Psalm 87:5-6
Christmas Morn 1773
Psalm 87:5-6
And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.
The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.
Propose a small alteration in verse 5: instead of this and that man read, “the Man even the Man”.
This psalm—the boast of Zion. Glorious things, the chief and sum—the Man was born. A challenge to the heathens, all the privileges of earth nothing to this, at the same an invitation to them.
This Man is Jesus—the God-man, in whom are all the springs of grace and life.[#1]
The Son of God taken our nature and appearing as Man, is the glory—comfort and final salvation of the church. Arising from the consideration:
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of his person—Isaiah 9:6 [#2] |
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the design of his coming |
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the manner—to sanctify poverty and affliction to his people |
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the glorious success. Though once a man of sorrows—now known as the Most High to establish |
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this their hope and plea at last. When the Lord writes up his people—that Jesus was born |
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this salvation to extend to the heathens and therefore to us. |
To know these things aright, will make the commemoration of the birth of Christ, joyful any day and every day.
But it is small joy to those who refuse the Gospel, and determine to go on in their sins.
Footnotes:
#1. Psalm 87:7 As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee. [rtn]
#2. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. [rtn]
From Newton's pocket sermon notebook, Cowper & Newton Museum, Olney, Bucks
© Marylynn Rouse 2000
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