The Experience and Prospect of a Real Christian
O. A. Jeary. Acts 2:25-28 For David speaks concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:… This exulting language (quoted from Psalm 16:11) may be adopted by those who believe in Christ, and have a lively sense of interest in His salvation. I. THE LANGUAGE OF DEVOUT GRATITUDE. "Thou hast made known," etc. Compared with such a communication, every other kind of knowledge is insignificant. The ways which are worthy to be called "ways of life" are "made known" by none except the Almighty. The "life" to which they lead us is the life of faith, holiness, and peace in the present world, and the life of inconceivable excellence and delight in the world to come. "The ways of life" may therefore justly be called "the ways of God." He has prepared these ways; in the gospel He reveals them; and, by the influence of His Spirit, He conducts into them. Nor are these "ways" merely "made known" to a Christian — he occupies them, and recommends them; they are his delight; in them he meets God, and communes with Him. Thus he grows in grace and likeness to the Divine image. II. THE LANGUAGE OF DEVOUT EXPECTATION. "Thou shalt make me," etc. 1. Christians already find that sin has lost its commanding influence; but they anticipate its entire extinction and their complete deliverance from all evil. 2. Christians anticipate a removal out of the world. 3. Christians anticipate the successful termination of their conflict with invisible principalities and powers. 4. Christians anticipate eternal intercourse with each other, and with all the angels of God. 5. Hence we are led to the richest view of the prospect with which Christians are indulged — they anticipate a vision all Divine. "Thou shalt make me full of joy with Thy countenance." (O. A. Jeary.) Parallel Verses KJV: For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: WEB: For David says concerning him, 'I saw the Lord always before my face, For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.