“I will rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the God of my salvation” (Hab. iii. 18).
“Rejoice evermore” (1 Thess. v. 16).
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit” (Rom. viii. 1): born again of the Spirit: believing in Christ: our sins borne by Him on the tree: “the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus making us free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. viii. 2), should we not rejoice with grateful hearts, and through Jesus offer “the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name”? (Heb. xiii. 15.)
But are there not many minds who are more given to dwell in a low state, and in somewhat of that sombreness which is cast over nature when the sun is more or less eclipsed, to whom it is more congenial to look at the doubtful or dark side of things, than to indulge in joyful anticipations? If such be our condition of mind, should we not strive against it, and examine whether there be not cause for joy?
If through the mercy of God in Christ Jesus our sins are forgiven; if we have passed from death unto life; if Christ, who is the appointed “Judge of quick and dead,” be our Intercessor and Redeemer, who is he that can harm us? If by means of His redemption we are made joint heirs with Him of the heavenly Kingdom and glory, ought we not to rejoice and be glad? To have passed from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God is surely matter for joy and rejoicing, and the feeling is one that it is the duty of all such to encourage, and seek by prayer and meditation on the promises of God in Christ Jesus—promises which are not yea and nay, but all yea in Him—all unconditional—absolutely certain to all who believe in, love, and obey Him, and persevere to the end.
Footnotes.
[6] These were the three grand divisions of the Old Testament, according to the Jewish arrangement, and comprised the entire volume.
[12] Cruden says that sacrifice was offered by Adam and his sons.
[20] May we not learn from this the duty of expressing our thankfulness to the Giver of every good and perfect gift before partaking of it? so also, at Feast of Pentecost.
[21] In Lev. xxiii. 18, it is stated one bullock and two rams, but in Numbers, just before entering the Promised Land, some alterations were made.