Psalm 39:12 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with you, and a sojourner… I. WHENCE IS IT THAT GOOD MEN CONSIDER THEMSELVES AS STRANGERS AND SOJOURNERS ON EARTH? 1. Every man is a stranger who is not a native of the place where he resides; but a sojourner is one who makes only a passing visit to the place, with a resolution to leave it again and proceed on his journey. This last is a distinguishing character of the saints (2 Corinthians 5:1, 2). They are strangers in affection as well as condition; their hearts are elsewhere. 2. The saints justly count themselves strangers because they are regenerated, born from above, distant from their native country. II. WHAT MANNER OF BEHAVIOUR IS MOST EXPRESSIVE OF THIS TEMPER, AND BEST SUITED TO THE CONDITION OF STRANGERS? 1. If we look on this earth as a strange country, through which we are only passing to our native home, it certainly ought to be our care that we receive as little hurt as possible in our passage. The greatest hurt the world can do us is to make us forget the place of our destination, and loiter in the way. Its smiles more to be dreaded than its frowns. 2. It is not enough that we receive no hurt; be careful to make all the provision we can for our better country (1 John 3:3; 2 Peter 1:11). 3. It becomes strangers to endure with patience and fortitude any hardships and inconveniences (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9.) 4. If we view heaven as our everlasting abode, we ought to be solicitous to be thoroughly acquainted with the way (Psalm 119:19, 54; Psalm 19:7-11). 5. If we consider ourselves as strangers, we ought to behave like those who belong to a better country. They who love their country will be jealous of its credit. 6. If we have turned our back on the world, let us help one another on in our way, and take as many as possible with us; do all we can to strengthen the weak, advise the doubtful, animate the discouraged. (R. Walker.) Parallel Verses KJV: Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. |
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