Exodus 23:16 And the feast of harvest, the first fruits of your labors, which you have sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering… I. THE INSTRUCTION IT COMMUNICATES . 1. It exhibits the wonderful power of God. 2. We have an establishment of the faithfulness and truth of God. 3. We have a manifestation of the goodness and bounty of God. 4. It displays the mercy and forbearance of God. 5. It shows us the connection between means and the end. II. WHAT FEELINGS IT SHOULD PRODUCE. It should produce feelings — 1. Of deep humiliation. 2. Of heartfelt gratitude. 3. Our constant dependence upon God. 4. A constant desire to please Him. III. WHAT PRACTICAL INFLUENCE THE SUBJECT SHOULD EXERT UPON US. 1. To labour for the provision suited to our souls. 2. To do good in our respective spheres and stations in life. 3. Prepare for the final harvest. Application: 1. Let us gratefully enjoy the bounties of Providence. Many are abusing, many forgetting, etc. 2. Let us be especially anxious about the blessings of eternal life. 3. Let us always act in reference to the final harvest of the world. (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field. |
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