Works (Vol 4) - Newton - XXXIII - Sermon XXXIII (Opposition to Messiah unreasonable)

Required reading
The Works (Vol 4) of John Newton (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Sermon XXXIII (Opposition to Messiah unreasonable).

My summary
This week Newton preaches on: 'Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.' (Psalm 2:1-3)

Newton sums up his thoughts when he says: 'In this prophecy, David, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, speaks of the future as actually present. He saw the resistance that would be made to the person and kingdom of Messiah by the powers of the world ; that they would employ their force and policy to withstand and suppress the decree and appointment of God. The question, 'Why ?' implies that their opposition would be both groundless and ineffectual.'

Newton then goes on to demonstrate that their opposition was indeed groundless and ineffectual.

What grabbed me
I appreciated Newton's final comments about the sinful heart:

'Ah! if sinners did but know what the bonds and cords are which they are so determined to break ; if they knew that ' his service is perfect freedom ;' if they were aware what more dreadful bonds and chains they are rivetting upon themselves, by refusing his easy yoke, they would throw down their arms and submit. They think, if they yield to the Gospel, they must bid adieu to pleasure. But what will become of their pleasure when, the day of his forbearance being expired, he will speak to them in his wrath, and fill them with hopeless horror and dismay?

Bless the Lord, ye favoured few, whose eyes are opened, whose hearts are softened, and who are become the willing people of this Saviour. Yet a little while and he will appear again, and then you also shall appear with him in glory!'

Thankfully the Lord has opened our eyes or we would still unreasonably oppose him.

Next week's reading
Read Sermon XXXIV (Opposition to Messiah is vain).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.