101. DEU 5:3. FOR THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR
Deu_5:3. For the Last Day of the Year
"Who are all of us here alive this day."’97Deu_5:3.
It is highly proper on particular occasions to take a retrospect of our history, and he dealings of God with us. The architect often does this during the rising of the structure he is erecting. The teacher does this, in the annual examinations of his pupils. The mariner does this in consulting his log-book. And the merchant does this, when he yearly takes his stock &c. How proper that the Christian should do it! The last day of the year seems a suitable period for it, and the text presents a very appropriate subject for meditation: "Who are all of us here alive this day"
I. This Text applies to many this Day to whom it was not applicable last Year
Thousands have been born in the course of this year. Many of these will die in infancy; some we fear will live to be the bane of society. Many we trust will rise up to call God blessed. Let parents see to it that they train them up religiously in the fear of God; knowledge of Scriptures, &c.
II. The Text applied to many last year to whom it is not now applicable.
They were then alive, but now they are inhabitants of the tomb, and their souls have entered the eternal state.
Of these, many classes might be specified.
1. Some who were expecting it.
Aged, infirm, afflicted, &c., who were daily waiting their dismissal, &c.
2. Some who were reckoning on many years to come.
Young, healthy, &c.; bones full of mar. row, and breasts full of milk, and hearts full of life; but they perished as the flower. "Their sun went down while it was yet day."
3. Some, we fear, died unprepared.
Aliens to God; strangers to repentance, faith, and holiness.
4. Many, we trust, died in the Lord.
Race ended; goal reached; warfare accomplished; crown received; forever with the Lord.
III. The Text is applicable to all those now assembled.
"We are all alive here this day."
1. And it is wonderful that we are so.
Amidst so many dangers, diseases, and death; thread so brittle, yet sustaining us; how amazing it is,
"That a harp of a thousand strings
Should keep in tune so long!"
This is the more surprising, as many of you are sickly, weak, aged, &c.; some perhaps have been at the gates of death, yet brought back again. Our being alive.
2. Is entirely owing to the goodness and patience of God.
It is not because we deserve it or are worthy of it, but because God delights to spare, and exercise his mercy towards us. His goodness gave us existence, and by its continuance our existence is perpetuated.
3. We are alive under increasing responsibilities.
Many privileges and blessings have been given to us this year, for all of which we must give an account; talents, time, opportunities, sabbaths, sermons, &c.
4. Being alive should fill us with hearty gratitude to God.
Our lips, hearts, and lives should show forth his praise. "What shall we render," &c. "Bless the Lord," &c. "O come, let us bless the Lord," &c. Let us erect an annual stone as a memorial, and inscribe upon it, "Ebenezer."
5. As we are alive, let us now resolve to live more than ever to God, and for eternity.
Awake to diligence, zeal, and devotedness to the cause of personal religion, and in efforts to glorify God and to do good to men.
IV. It is highly probable that the Text is now applicable to some here for the last time.
We shall not be surprised if some be removed by death before the end of next year. Let this idea fill us with seriousness; induce us to examine ourselves, and to be also ready for the coming of the Son of Man.
Application
Careless man, be thoughtful; worldling, week those things which are above; formalist, be devout; half-hearted, be decided; Christians, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace.
O that each from his Lord, may receive the glad word,
"Well and faithfully done!"
Enter into his joy, and sit down on his throne.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS