light,
And joys that never die;
No longer, then, delay;
And streams of grace, and knowledge flow,
The Spirit waits to guide you right,
The soul to satisfy.
And JESUS is the way.
SERMON: JEREMIAH 50:5 [4/7] [TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE]
Milo 