Jeremiah 31:12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine… I. SOME IDEAS SUGGESTED BY THE COMPARISON OF THE SOUL OF THE RIGHTEOUS OR GODLY TO A GARDEN. 1. A garden is a spot of ground upon which extraordinary cultivation is employed; it is usually separated and enclosed from common ground, and much labour and attention are employed to improve its soil, and to enrich it with those fruits and vegetables which are pleasant and profitable; and such is spiritually the state of every pious soul. Every real Christian is "a garden walled around-chosen, and made peculiar ground." 2. A garden is generally stored with various kinds of those vegetable productions that are either useful or ornamental. So out of the soul renewed by grace, does the Lord cause to spring up and grow every Christian virtue and heavenly grace that is either pleasing to God, or useful to man. 3. A garden does not arrive at its full perfections and glory at once. So it is with the Christian's graces; at first they are weak and small. His knowledge is very contracted and confused, he "sees men as trees walking"; his faith is unsteady and wavering, his love is limited within narrow bounds, and his hope too often droops and hangs its head. II. THOSE DIVINE INFLUENCES BY WHICH THIS SPIRITUAL GARDEN IS WATERED. 1. The influences of the Spirit of God are imparted to every real Christian, and produce effects that resemble those which warm and refreshing showers have upon the productions of a garden (Isaiah 64:3). 2. These influences are enjoyed and conveyed to the soul by the means of God's Word and ordinances. III. HOW MUCH THIS HAPPY STATE AND THESE ENRICHING INFLUENCES ARE TO BE DESIRED BY EVERY IMMORTAL SOUL, 1. Till we attain these, we are in a most desolate, wild, barren condition; yea, in an accursed and ruined state. 2. It is only by attaining this state, that we can arrive at true happiness either here or hereafter. 3. Unless we are in this state we cannot glorify God, nor be useful to our fellow-creatures as we ought. Learn from the whole, the need, the abundant need, we have daily to ask for Divine influences; and we should seek these influences sincerely. Ask evangelically; that is, according to the Gospel method of approaching unto God; with entire dependence upon the mediation of Jesus Christ. Ask importunately; that is, persevere till you obtain the blessing, and the more you have wrestled for it, the more you will value it when obtained. Ask believingly; that is, in constant expectation of obtaining; do not question His power, His goodness, or His faithfulness. (J. Sewell.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all. |
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