Ecclesiastes 12:5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish… I. EXAMINE THE TERM APPLIED HERE TO DESCRIBE THE GRAVE — "the long home." We are not to look down into the earth, but up at the skies. Above the grave we may discern the glory. II. WHAT AN ADDED AND INTENSIFIED INTEREST BELONGS TO THOSE WHOM WE HAVE KNOWN WHEN THEY PASS AWAY FROM US INTO "THE LONG HOME," THUS EQUIPPED. 1. There was the process of the spirit disentangling itself from the body. 2. There was the new consciousness of the spirit, freed from the limitations of the flesh, and really entering the new world. 3. As we think upon the long home we cannot but remember that we too must finish with this world and die. 4. We, toe, must be judged, our conduct and character will be examined by the Infallible Judge. 5. We, too, must prepare. We may well consider whether the preparation is really made, and whether it is continually enlarged and perfected. (Alfred Norris.) Parallel Verses KJV: Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: |
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