A Word about Faith

THE EYE OF FAITH

Arthur W. Pink

"I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee" (Job 42:5). What did Job signify by this? Obviously his words are not to be understood literally. No, by employing a common figure of speech, he meant that the mists of unbelief (occasioned by self-righteousness) had now been dispelled, and faith perceived the being of God as a glorious and living reality. ("Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord" Ps. 25:15), by which is meant that his faith was constantly in exercise. Of Moses it is said that "he endured as seeing Him who is invisible" (Heb. 11:27), that is, his heart was sustained through faith’s being occupied with the mighty God.
Faith is frequently represented in Scripture under the metaphor of bodily sight. Our Lord said of the great patriarch, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it and was glad" (John 8:56), meaning that his faith looked forward to the day of Christ’s humiliation and exaltation. Paul was commissioned unto the Gentiles to "open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God" (Acts 26:18); or, in other words, to be the Divine instrument of their conversion through preaching to them the Word of Faith. To some of his erring children he wrote, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently (plainly) set forth, crucified among you" (Gal. 3:1).
Now what we wish to point out in this article is, that when scripture speaks of faith under the notion of bodily sight, its writers were doing something more than availing themselves of a pertinent and suitable figure of speech. The Author of Scripture is the One who first formed the eye, that marvelous organ of vision and without a shadow of doubt He so fashioned it as to strikingly adumbrate in the visible that which now plays so prominent a part in the Christian’s dealings with the invisible. Everything in the material world shadows forth some great reality in the spiritual realm, as we should perceive had we but sufficient wisdom to discern the fact. A wide field is here opened for observation and meditation, but we shall now confine ourselves to a single example, namely, the eye of the body as it symbolizes the faith of the heart.
1. The eye is a passive organ. The eye does not send out a light from itself, nor does it give anything unto the objects it beholds-what can the eye communicate to the sun, moon, and stars, when it gazes upon them! No, the eye merely receives the print or image of them into the mind (on the retina, which is then transmitted to the brain) without adding anything to them. Just so is it with faith: it gives nothing unto God, or to what it beholds in the Word of His grace. It simply receives or takes them into the heart as they are presented to the soul’s view in the light of the Divine revelation. What did the bitten Israelites communicate unto the brazen serpent when they looked unto it, and were healed? As little do we add unto Christ, when we "look" unto Him and are saved (Isa. 45:22).
2. The eye is a directing organ. The man that has the light of day and his eyes open can see his way, and is not so likely to stumble into ditches or fall into a precipice as a blind man, or one who walks at nighttime. So it is with faith: "The way of the wicked is as darkness, they know not at what they stumble," but "the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day" (Prov. 4:19, 18). Of Christians it is said that "we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7). By "looking off unto Jesus" (faith’s viewing our Exemplar) we are enabled to run the race which is set before us.
3. The eye is a very quick organ, taking up things at a great distance. Within a fraction of a moment I can turn my gaze from things lying on the ground and focus it upon the mountains which are many miles away; nay, more, I can look away altogether from the things of earth and mount up among the stars, and in a second view the entire expanse of the heavens. What an optical marvel is that! Equally wonderful is the power of faith: it is indeed a quick-sighted grace, taking up things at a great distance, as the faith of the patriarchs did, who saw the things promised "afar off’ (Heb. 11:13). So too, in a moment faith may look back to an eternity past and view the everlasting springs of electing love, active on its behalf before the foundations of the earth were laid, and then, in the same breath, it can turn itself towards an eternity yet to come, and take a view of the hidden glories of an invisible world within the vail.
4. The eye, though it be little, is a very capacious organ. The man that has the light of day and has his eyes open may see all that comes with the range of his vision: he may look around and see things behind, forward and view things ahead, downward upon the waters in a well or a stream at the bottom of a deep ravine, upwards and gaze upon bodies in the distant heavens. So is it with faith: it extends itself unto everything that lies within the vast compass of God’s Word. It takes knowledge of things in the distant past, it also apprehends things that are yet to come; it looks into Hell, and penetrates into Heaven. It is able to discern the vanity of the world all around us.
It is true that there may be a genuine faith that takes in but little of the light of Divine revelation at first. Yet here again the earthly adumbration accurately shadows forth this spiritual truth. The eye of an infant takes in the light and perceives external objects, but with a good deal of weakness and confusion, until as it grows more its vision extends further and further. So it is with the eye of faith. At first, the light of spiritual knowledge is but dim: the babe in Christ is unable to see afar off. But as faith grows deeper and deeper into the Divine mysteries, until it comes at length to be swallowed up on open vision (John 17:24).
5. The eye is a very assuring faculty. Of the five bodily senses, this is the most convincing. What are we more sure of, than what we see with our eyes! Some fools may seek to persuade themselves that matter is a mental delusion, but no one in his right mind will believe them. If a man sees the sun shining in the heavens, he knows that it is day. In like manner, faith is a grace which carries in its very nature a great deal of certainty: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). Skeptics may deny the Divine inspiration of the Scriptures, but when the eye of faith has gazed upon its supernatural beauties, the point is settled once for all. Others may regard the Christ of God as a pious myth, but once the saint has really beheld the Lamb of God, it can say "I know that my Redeemer liveth."
6. The eye is an impressing organ: what we see, leaves an impression upon our minds, that is why we need to pray often "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity" (Ps. 119:37); that is why the prophet declared "mine eye affecteth mine heart" (Lam. 3:51). If a man looks steadily at the sun for a few moments an impression of the sun is left in his eye, even though he turn his eyes away from it, or shuts them. In like manner, real faith leaves an impression of the Sun of righteousness upon the heart: "they looked unto Him, and were lightened" (Ps. 34:5). Even more definite is 2 Corinthians 3:18: "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord." As the mighty power of Christ will, in a coming day, transform the bodies of His people from mortality to life and from dishonor to glory, so also does the Holy Spirit now exert a moral transforming power on the character of those who are His, and that by calling faith into exercise, the activity of which more and more conforms the soul to the image of God’s Son.
7. The eye is a wondrous organ. Those who are competent to express an opinion, affirm that this particular member is the most curious and remarkable of any part of the human body: there is much of the wisdom and power of the Creator to be discovered in the formation of the visive faculty. So too faith is a grace that is curiously and wondrously wrought in the soul. There is more of the wisdom and power of the Divine Workman discovered in the formation of the grace of faith than in any other part of the new creature. Thus we read of the "work of faith with power" (2 Thess. 1:11), yea, that the same exceeding great and mighty power which was put forth by God in the raising of Christ from the dead is exerted upon and within them that believe (Eph. 1:19).
8. The eye of the body is a very tender thing: it is soon hurt and easily damaged. A very tiny cinder will cause pain and make it weep and it is very striking to note that that is the very way to recovery-it weeps out the dust or mote that gets into it. So too faith is a most delicate grace, thriving best in a pure conscience: hence the apostle speaks of "holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience" (1 Tim. 3:9). The lively actings of faith are soon marred by the dust of sin, or by the vanities of the world getting into the heart where it is seated. And where ever true faith is, if it be hurt by sin, it vents itself in a way of godly sorrow.
N.B. For most of the above we are indebted to a sermon preached by Ebon. Erskine in 1740.

A Word from The Lord

Ephesians 3



<< Ephesians 3 >>
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible
3:1-7 For having preached the doctrine of truth, the apostle was a prisoner, but a prisoner of Jesus Christ; the object of special protection and care, while thus suffering for him. All the gracious offers of the gospel, and the joyful tidings it contains, come from the rich grace of God; it is the great means by which the Spirit works grace in the souls of men. The mystery, is that secret, hidden purpose of salvation through Christ. This was not so fully and clearly shown in the ages before Christ, as unto the prophets of the New Testament. This was the great truth made known to the apostle, that God would call the Gentiles to salvation by faith in Christ. An effectual working of Divine power attends the gifts of Divine grace. As God appointed Paul to the office, so he qualified him for it.

3:8-12 Those whom God advances to honourable employments, he makes low in their own eyes; and where God gives grace to be humble, there he gives all other needful grace. How highly he speaks of Jesus Christ; the unsearchable riches of Christ! Though many are not enriched with these riches; yet how great a favour to have them preached among us, and to have an offer of them! And if we are not enriched with them it is our own fault. The first creation, when God made all things out of nothing, and the new creation, whereby sinners are made new creatures by converting grace, are of God by Jesus Christ. His riches are as unsearchable and as sure as ever, yet while angels adore the wisdom of God in the redemption of his church, the ignorance of self-wise and carnal men deems the whole to be foolishness.

3:13-19 The apostle seems to be more anxious lest the believers should be discouraged and faint upon his tribulations, than for what he himself had to bear. He asks for spiritual blessings, which are the best blessings. Strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man; strength in the soul; the strength of faith, to serve God, and to do our duty. If the law of Christ is written in our hearts, and the love of Christ is shed abroad there, then Christ dwells there. Where his Spirit dwells, there he dwells. We should desire that good affections may be fixed in us. And how desirable to have a fixed sense of the love of God in Christ to our souls! How powerfully the apostle speaks of the love of Christ! The breadth shows its extent to all nations and ranks; the length, that it continues from everlasting to everlasting; the depth, its saving those who are sunk into the depths of sin and misery; the height, its raising them up to heavenly happiness and glory. Those who receive grace for grace from Christ's fulness, may be said to be filled with the fulness of God. Should not this satisfy man? Must he needs fill himself with a thousand trifles, fancying thereby to complete his happiness?

3:20,21 It is proper always to end prayers with praises. Let us expect more, and ask for more, encouraged by what Christ has already done for our souls, being assured that the conversion of sinners, and the comfort of believers, will be to his glory, for ever and ever.

The Love of God

2 THESSALONIANS 3:5
And the Lord God direct your hearts into the Love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

One principal part of the apostle’s design in writing this epistle was to satisfy some persons in this church, who were shaken in mind, and troubled, as though The day of Christ was at hand. He assures them, therefore, in the second chapter, that it was not; for there were several things to he done previous thereunto: such as the removal of the Roman empire; the great apostasy that was to befall the churches; and the setting up the man of sin, the Papal Antichrist. He therefore exhorts them to steadfastness in the doctrines of the gospel; and wishes them a great many good things. In the beginning of this chapter, he desires them to pray for him, and the rest of the ministers of the gospel; hints what he would have them pray for, and the reason why. Finally, brethren, pray for us; that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified; that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for all men have not faith. And then, for their comfort, expresses his assurance of their final perseverance. But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil. As also, his great confidence of their cheerful and universal obedience to the commands of God, saying, And we have confidence in the Lord, touching you, that ye both do, and will do, the things which we command you. In order to which, he puts up a prayer for them, in the words of the text. The Lord direct your hearts, &c. So that the words are a prayer of the apostle consisting of two petitions, namely, That the Lord would direct their hearts into the Love of God. And, that the same Lord would also direct their hearts into the patient waiting for Christ. It is the former of these that shall insist upon at this time. In order to explain which, I shall make the following enquiries,
I. What are we to understand by the Love of God.
II. What it is to have our hearts directed into it.
III. Who this Lord is, who is prayed unto to do this for us. And,
IV. What is the great usefulness of having our hearts so directed.
I. What we are to understand by the Love of God. This may be understood either actively or passively.

The Joy of Jesus is God's Word

The Word of God is Our Salvation:

The Psalms
119

The Excellencies of God's Law
ALEPH
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way,

who walk in the law of the LORD.
2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies,

and that seek him with the whole heart.
3 They also do no iniquity:

they walk in his ways.
4 Thou hast commanded us

to keep thy precepts diligently.
5 O that my ways were directed

to keep thy statutes!
6 Then shall I not be ashamed,

when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart,

when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
8 I will keep thy statutes:

O forsake me not utterly.
BETH
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?

By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee:

O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,

that I might not sin against thee.
12 Blessed art thou, O LORD:

teach me thy statutes.
13 With my lips have I declared

all the judgments of thy mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies,

as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate in thy precepts,

and have respect unto thy ways.
16 I will delight myself in thy statutes:

I will not forget thy word.
GIMEL
17 Deal bountifully with thy servant,

that I may live, and keep thy word.
18 Open thou mine eyes,

that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
19 I am a stranger in the earth:

hide not thy commandments from me.
20 My soul breaketh for the longing

that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed,

which do err from thy commandments.
22 Remove from me reproach and contempt;

for I have kept thy testimonies.
23 Princes also did sit and speak against me:

but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
24 Thy testimonies also are my delight,

and my counselors.
DALETH
25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust:

quicken thou me according to thy word.
26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me:

teach me thy statutes.
27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts:

so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
28 My soul melteth for heaviness:

strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
29 Remove from me the way of lying:

and grant me thy law graciously.
30 I have chosen the way of truth:

thy judgments have I laid before me.
31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies:

O LORD, put me not to shame.
32 I will run the way of thy commandments,

when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
HE
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes;

and I shall keep it unto the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law;

yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments;

for therein do I delight.
36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies,

and not to covetousness.
37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity;

and quicken thou me in thy way.
38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant,

who is devoted to thy fear.
39 Turn away my reproach which I fear:

for thy judgments are good.
40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts:

quicken me in thy righteousness.
VAU
41 Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD,

even thy salvation, according to thy word.
42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me:

for I trust in thy word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth;

for I have hoped in thy judgments.
44 So shall I keep thy law continually

for ever and ever.
45 And I will walk at liberty:

for I seek thy precepts.
46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings,

and will not be ashamed.
47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments,

which I have loved.
48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments,

which I have loved;
and I will meditate in thy statutes.
ZAIN
49 Remember the word unto thy servant,

upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction:

for thy word hath quickened me.
51 The proud have had me greatly in derision:

yet have I not declined from thy law.
52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD;

and have comforted myself.
53 Horror hath taken hold upon me

because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
54 Thy statutes have been my songs

in the house of my pilgrimage.
55 I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night,

and have kept thy law.
56 This I had,

because I kept thy precepts.
CHETH
57 Thou art my portion, O LORD:

I have said that I would keep thy words.
58 I entreated thy favor with my whole heart:

be merciful unto me according to thy word.
59 I thought on my ways,

and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
60 I made haste, and delayed not

to keep thy commandments.
61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me:

but I have not forgotten thy law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee

because of thy righteous judgments.
63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee,

and of them that keep thy precepts.
64 The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy:

teach me thy statutes.
TETH
65 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD,

according unto thy word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge:

for I have believed thy commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray:

but now have I kept thy word.
68 Thou art good, and doest good:

teach me thy statutes.
69 The proud have forged a lie against me:

but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
70 Their heart is as fat as grease:

but I delight in thy law.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted;

that I might learn thy statutes.
72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me

than thousands of gold and silver.
JOD
73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me:

give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me;

because I have hoped in thy word.
75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right,

and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort,

according to thy word unto thy servant.
77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live:

for thy law is my delight.
78 Let the proud be ashamed;

for they dealt perversely with me without a cause:
but I will meditate in thy precepts.
79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me,

and those that have known thy testimonies.
80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes;

that I be not ashamed.
CAPH
81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation:

but I hope in thy word.
82 Mine eyes fail for thy word,

saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke;

yet do I not forget thy statutes.
84 How many are the days of thy servant?

When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
85 The proud have digged pits for me,

which are not after thy law.
86 All thy commandments are faithful:

they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
87 They had almost consumed me upon earth;

but I forsook not thy precepts.
88 Quicken me after thy loving-kindness;

so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
LAMED
89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations:

thou hast established the earth,
and it abideth.
91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances:

for all are thy servants.
92 Unless thy law had been my delights,

I should then have perished in mine affliction.
93 I will never forget thy precepts:

for with them thou hast quickened me.
94 I am thine, save me;

for I have sought thy precepts.
95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me:

but I will consider thy testimonies.
96 I have seen an end of all perfection:

but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
MEM
97 O how love I thy law!

It is my meditation all the day.
98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies:

for they are ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers:

for thy testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the ancients,

because I keep thy precepts.
101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way,

that I might keep thy word.
102 I have not departed from thy judgments:

for thou hast taught me.
103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste!

yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth.
104 Through thy precepts I get understanding:

therefore I hate every false way.
NUN
105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,

and a light unto my path.
106 I have sworn, and I will perform it,

that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
107 I am afflicted very much:

quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD,

and teach me thy judgments.
109 My soul is continually in my hand:

yet do I not forget thy law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me:

yet I erred not from thy precepts.
111 Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever:

for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes

always, even unto the end.
SAMECH
113 I hate vain thoughts:

but thy law do I love.
114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield:

I hope in thy word.
115 Depart from me, ye evildoers:

for I will keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live:

and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe:

and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes:

for their deceit is falsehood.
119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross:

therefore I love thy testimonies.
120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee;

and I am afraid of thy judgments.
AIN
121 I have done judgment and justice:

leave me not to mine oppressors.
122 Be surety for thy servant for good:

let not the proud oppress me.
123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation,

and for the word of thy righteousness.
124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy,

and teach me thy statutes.
125 I am thy servant; give me understanding,

that I may know thy testimonies.
126 It is time for thee, LORD, to work:

for they have made void thy law.
127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold;

yea, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right;

and I hate every false way.
PE
129 Thy testimonies are wonderful:

therefore doth my soul keep them.
130 The entrance of thy words giveth light;

it giveth understanding unto the simple.
131 I opened my mouth, and panted:

for I longed for thy commandments.
132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me,

as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
133 Order my steps in thy word:

and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Deliver me from the oppression of man:

so will I keep thy precepts.
135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant;

and teach me thy statutes.
136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes,

because they keep not thy law.
TZADDI
137 Righteous art thou, O LORD,

and upright are thy judgments.
138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded

are righteous and very faithful.
139 My zeal hath consumed me,

because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
140 Thy word is very pure:

therefore thy servant loveth it.
141 I am small and despised:

yet do not I forget thy precepts.
142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,

and thy law is the truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me:

yet thy commandments are my delights.
144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting:

give me understanding, and I shall live.
KOPH
145 I cried with my whole heart;

hear me, O LORD:
I will keep thy statutes.
146 I cried unto thee;

save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried:

I hoped in thy word.
148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches,

that I might meditate in thy word.
149 Hear my voice according unto thy loving-kindness:

O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.
150 They draw nigh that follow after mischief:

they are far from thy law.
151 Thou art near, O LORD;

and all thy commandments are truth.
152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old

that thou hast founded them for ever.
RESH
153 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me:

for I do not forget thy law.
154 Plead my cause, and deliver me:

quicken me according to thy word.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked:

for they seek not thy statutes.
156 Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD:

quicken me according to thy judgments.
157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies;

yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved;

because they kept not thy word.
159 Consider how I love thy precepts:

quicken me, O LORD, according to thy loving-kindness.
160 Thy word is true from the beginning:

and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
SCHIN
161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause:

but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
162 I rejoice at thy word,

as one that findeth great spoil.
163 I hate and abhor lying:

but thy law do I love.
164 Seven times a day do I praise thee,

because of thy righteous judgments.
165 Great peace have they which love thy law:

and nothing shall offend them.
166 LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation,

and done thy commandments.
167 My soul hath kept thy testmonies;

and I love them exceedingly.
168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies:

for all my ways are before thee.
TAU
169 Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD:

give me understanding according to thy word.
170 Let my supplication come before thee:

deliver me according to thy word.
171 My lips shall utter praise,

when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
172 My tongue shall speak of thy word:

for all thy commandments are righteousness.
173 Let thine hand help me;

for I have chosen thy precepts.
174 I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD;

and thy law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee;

and let thy judgments help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep:

seek thy servant;
for I do not forget thy commandments.

Published by The American Bible Society

CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

The Psalms 118

The 7 Last Words of Christ The Joy of Jesus

The last words of Christ.

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

Soldiers have just driven nails through his hands and feet and hoisted him up by those nails. He does not fear those who kill his body; he pities them and prays for them. If they knew how much this hurts, they could not do it to anyone. They are unwitting instruments of the higher purpose that brings him here.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)

But physical torment takes its toll. He suddenly discovers that he cannot hear the still, small voice; he has lost his two-way communication with God. His lifeline is not working, so he must face the the narrow gate of death alone.

He said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" (John 19:26-27)

Not quite alone. He looks down. Which hurts worse: the pain of being crucified, or the pain of a mother watching her son be crucified, or the pain of a boy whose beloved teacher hangs bleeding before his eyes? He understands their pain in the midst of his own, and tells them to care for each other.

"I thirst!" (John 19:28)

Time passes slowly. His spring of living water runs dry. He reaches the end of his strength. This is the moment the Tempter has been waiting for: through the voices of cynical men, Satan tries again, as he did in the wilderness: "If you are the Christ, prove it! Save yourself and impress the people."

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43)

But a dying thief says, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." What the cynical voices suggest is not the way to prove he is the Christ. His kingdom is not of this world. He ignores them and reassures the thief.

"It is finished!" (John 19:30)

He has defeated the Tempter again. Despite the agony, he has rejected temptation and cared for those around him. His temporary duty on earth is complete. He has shown the way God wants us to live. He has demonstrated the fact that faith and hope and love cannot be destroyed by anything men can say or do.

"Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46)

Like a trusting child, he turns to the Father and takes the next step. He has bound himself by love, to both God and the human race. Soon he will begin his long-term ministry by demonstrating the fact that human beings survive physical death. Then he will continue to draw to himself, and thus to heaven, everyone he can ... for as long as it takes ... until whosoever will has come.