749. NAH 1:15. THE HERALDS OF MERCY

Nah_1:15. The Heralds of Mercy

"Behold upon the mountains, the feet of him that bringeth glad tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows; for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off."’97Nah_1:15.

Our text is very similar, both in spirit and letter, to a very striking passage in the prophecy of Isaiah, and which is quoted by the apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Romans. However the prophet may have designed the text to refer to the condition of the Jews in his day, we cannot fail to recognize a delightful and appropriate reference to the glorious gospel of the blessed God. It is in this light that we shall consider it on the present occasion. Observe,

I. A beautiful representation of the gospel.

II. Of its ministry.

III. Of the obligation of its recipients. And,

IV. Of the final and glorious triumphs it shall effect for the church.

I. A beautiful representation of the gospel.

Indeed, the text contains a correct definition and analysis of the gospel, for the word itself signifies good news, or glad tidings. Two expressions are given to the gospel in the text.

1. Glad tidings, or tidings of good.

Now the gospel does not announce that which is ordinarily good. It loses sight of the inferior blessings which relate to the body and time, although these are generally found in its train, and refers us to that which is preeminently good, supremely good, eternally good. Now the good the gospel announces includes,

(1.) The enjoyment of God’s favor and love. By sin this is forfeited. In guilt, we are heirs only of wrath, and are condemned already. Sin exposes to death, the gospel reveals to us the divine mediation, by which it may be blotted out. It announces remission of sins in the name of Jesus Christ. "Be it known," &c. It calls the sinner. "Repent ye, and be converted, that your sins may be forgiven." It points to Jesus, and his atoning death, and says, "We have redemption in his blood." With the forgiveness of sin is connected God’s favor, and the rich communications of his love.

(2.) The restoration of the divine image. Sin defiles the soul, it mars its beauty, impairs its health and vigor. It perverts its powers, and deranges all its dignified energies and attributes. The gospel directs to the means of purity. It refers to the blood of Jesus, which cleanseth from all sin. To the Spirit of God, which renews the mind, and by which the sinfulness of the heart is subdued, &c. To the divine word, by which the mind is led to the sanctifying knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. Hence the gospel is both the charter of mercy and the renovator of the heart, for it both brings salvation and teaches men to deny ungodliness, &c.

(3.) The offer of eternal life. Man is destined for endless being. His guilt exposes to endless punishment. "The wages of sin is death." But the gift of God is eternal life. It opens to men the gates of everlasting felicity.

2. It publishes peace.

The cessation of hostilities on the part of God towards the sinner, and the gracious terms on which he makes peace with him. Now this comports with the essential character of the gospel, which delivers from the power and works of the devil, and which brings into holy harmony with the will of God all the passions and feelings of the soul. This peace is the peace of God in us, as well as towards us, and our hearts are swayed by his word and Spirit into absolute obedience and love. But peace often signifies every good, and with the acceptance of the gospel every good is received and enjoyed: all the graces of the Spirit; all the plenitude of divine love; all the regards of a benign providence; all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. "If God spared not his own Son," &c. Our text refers,

II. To the gospel ministry.

"Behold the feet of him," &c. Now several ideas are here included.

1. This ministry is human.

Not angelic. Angels are deeply interested; they hailed the advent of the Messiah, and rejoice in its success, &c., but do not constitute its ministry. This celestial treasure is put into earthen vessels, &c. God sanctifies and calls men to go forth on this embassy of mercy and love.

2. This ministry is benevolent.

It is emphatically’97an offer of goodness. A message of mercy. Exhibition of love. The subject is the benevolence of God; the design is benevolent,’97human happiness; the spirit is to be such. Love of Christ, and love to souls constrain. A messenger will produce little effect unless his heart overflows with it. He longs and prays, and exclaims,

"Oh that the world would taste and see The riches of his grace," &c.

3. This ministry is active and diligent.

"Feet upon the mountains," &c. Following the benighted wanderers. Seeking the lost. Oh, see the field of effort, and the extent of labor. "Go ye into all the world," &c. "Instant in season and out of season."

4. A ministry which should command attention.

"Behold," &c. Here are depths of love. Here are subjects of sublime grandeur. Here are concerns of great importance. Here are facts and truths in which we are eternally interested. To attention to this we are called, and for it we are responsible; and what shall the end of those be who obey not the gospel? "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."

III. The obligation of its recipients.

1. Religious homage.

"Solemn feasts." These were numerous under the law. Few and simple under the gospel. Religious service to be fervent. Not to be slighted or neglected, but valued and regarded. "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together," &c. The first Christians continued steadfastly, &c. Keep them in the spirit of constancy, and with,

2. Practical obedience.

"Perform thy vows." Vows made when repenting, vows to the church, vows at the Lord’s table, must be performed. That God may have fruit; the church evidence; and the world, conviction of the reality of religion. "Let your light so shine before men,"

IV. The final and glorious triumph it shall effect for the church.

The church shall be perpetuated and enlarged, her interests maintained, her glory increased, until Zion shall become a universal praise in the earth. Her conquests shall be peaceful, happy, and glorious.

Application

1. Rejoice in the tidings of the gospel. Make it your boast, &c. Glory in it. Secure its consolations.

2. Value and support its ministry.

To you it is committed. Do so with your influence, your prayers, and your lives.

3. Be solicitous for its consummation.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS