Psalm 71:16 I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of your righteousness, even of your only. I. WHAT IS THE HELP THE MINISTER REQUIRES? — "the strength of the Lord God." 1. Not human strength, that is but weakness. What was Isaiah's comfort but this, "Surely shall we say, In the Lord have I righteousness and strength"? And so with Paul. And he bids Timothy, "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." 2. What is this strength? Not mere physical ability, nor mental might. For many who have no splendour of intellect are greatly used of God. When some one complained to his bishop of good and holy Mr. Rogers of Frome that his style of preaching was so at random, the bishop replied, "Ah, complain not about his style; Mr. Rogers charms more souls to Christ with his wild notes, than we do with all our set music." No; the strength which ministers require is that of the Spirit of God (John 15:26, 27). And though we may not have His miraculous influence, yet we may and must have His instructing, His Christ-glorifying, His witnessing, His comforting, His holy, influence. This is the minister's strength, and none can withstand it. 3. But how do ministers go in this strength? By realizing it as secured to them by the covenant of grace, the blood of Christ and His intercession. And by depending upon it. The minister must not depend upon any one else, whether upon great men or small, and least of all upon himself. 4. Where will he go? In the path of communion with God. In the fields of conflict with spiritual wickedness. In the privacy of domestic life. "I will walk within my house with a perfect heart." In the path of active duty. II. THE SUBJECT OF THE MINISTER'S BOASTING. "I will make mention of," etc. It is the righteousness of Christ that he is to make mention of — 1. To God as the ground of his confidence. 2. To himself as the spring of his comforts. This supplies all his needs. As guilty, lost, empty, condemned, weak, dying. 3. To others as the hope of salvation. "I am determined to know nothing among you save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 4. With the multitude of the redeemed, as the matter of his joy.CONCLUSION. 1. Aim to adopt this resolution as your own. 2. Assist your minister in his endeavour to carry it out. Come and pray unitedly and help me in all works of mercy. Lot there be no drones here, but all at work for Christ. (James Sherman.) Parallel Verses KJV: I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. |
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