This
scripture, concerning the rebellion, and consequent punishment of
apostate spirits, will form a solemn meditation, my soul, for thy
evening thoughts to be exercised upon. And perhaps, under grace, it may
lead thee to some sweet improvements in the contemplation of the
distinguishing grace manifested to our rebellious nature; while judgment
the most awful, and everlasting, overtook the higher nature of angels.
If we humbly inquire what was the nature of their sin, all we can gather
of information concerning it, was, that it was rebellion against God.
One
part of scripture indeed tells us, that "There was war in heaven: Michael" (by which we understand, Michael our Prince, the Lord Jesus
Christ, Daniel 10:2l.) and His angels fought against the dragon; and the
dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not, neither was their
place found any more in heaven" (Revelation 12:7-9.) By which it should
seem, that the cause of this contest of the devil with Christ, was
personal, and on account of the kingdom which Jehovah gave Him as
God-Mediator over angels and men.
And hence, when these apostate spirits
left their own habitation, and were cast out, they set up a kingdom in
opposition to the Lord's. And from their bitter hatred to Christ and His
kingdom, they wreaked all their malice in corrupting and seducing our
nature to join in rebellion against God, Hence "that old serpent, called
the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world," beguiled our
first parents, and introduced sin and death into this our world; which
hath passed, and must pass upon all their posterity, because "all have
sinned, and come short of God's glory."
Pause,
my soul, over the solemn account. Think, duly think, of the fallen
state, into which, by nature and by practices, thou art brought by this
apostasy. And when thou hast had thy mind thoroughly impressed with the
awfulness of such a situation, turn thy thoughts to the due
contemplation also of the love, and grace, and mercy of God, in thy
recovery. Sweetly dwell on the love of God thy Father, in the gift of His dear Son, for the purposes of redemption.
Mark well the blessed
features of the Son in His work of mercy, in this great accomplishment.
And do not overlook, but delight evermore to contemplate the love of God
the Holy Ghost, in condescending both to bring thee acquainted with the
grace of the Father, and of the Son, and to incline thine heart to the
thankful belief of it, and love of both!
And
that the whole subject may have its full influence upon thee, to induce
in thee all the suitable and becoming affections of love, thanksgiving,
holy obedience, and praise to the Author of such mercy; mark well the
distinguishing nature of that grace, which hath left fallen angels in
their ruin and misery, reserved in everlasting chains under darkness,
unto the judgment of the great day, while bestowing pardon,
reconciliation, and favour, upon fallen men, amidst all our
unworthiness, sin, and rebellion.
And,
Oh, Lamb of God! give me the continued grace to reiterate for ever on
the unequalled love of Thine heart, who passedst by "the nature of
angels, to take on Thee the seed of Abraham; that in all things Thou
mightest be made like unto Thy brethren, in being a merciful and
faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation
for the sins of Thy people!"
-preacher Robert Hawker (1753-1827 A.D.)
Comments