Luke 10:21-22 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth… I. THE FACT. 1. A childlike mind is required in those who would receive Christ and His kingdom. 2. The first disciples were children and men of childlike mind. 3. In the present day, the gospel is for the childlike. II. THE SECRET. 1. The nature of the truth revealed requires a childlike mind for the reception of it. (1) Its novelty. It is not contrary to true reason; but it is aside from and different from the old results of human reason. (2) Its unwordliness. The eyes that are wearied with poring over earthly lore are often too worn to bear the light of heavenly truth. This requires a healthy, fresh vision. (3) Its lowliness. A gospel for the simple is not necessarily a simple gospel. 2. The method of the revelation requires a childlike mind for the reception of it. It is not given by logical demonstration, but through act and life. We must see it with the soul's eyes. For the clearness of this spiritual vision we need (1) simplicity and self-forgetfulness, (2) trustfulness, (3) purity — children's graces. III. THE THANKSGIVING. Why? 1. It is according to God's will. 2. It redounds to the glory of God. (1) As an evidence that the revelation comes from heaven and is not got by man's wisdom. It is not stolen Promethean fire. (2) As a proof of the power of God. He can teach highest truth to lowliest scholars. (3) As a sign of the goodness and condescension of God. 3. It proves the breadth of revelation. 4. It brings to us the best discipline in revelation. (W. F. Adeney, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. |
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