0361. THE CHOICE OF THE IMPOVERISHED.

THE CHOICE OF THE IMPOVERISHED.

"He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot" (Isa_40:20).

Even the heathen idolater, who is so poor that he cannot make for himself a graven image of gold or silver, will, in seeking a god, make it of incorruptible wood; even in their ignorance and blindness they desire as an object of trust that which will abide. This tree that will not rot may fitly represent the Cross of Christ, and all that is thereby signified.

I. The Cross of Christ is called a Tree (1Pe_2:24). As a tree-

1. It speaks of Curse. "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree" (Gal_3:13). "He that is hanged is accursed of God" (Deu_21:23).

2. It speaks of Substitution. "He bore our sins in His own body on the tree" (1Pe_2:24). "Made sin for us" (2Co_5:21).

II. The Cross of Christ is a Tree that will not rot. "God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ."

1. The Christ who died will not rot. "He is alive for evermore. He could not see corruption. He is the Living Bread."

2. The Blood that was shed will not rot. "He hath obtained eternal redemption for us. Ye are not redeemed with corruptible things, but with the precious blood of Christ."

3. The blessings purchased will not rot. Eternal life. A peace that passeth knowledge, a joy unspeakable, and an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled.

III. The Cross of Christ is a Tree worthy of being Chosen. "He chooseth a tree that will not rot." Moses made this choice, so did Ruth. Reasons why this choice should be made-

1. Because the pleasures of sin will rot. "They are only for a season" (Heb_11:25).

2. Because the honours of the world will rot. Those who would build for themselves a name will be put to shame and confusion (Gen_11:4-8).

3. Because every other foundation will rot. Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid. None other name given among men whereby we can be saved.

IV. The Cross of Christ is a Tree chosen by the Impoverished. The self-righteous, who seek to establish their own graven images of gold and silver, despise this tree (Rom_10:1-3). The poor publican made this choice (Luk_18:14). "He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven."

Autor: James Smith