2 Chronicles 29:11 My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD has chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that you should minister to him… Let us endeavour — I. TO EXPLAIN THE COUNSEL OR HEZEKIAH TO THE PRIESTS AND LEVITES: "be not now negligent." This is sometimes rendered: "be not now deceived." This conveys the idea that we are never more apt to impose upon ourselves than when we are remiss in duty, for we vainly imagine that God will not be strict to mark against us what is so natural and so pleasing to the depraved heart of man. It implies a former deficiency in the performance of duty. This counsel was — 1. Most necessary. 2. Highly important and useful 3. Peculiarly reasonable. II. To consider some MOTIVES TO ITS ENFORCEMENT. 1. If we would act in accordance with the design of God in the appointment of the sacred office of the ministry, we will use the utmost diligence in His service. 2. The number, the variety, the difficulty and importance of the duties connected with the office of the ministry, require diligence. 5. Consistency with your professed character. 4. The shortness and uncertainty of the time allotted. 5. The sense of responsibility. "Ye serve the Lord Christ." (W. Schaw.) Parallel Verses KJV: My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense. |
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