Psalm 51:8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which you have broken may rejoice.… I. IT IS IN HARMONY WITH THE CREATOR'S DESIGN. The fact that it is inevitable shows this — it is rendered inevitable — 1. By the proper exercise of the capacities of our own being. Conscience, memory. 2. By the true use of the Bible. A mirror, a judgment-seat, 3. By the spontaneous thought of God. For "God is love," and what does such a thought so much as fall like the shining of a bright light upon all the dark spots of our life? And God is holy, and who can think of Him who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, and not see the guilt of his life before him? 4. By the cross of Christ. II. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO THE CORRECTION OF SIN. 1. Not as a Nemesis. For such there could not be stronger consolation. 2. Not to leave them hopeless. Why? (1) As something ever to deplore. As long as there is life there ought to be a broken spirit. (2) As a beacon ever to warn. The vision of our guilt lets us see the rocks and quicksands where we made shipwreck of faith and a good conscience. (3) As a fact ever to humble. (4) As a condition ever to advance. (H. J. Martyn.) Parallel Verses KJV: Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.WEB: Let me hear joy and gladness, That the bones which you have broken may rejoice. |
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