Jonah 1:7 And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is on us… Let sinners conceal themselves as they may, their transgressions will sooner or later assuredly discover them. I. SIN MAY BE LONG CONCEALED FROM THE EYE OF MAN. There is, indeed, a gracious covering provided for the sins of believers. There is also a charitable concealment to which in many instances we are bound; but this regards the transgressions of others. But there is a covering which is not of God's Spirit; a concealment by which sinners are encouraged to "add sin to sin." This is worn sometimes in the form of delusion, and then sinners deceive themselves. At other times they wear their covering in the broad and ostensible form of hypocrisy. Ought every transgression to be avowed, however secret Were it viewed in relation to God we should say absolutely that it is hypocrisy to conceal. What are the cases where, in obedience to the Scripture, we are conscientiously bound to confess our faults, not only to God, but also in the presence of one another? 1. Such disclosure would be necessary when, in exercise of lawful authority, the sinner may be regularly called. 2. Disclosure of secret offences is required where, in their consequences, they may implicate others. 3. The interests of the Divine honour, not unfrequently, may require it. The honour of Divine grace is by such confession promoted. II. ALL SINS, EVEN THE MOST SECRET, SHALL BE EVENTUALLY REVEALED. Sentence against an evil work is not at all times speedily executed. But delay does not secure final impunity. As there can be no hiding-place to the impenitent, neither shall any species, any degree of transgression escape. III. THERE ARE CERTAIN KINDS OF TRANSGRESSION WHICH THE WISDOM OF THE DIVINE GOVERNMENT REVEALS, AND ITS JUSTICE GENERALLY AVENGES, EVEN IN OUR PRESENT STATE OF BEING. 1. The general characters by which such sins are distinguished. 2. God is in no want of instruments for the discovery of the concealed transgressor. 3. For what purposes are these discoveries made? (1) For the manifestation of the Divine glory. (2) In mercy to the sinner himself. (3) To afford us all the most salutary warning. (James Simpson.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah. |
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