Required reading
The Works (Vol 4) of John Newton (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Sermon XXVIII (Messiah worshipped by angels).
My summary
This week Newton preaches on: 'And let all the angels of God worship him.' (Heb 1:6).
From the text, and others, Newton establishes that the angels worship the Son of God.
Newton then offers some reflections on the subject:
(i) they who love him may rejoice in the thoughts of his glory;
(ii) the honour his exaltation and glory reflect on his faithful followers;
(iii) we may well admire the condescension of the great King that he should accept the worship of sinful men;
(iv) the necessity of that change of heart which can only be effected by divine power.
What grabbed me
I liked Newton's encouragement to follow the example of the angels: 'Here, then, as I have intimated, is a pattern and encouragement for us. The angels, the whole host of heaven, worship him. He is Lord of all. We in this distant world have heard the report of his glory, have felt our need of such a Saviour, and are, in some degree, witnesses and proofs of his ability and willingness to save. He lived, he died, he arose, he reigns for us. Therefore, humbly depending upon his promised grace, without which we can do nothing, we are resolved, that whatever others do, we must, we will, worship him with the utfhost powers of our souls. It is our determination and our choice, not only to praise and honour him with our lips, but to devote ourselves to his service, to yield ourselves to his disposal, to intrust our all to his care, and to place our whole happiness in his favour. I hope, in speaking thus, I speak the language of many of your hearts. '
The Messiah is indeed worthy of all praise!
Next week's reading
Read Sermon XXIX (Gifts received for the rebellious).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
No comments:
Post a Comment