Proverbs 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. I. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN SEEKING THE LORD JESUS? 1. A decided conviction of the utter insufficiency of every other object for our happiness and salvation. 2. A decided persuasion that in Christ Jesus every blessing that the soul requires is to be found. 3. A strong desire to obtain an interest in Christ. 4. Persevering efforts in the use of all appointed means to obtain this object. II. WHAT IT IS TO FIND CHRIST, AND THE HAPPINESS THAT RESULTS FROM IT. 1. The expression, finding Christ — (1) Is figurative, and may be considered as intimating their obtaining a saving discovery of His character. (2) May intimate also their forming a saving connection with Christ. (3) Suggests their obtaining all the blessings of salvation. 2. The happiness that finding Christ yields. (1) They that find Christ obtain deliverance from the worst evils — horror of conscience, burden of guilt, dread of Jehovah's wrath, tyranny of evil passions, thraldom of Satan. (2) They obtain the most valuable advantages. They obtain an interest in the favour of that God who has every blessing at His disposal; the graces which beautify the character, and give peace and joy to the soul in their exercise; an illumination which solves their doubts, scatters their fears, and opens before them scenes glowing with the splendour of eternal day. The heart now finds an object which can gratify its amplest wishes, and may rejoice that these advantages perish not in the using, and lie secure beyond the reach of accident. (3) They cherish the most blessed hopes with regard to the future. III. THOSE THAT SEEK CHRIST EARLY HAVE THE STRONGEST REASON TO EXPECT SUCCESS. 1. The Redeemer takes peculiar delight in the movements of early piety. These, in an especial manner, honour His supreme excellence. 2. The young are likely to seek Him with undivided hearts, and from affectionate choice. 3. The young have peculiar reason to expect the aids of the Spirit in seeking Christ. 4. The language of the text suggests that those who do not seek the Lord Jesus in their youth have much reason to fear that they shall never find Him.Conclusion: 1. Let me beseech the young to seek the Lord while He may be found. 2. I exhort those who have sought the Saviour early to maintain their earnestness in religion. 3. Let those who are in advanced life consider their ways and be wise. (H. Belfrage.) Parallel Verses KJV: I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.WEB: I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me. |
    |