253. JDG 8:18. THE ROYAL APPEARANCE OF GOD’S CHILDREN

Jdg_8:18. The Royal Appearance of God’s Children

"Each one resembled the children of a king."’97Jdg_8:18.

We design to employ the text in an accommodated sense, and to show in what respects the people of God resemble the children of a king.

They do so,

I. In their spiritual Conformity to the Image of King Jesus.

Wicked men resemble the prince of darkness; they are manifestly of their father, the devil. In regeneration the image of God is imparted; the mind of Christ is received; and they bear the image of the second Adam, the Lord from heaven. "Beholding as in a glass," &c. 2Co_3:18.

They resemble the children of a king,

II. In their illustrious Titles.

They are the children of God; sons of the Most High; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. A royal priesthood. Kings and priests unto God, &c.

III. In their courtly Apparel.

They wear the royal costume; "the best robe." "The garments of holiness." See Rev_3:18. They have all the costly apparel of righteousness and salvation.

IV. In their royal Immunities and Privileges.

1. They dwell in the royal presence.

They live with God; dwell with God, and God dwells with them. Rev_3:20. "My father will come unto you," &c. Joh_14:26.

2. They have constant access to God.

Strangers find access to royalty difficult, &c. Can only be obtained as a special favor and at special limes. Believers have constant access to God. Way ever open. Audience never refused.

3. They have royal provision.

Fed by the king’s bounty; sit at his table, feast in his banqueting-house, &c. Satisfied with the provision of his house &c.

4. They have special instruction.

Have a royal education. It is theirs to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. Possess the knowledge of the true God. Have an unction from the Holy One, and are taught all things. They are instructed by the word, gospel, Spirit, &c.

5. They have a kingly guard.

The angels are ministering spirits. Heb_1:14. They bear them up, &c. Encamp around them, and conduct them to glory God is also their defence; their rock and shield.

6. They have royal prospects.

There is pledged unto them a kingdom, inheritance, a throne, a crown; fulness of joy, &c.; pleasures for evermore. It is said, they shall sit and reign, and rule, and have dominion forever and ever.

Application

Learn,

1. The dignity and rights of the saints of God.

2. How full of consolation to believers in sorrow and affliction!

3. Urge the attainment of the character, that the privileges may be possessed. By faith in the Lord Jesus, we become the sons of God, &c. Joh_1:12.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS