Job 34:33 Should it be according to your mind? he will recompense it, whether you refuse, or whether you choose; and not I… Man is so imperfect in his views, so weak in his faith, so worldly in his spirit, and so selfish in his actions, as to be incapable of wisely directing his own affairs; how much more then is he incapable of suggesting anything to Him, who is "wonderful in counsel and excellent in working!" I. EXPLAIN THE NATURE OF THIS SUBMISSION. It is the yielding of the heart to God in all the dispensations of His providence, and in the administration of His government. It is a state entirely remote from apathy or stoicism. It cherishes, rather than destroys, the best sensibilities of our nature. Some have distinguished between submission and resignation. This state of mind is the subjection of our reason to the supreme authority in reference to various truths which we cannot comprehend. It is the surrender of the will to His gracious arrangements. II. URGE THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS SUBJECT. To submit ourselves unto God is a duty founded on the most solid principles, and urged by the most cogent and feasible considerations. Consider — 1. The state of man. As a creature, it is that of subjection to God, and entire dependence upon Him. As a sinner, man has fallen into the lowest degradation — abject poverty and complete vassalage. 2. The character of God. He has a right to dispense His favours as He may please. 3. The nature of God's moral government. The whole of the Divine procedure to man is founded on the most sacred principles, the everlasting principles of moral justice, the essential principles of moral goodness, and the unalterable principles of moral rectitude. Can such a being do wrong? 4. The state of mind evinced in some of the most distinguished characters. Example is of great consequence and of great influence. Take the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and patience — such as Aaron, Eli, Job, etc. III. ILLUSTRATE THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS STATE OF MIND. Our duty and our happiness are closely united; in keeping of God's commands there is great reward. 1. Submission is the effect of Divine influence, and thus becomes an evidence of grace. 2. It is the operation of sacred principle, and accordingly prepares the mind for future trials. Religion does not exempt from suffering; but it ensures adequate support. 3. It is a blessing of the New Covenant, and, as such, is an earnest of heaven. IV. SUGGEST MOTIVES TO ITS EXERCISE. 1. Reflect much on your own moral guilt. Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? 2. Contemplate the sufferings of Christ; these were numerous, direful, overwhelming. He suffered in His person, in His circumstances, in His character. He suffered in His soul. He suffered as a substitute. 3. Contrast present sufferings with future glories. 4. Consider the great inconsistency of the want of submission with your own character as creatures, with your state as sinners, and with your profession and prayers and obligations as Christians. (John Arundel.) Parallel Verses KJV: Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest. |
    |