2 Chronicles 15:2 And he went out to meet Asa, and said to him, Hear you me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you… I. WHAT IT IS FOR THE LORD TO BE WITH HIS PEOPLE. 1. Not His general or essential presence. 2. Nor His being with His creatures in a providential way; for so He is with all men. 3. Nor His special presence in a providential way with His own dear children. 4. But it is God's gracious presence, which Moses so earnestly entreated: "If Thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence"; and of which David deprecates the loss: "Cast me not away from Thy presence." To enjoy His presence in this sense means — (1) To have the light of His countenance. (2) For God to commune with them. (3) For God to manifest His early loving-kindness to their souls. II. WHEN OR HOW LONG WILL GOD BE WITH HIS PEOPLE.? "While ye be with Him." 1. While you keep close to Him in a way of duty; while you are with Him in prayer particularly. 2. While we have communion with them that fear the Lord. God is with them that fear Him; and those who keep company with such persons may expect His presence. Spiritual conversation is like putting fuel to fire; and prayer is like the bellows which blows up the flame. 3. While ye be with Him in public worship and attend the ordinances of His house (Acts 2:1-3).Inferences: 1. The presence of God with His people is a most amazing instance of Divine goodness. 2. There is nothing so desirable to a gracious soul as the presence of God. (J. Gill, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. |
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