Jeremiah 31:18-21 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; You have chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke… Here is an invitation — I. TO FOLLOW AN ANCIENT CUSTOM. Not all old customs bad, the good filtrates through all time. It is a holy duty to follow in the good, tried paths of the "just men made perfect." II. TO KEEP ALIVE OUR SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES. 1. While faith obeys implicitly, aids are not rejected. 2. To recount becomingly our experiences serves two ends: we put God in remembrance; we keep Him in remembrance. 3. Our experiences may be such as — (1) Past grace received. (a) The grace to know, (b) And the grace to love. (2) Past strength renewed. (3) Wonderful deliverance from fears. (4) Help in trouble. (5) Times of sweet communion. Thus we put in practice the word, " forget not all His benefits." III. TO PUT UP LASTING MEMORIALS. 1. All our spiritual privileges may be as way-marks set up. 2. Blessed hours of devotion and times of sweet communion. 3. The Gospel of a holy life in the common lot for ever. IV. TO HAVE A REGARD FOR POSTERITY. Sinners will need directing, saints will require comforting, workers with flagging energies must be stimulated. Then set up your "way-marks." The records of our experience will stand out like milestones, and all shall be as inspiring testimony to the faithfulness of Him who has promised neither to "leave us" nor "forsake us." (John Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God. |
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