Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons Micah 6:9 The LORD's voice cries to the city, and the man of wisdom shall see your name: hear you the rod, and who has appointed it. Our prophet is proclaiming God's controversy with Israel. He represents God as sitting in judgment on Israel. Appealing to them in proof of His former kindnesses to them. Specifying the crimes with which they were chargeable. Threatening to punish them with desolating judgments. Showing Israel how the impending destruction might he averted. He supposes a penitent Israelite manifesting concern for salvation by instituting the most important inquiries, and expressing his readiness to comply with whatsoever God might be pleased to demand. To obtain God's favour, Micah says, we must come to Him, not according to the devices of superstition, but as God prescribes in His Word. To please God we must live in the uniform practice of justice, mercy, and humble piety. I. THE ADVERSITIES OF MANKIND ARE APPOINTED BY GOD. 1. The afflictions of mankind are various. 2. They are all subject to the appointment of God. They could not exist without Him. He adjusts all their circumstances. 3. They are appointed for important purposes, They should not therefore be disregarded nor despised. II. ADVERSITY IS THE INSTRUMENT OF GOD'S FATHERLY CORRECTION. Like a rod — 1. He employs it reluctantly: 2. Only for man's benefit: 3. Only when necessary. III. GOD SPEAKS BY THE ROD TO THOSE WHOM HE CHASTENS. He speaks withal. 1. A reproving, 2. A warning, 3. An encouraging voice. IV. THE INSTRUCTION CONVEYED BY THE ROD CLAIMS OUR ATTENTION. 1. With pious attention. 2. Inquisitive attention. 3. Candid attention. 4. Practical attention. (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: The LORD'S voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it. |
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