Joel 2:27 And you shall know that I am in the middle of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else… No doubt the less enlightened among the Jews may have cherished superstitious views regarding Jehovah, and have regarded him as their tutelary Deity, just as neighbouring nations thought of Baal or Ashtoreth. But the devout and intelligent believed both in the universal Lordship of Jehovah, and in his special interest in and care for his chosen nation Israel. Thus we, as Christians, holding the Supreme to be God over all the earth, yet consider him to be in a very special sense the God of his own Church, purchased with the precious blood of his Son. I. THE EVIDENCE WHICH CONVINCES US THAT THE LORD IS OUR GOD. 1. As in the case of Israel, so in our case, God is known by his delivering mercy. He who saved the Jews from locusts and from armies, delivers us from the bondage of sin and death. 2. And, as Jehovah crowned the national life of Israel with plenty and prosperity, so has he made all provision for our spiritual well-being and happiness, in the gift of his Son and in the dispensation of his Spirit. II. THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR CONVICTION THAT THE LORD IS OUR GOD. "My people," says the Lord, "shall never be ashamed;" i.e. because: 1. They shall never be disregarded; their prayers shall always be heard with favour. 2. They shall never be disappointed; the expectations which the Lord awakens he will fulfil. 3. They shall never be forsaken; for he says, "I will never leave thee." - T. Parallel Verses KJV: And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed. |
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