Required reading
The Works (Vol 4) of John Newton (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Sermon XII (Effects of Messiah's appearance).
My summary
This week Newton preaches on 'Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.' (Isa 35:5-6)
Firstly Newton teaches us about the effects of the Messiah's power and goodness:
(i) the blind now see;
(ii) the deaf now hear;
(iii) the blind and deaf receive power and activity;
(iv) the dumb speak.
Secondly Newton observes that:
(i) true Christianity is friendly to society and to the common interests of mankind;
(ii) the change wrought is great, marvellous and might be styled miraculous.
What grabbed me
I liked the description of the power and activity of the Christian: ' Further, with their sight and hearing they receive power and activity. Once they were tried and bound in the chain of their sins, or, like a man benumbed with a dead palsy, unable to move. If they sometimes seem to express desires that might be called good with respect to their object, they were faint and ineffectual. But now their fetters are broken, the health and strength of their souls are restored, and God has wrought in them not only to 'will,' but also to 'do according to his 'good pleasure.'' It is not more wonderful that a cripple should suddenly recover the use of his limbs, than that a person, who has long been fettered in sinful habits, should be enabled to move and act with alacrity in the service of God. But in the day of divine power, sinners are made both willing and able. How burdensome was that which they once accounted their religion ! how little comfort did it yield them ! how little did it assist them against their passions, or against their fears ? But all things are become new, since they have attained to a life of faith in the Son of God. Their religious service is now pleasant, and their warfare against sin and the world, victorious. Their obligations, motives, resources, encouragements, and prospects, inspire them with a holy vigour, to run, with patience and perseverance, the race that is set before them. '
The energy of a Christian in following pursuits once despised is indeed miraculous.
Next week's reading
Read Sermon XIII (The great shepherd).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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