The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 389

Rddressing our glorious King, the Divine Son of Da.vid. It reminds us of the words of Peter, when speaking for all the twelve (John vi. 68) and when speaking only for him• self (John xiii. 17), and which expressed his genuine determination, notwithstanding his subsequent fall. It reminds us also of the exhortation of Barnabe.s to the new con- verts at Antioch, "the.t with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord " (Acts xi. 23)---llll exhortation whioh meets with a cordial response in every Christian's heart. His re~olve, his vow, is to cleave unto Christ for life and death ; to follow him whithor- soever he may lead. I. WHENCE THIS DETERHINATION ARISES. Primarily from the marvellous power of Christ to attract and attach to himself the hearts of men. David bad a similar power of an inferior kind and on a smaller scale. Christ draws and influences, not only by hi~ character and works, but by his Spirit working directly in the heart. But regarded as springing from the Christian's heart, the resolve an<l vow are the result of: 1. Faith in Jesus Christ as tlUJ Son of God, the Saviour and King of men. Who has, therefore, a right to supreme homage and service (John vi. 69). 2. Ardent love to him. In return for his love (2 Cor. v. 14, 15); and as the result of knowledge and experience, per- ception of his Divine a.nd human excellences, delight in his society and service. 3. Desire aml, hope to make him some su£ta1Jle return for his love and self-sacrifice, and the invaluable blessings he has secured and conferred. The ardent Christian will pant for, and delight in, opportunities for serving Christ at the cost of peril, loss, suffering, disgrace with the world, or even sacrifice of life; and for showing his fidelity when others forsake him. 4. Conviction that safety, happiness, and life everlasting are to be found only with Christ. "Whither, ah I whither should I go, A wretched wanderer from my Lord? Can this dark world of sin a.ud woe One glimpse of happiness afford? Depart from thee I 'Tia death ; 'tie more- 'Tis endless ruin, deep despair I " 5. Merrwry of pa,Bt '110WS. "I have sworn, and I will perform it" (Ps. cxix. 106). II. How IT IS TO BE FULFILLED. Not merely by warm feelings at times of special devotion, or by words of endearment, or promise, or lavish praise; but by: 1. Bold cunfession of Christ before men. Wearing his uniform, marching under his banner, acknowledging him openly as King and Captain. 2. Union and communion with his peopk. In profossion of his Name, in worship, at the Lord's table, in social life, etc. Christ is in his Church; they a.re his visible representatives; openly with them all should be who wish to be "in what place their Lord the King may be." 3. Visiting cunstanlly the places where Christ is specially to be f <YUnd, and avoiding those which he avoids. Frequenting the closet, the sanctuary, the houses of poor, sick, and dying brethren. Avoiding the haunts of dissipation and iniquity.. Going nowhere where we cannot think with satisfaction that Christ is near and approvmg. 4. Active and zealous co-operation with him. Doing, daring, enduring, in promoting his kingdom and the welfare of mankind. "Always a.bounding in the work of the Lord" (1 Cor. xv. 58). "Enduring hardship, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Tim. ii. 3). Pressing eagerly to the front with Christ where his battles are to be fought, as Ittai with David, regard- less of difficulties, danger, or death. 5. Perseverance in all. Which is the crowning proof of the deep sincerity of the determination. ill THE REW.ABDB OF eucH DEVOTEDNESS. 1. Now. Further opportunities of, calls to, and fitness for, service, suffering, and honour. "What hie guerdon here? Many a sorrow, many a labour, Many 6 tear." But with these the manifested presence of Christ, and his smile and words of approval; the pleasures -:Vhich accompany the exercise of the powers in the noblest possible employment and those which arise from association with the noblest of God's creatures in earth and•h~a"en. 2. Hereafter. To be with Christ and share his glory and bliss evermore. "Euter into the joy of thy Lord" (Matt. xxv. 21). "If we endure, we shall ulso reigu witli him" (2 '.l'im. ii. 12, Revised Version).-G. W, 011, xv. 1-37,] THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. 395